Season 20 of 'Married at First Sight' launches on Peacock on July 12, marking the show's first full season tailored for the streaming platform, following its previous run on Lifetime.
Transition to Peacock
The series, produced by Kinetic Content, previously aired Seasons 5-18 on Lifetime before transitioning to NBC’s streaming service in Season 19. However, the shift to Peacock was only finalized post-filming of that season. Chris Coelen, Kinetic founder and CEO, stated, “Season 19 was made for Lifetime. We edited it for Peacock, but we had already shot the show for Lifetime, so we had shot with a Lifetime lens on it.” Season 20, he asserts, is the first designed specifically for Peacock.
New Experts on Board
In a significant shake-up, the show introduces new experts for the couples. Season 19 marked the departure of long-time experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec. They have been replaced by Paul C. Brunson and Dr. Lisa Paz. Coelen explained the change, saying, “Every season, it’s an ongoing conversation about what’s working, what’s not working. The opportunity came across to look at two really exciting new experts.”
Coelen noted the decision to have only two experts instead of three or four, as in past seasons, aligns with the new format’s focus. “It felt a little less crowded and more focused, in terms of the ability for the experts to really develop a relationship with the participants in a different way,” he said.
Seattle as the New Backdrop
Set in Seattle, this season features slightly older couples, potentially more prepared for marriage. “I think it depends, partly, on the place,” Coelen remarked. “Different people are ready at different ages for a big commitment and the group of people that we have in this iteration felt like the right age that they were serious about marriage as a next step in their lives.”
Familiar Faces and Fresh Matches
This season also introduces Nick Uhlenhuth, known from Netflix’s 'The Circle' and 'Perfect Match.' Coelen initially hesitated to cast him, concerned about his reality TV intentions. However, Uhlenhuth's genuine connection with Courteney Landis swayed the decision. “The way that they match up across so many different qualities is really ideal,” Coelen said. “Getting to know his family and the relationship role models around him added up to feeling like he was a really good choice.”
Viewers can now stream the first episode of 'Married at First Sight' Season 20 on Peacock.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/married-at-first-sight-season-20-peacock-replacing-experts-1236806682/
