For longtime “Married at First Sight” viewers, Season 20 may feel a bit different. The new season, which debuts on July 12, is the first full season made for Peacock.
The series, produced by Kinetic Content, aired Seasons 5-18 on Lifetime before moving to NBC’s streaming service in 19 — but that deal wasn’t completed until after the 19th season was filmed.
“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,” says Chris Coelen, Kintetic founder and CEO. “This season, for the first time, is a true, full-scope Peacock season.”
Going in, the team knew that meant a full overhaul for Season 20. Coelen is forever grateful to the long partnership with A&E, who “were the first ones to take a chance on the series.” But with the changes in the business and marketplace overall, it was time for a change. That brought along more freedom, without the time constraints of network television.
It also meant, in a big shock to the fans, all new experts. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson and Dr. Pia Holec exited after Season 19, with Paul C. Brunson and Dr. Lisa Paz coming in as the new experts to help each couple.
