I am sensing thatMarried at First SightexpertsDr. Pepper Schwartzand Dr. Pia Holec have tension between each other. I have been an avidMarried at First Sightfan for many years now, and have expert knowledge of all things about the show and cast on and off-screen. Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia have been working together sinceMarried at First Sightseason 15. Dr. Pia came in that season along with DeVon Franklin, but Dr. Pia was the expert between the two that has stayed on in every season since.
Currently,Married at First Sightseason 18is airing, and Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia are joined byPastor Cal Robersonas the panel of three experts. They are tasked with not only the matchmaking element of the show but also guiding the cast through the eight-week-long process of the experiment. In the now-four seasons Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia have worked together, only one successful couple,MAFSseason 16’s Nicole and Chris Thielk, is still together. This means the pair’s working relationship has not been bright, and it shows in their outward tension with one another.
Dr. Pepper Is The Longest Standing Expert
Has She Helped The Show?
Dr. Pepper has been onMarried at First Sightsince its premiere in 2014. 64 couples have been matched under her pairing and guidance, and only 12 of those couples are still together. 79-year-old Dr. Pepper is a sexologist, sociologist, author, and researcher professionally, along with her role on the show as a TV personality. In her years on the show, I’ve noticedshe has developed negative notoriety.
While I’ve seen Dr. Pepper try to be a therapist who is a straight shooter, she often does not have a good pulse on what the couples are going through. She also offers off-base off-base advice. Moreover, Dr. Pepper does not take responsibility when her matchmaking or advice falls short, and that has soured her reputation on the show.
A prime example I can think of would be when she, Dr. Pia, and Pastor Cal matchedMAFSseason 17’s Michael Shiakallis with a bride who said she wasn’t ready for marriage. When Dr. Pepper approached Michael to be rematched, she did not take onus of the problematic bride casting choice.Therapists are supposed to take responsibility when they aren’t effective, and I’ve never seen Dr. Pepper do that.
Dr. Pia Has Not Been Received Well By MAFS Cast & Fans
Dr. Pia Has Been Unprofessional
39-year-old Dr. Pia is a psychologist and sex therapist who has garnered negative feedback from theMarried at First Sightaudience in the few years she’s been on the show. Dr. Pia wears her feelings all over her face and hasproven to be quite judgmental of the cast members she is supposed to be helping.My case in point was when she relentlessly toldMAFSseason 17’s Brennan Shoyket that he needed therapy and consistently cut him off when he tried to talk.
Also in season 17,Lifetime’s Dr. Pia did not mentor Orion Marztloff when he asked for a divorce from Lauren Goodger. She had obvious disdain for Orion as she talked about what he wanted to do, and it came off as very unprofessional. Furthermore, season 17’s Michael and his second bride, Chloe Brown, said Dr. Pia questioned their authenticity in an off-camera exchange that made them both offended.
While Dr. Pia’s approach could be labeled as calling it how she sees it, I don’t think it is not conducive for a safe therapy environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
I’ve Noticed Tension Between Dr. Pia & Dr. Pepper
They Don’t Interact
It’s become clear through the “Matchmaking Specials” and the times Dr. Pia and Dr. Pepper are in the same room, that they don’t interact. Dr. Pia seems to have a repoire with Pastor Cal, and they tend to gravitate towards and get more excited about the ethnic pairings. It could be thatDr. Pia is trying to push out Dr. Pepper, and take a more prominent role on the show in her absence.
Another reason they could be at odds is over their differing therapy styles. I think Dr. Pepper tip toes with her approach towards guiding the couples, while it’s been obvious that Dr. Pia is more direct.
I believe it’s possible they might not have respect for one another’s styles, and try not to get involved with each other’s reasoning on a professional level, but I sense it comes across as bitterness between the two.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
Could Future MAFS Seasons Still Have Dr. Pia & Dr. Pepper?
That Could Be The Trajectory
Despite the many failed matches Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia have made, they continue to be on the show.I think that speaks tothe network’s intentions on keeping both of them. It’s possible Dr. Pia could push Dr. Pepper out, but I feel it’s more likely Dr. Pepper will leave on her own since she is so tenured on the show.
SinceMarried at First Sightviewers take issue with Dr. Pia, it’s good for viewer engagement and internet talk, so I don’t think she will be going anywhere either. The tension between the two experts could grow, or they could continue giving each other the cold shoulder. Either way, they will appear on season 18 together, and more evidence can be gathered as to the goings on in their relationship.
Married At First Sightairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
Married At First Sight
Cast
Based on the Danish version of the series, Married at First Sight is a reality show/social experiment that gives singles a chance to find a lifelong partnership with one particular caveat: they must agree to marry a stranger arranged the moment they meet. Experts provide counseling and guidance as they help couples navigate their new marriage with their unknown partner and highlight the journey of the newlyweds from wedding to honeymoon to beginning their new lives together. At the end of eight weeks, couples will decide to stay married or divorce.
