By Tribune Staff
NASHVILLE, TN — One of the most popular and long-running reality television shows is coming to Nashville. “Married at First Sight,” a Lifetime staple, will be filming in Music City for its 16th season. It will chronicle the events behind various singles and the trip to matrimony. The show will present longtime matchmakers Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson as they assist 10 Tennessee singles, helping themm find their stranger spouses.
Through 15 previous seasons, the show had resulted in 13 successful marriages and eight children. The just concluded 15th season, which was in San Diego, also introduced new experts Dr. Pia Holec and DeVon Franklin. Schwartz, Roberson, Holec and Franklin hope to see their new matches find their own marital success.
Contestant Nicole, 32, is “excited” about the prospect of an arranged marriage after a string of failed blind dates set up by her close-knit family. She is set to marry Music City newbie Christopher. The 36-year-old groom, for his part, has been unable to find a “meaningful connection” ever since moving to Nashville. “Married At First Sight is an intriguing process to him because he is confident the women involved are just as ready for marriage as he is,” a bio from Lifetime reads. “Christopher is excited about the next chapter and hopes the experts can help him find his one true love.”
The MAFS experts have also matched up Jasmine, 31, and Airris, 39, who are both more than ready to plant roots, settle down and start a family. While Jasmine, for her part, has had a few failed romances, she has a “strong desire” to find a partner to grow old with and whom she can “cater to.” Her bio adds: “She hopes that MAFS coming to Nashville is her chance to finally find true, long-lasting love.” While season 16 does not have a specific premiere date, the MAFS crew recently completed San Diego’s iteration in which three of the five couples have broken up. Lindy Elloway and Miguel Santiago and Stacia Karcher and Nate Barnes were the only couples who decided to stay married at the conclusion of Decision Day, which aired in October. “My answer is yes, I want to stay married to you,” Nate, 34, told his wife during the season finale. “You’re everything I asked for and I still want to fight for our marriage.” Married at First Sight will return for its 16th season in 2023.