Pastor Cal Roberson Bids Farewell to ‘Married at First Sight’ After 16 Seasons
After a remarkable 16-season journey with Married at First Sight, Pastor Cal Roberson is embracing change as the popular reality show transitions to its new home on Peacock. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly’s “What’s the Reality” podcast, Roberson shared his perspective on departing the series alongside fellow longtime experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Dr. Pia Holec. “We’re actually at a point where we’re passing the torch to new experts now that we’re on Peacock,” he explained, viewing this shift as a natural evolution for the show. His gracious attitude reflects both pride in his contributions and optimism for what lies ahead, both for himself and the franchise that has helped numerous couples find lasting love through its unique matchmaking approach.
The news of this major cast change broke on January 6, when Variety announced that the three experts would not return for the show’s milestone 20th season. Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content and executive producer of the series, expressed gratitude for their contributions, particularly highlighting Dr. Schwartz’s presence since the show’s inception in 2014 and Roberson’s long-standing guidance. “Their unwavering wisdom, insight and passion has been a guiding light for us throughout the seasons,” Coelen stated. This changing of the guard marks a significant moment for a show that has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its bold premise of having singles meet their professionally-matched spouses at the altar, committing to marriage before ever laying eyes on each other.
Pastor Cal, who joined the groundbreaking social experiment in 2016 during season 4, leaves behind a lasting legacy as the show’s spiritual advisor and relationship coach. His straightforward yet compassionate approach to counseling the newlyweds through their challenges has made him a fan favorite over the years. In his statement to Variety, he reflected on the profound honor of guiding couples through their marital journeys: “You allowed me into some of the most sacred moments of your lives, and I never took that lightly.” His authentic connection with participants and viewers alike stemmed from a genuine belief in the process and a dedication to helping couples build solid foundations for lasting relationships, making his departure particularly poignant for longtime fans.
While speaking with podcast host and Love Is Blind alum Amber Desiree “AD” Smith, Roberson conveyed excitement about his future endeavors, hinting at “bigger and better things” on his horizon. His good-natured humor shone through as he noted with a laugh that the incoming experts “won’t be me,” acknowledging the unique perspective and style he brought to the show. Despite season 19’s unfortunate outcome—where none of the couples remained together after the reunion—Roberson’s tenure witnessed numerous success stories that validate the show’s unconventional premise. These successes stand as testament to the expertise and guidance he provided during his years of service, helping transform complete strangers into loving spouses through commitment, communication, and compromise.
The departure of these established experts coincides with the show’s move to Peacock, suggesting a strategic rebranding as the series enters its third decade on air. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the only expert who had been with the show since its inception, brought sociological insight to the matching process, while Dr. Pia Holec had more recently joined in 2022 as an intimacy and relationship specialist. Together with Pastor Cal, they formed a complementary team that addressed the spiritual, social, and emotional aspects of marriage, helping couples navigate the extraordinary challenge of building a life with someone they were meeting for the first time at the altar. The identities of their replacements remain under wraps for now, with an announcement expected in the coming months.
Despite this significant behind-the-scenes change, Married at First Sight remains a fascinating social experiment that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of love, commitment, and compatibility. Since its premiere, the show has resulted in several enduring marriages and numerous children born to couples who took the ultimate leap of faith. Pastor Cal’s parting message emphasized the courage of participants “willing to believe in the process” and the importance of the work done on the show. As Married at First Sight embarks on this new chapter, Roberson’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape its approach to helping strangers become spouses, while he himself moves forward to what he describes as exciting new opportunities, carrying with him the wisdom gained from 16 seasons of guiding newlyweds through the beautiful chaos of instant marriage.
