Pastor Cal Discusses His Departure After 16 Seasons on Married at First Sight
Married at First Sight expert Pastor Cal Roberson is reflecting on his future after stepping back from the reality show.
“It’s fascinating that I’ve been involved for 16 seasons,” Roberson shared in an exclusive sneak peek of the January 7 episode of the “What’s the Reality” podcast, featured in Us Weekly. “Right now, we are at a crossroads, passing the torch to new experts now that we’re transitioning to Peacock.”
On January 6, Variety announced that Roberson, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, and Dr. Pia Holec will not return for the show’s upcoming 20th season.
A new lineup of experts is expected to be revealed soon.
“We’re excited to start a fresh chapter of the MAFS journey with our partners at Peacock. We look forward to what’s ahead and are grateful to have collaborated with Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Pia,” said Kinetic’s CEO and executive producer Chris Coelen in a statement to Us on Tuesday. “Dr. Pepper has been with us from the beginning, and Pastor Cal joined soon after; their invaluable wisdom and passion have guided us through the seasons.”
In conversation with podcast host and Love Is Blind alum Amber Desiree “AD” Smith, Roberson expressed his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
“I’m moving on to bigger and better opportunities,” he said in Us’ sneak peek. “I wish the new experts the very best, and I believe the show is evolving, which is a natural part of its journey.”
Roberson added with a chuckle, “We’re passing the torch; the new experts will be stepping in. They won’t be me.”
Married at First Sight is a reality show where participants agree to be matched with their future spouse using the guidance of various experts.
After being matched, they consent to marry their partner, meeting for the first time at the altar.
Roberson joined the show before season 4 in 2016, while Schwartz, a sociologist, has been part of the series since it first aired in 2014. Holec, specializing in intimacy and relationships, came aboard ahead of season 15 in 2022.
While season 19 of Married at First Sight, which premiered on its new platform Peacock, did not have any couples remain together post-reunion, the series has nonetheless produced several successful marriages and numerous children.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the spiritual advisor and relationship coach on Married at First Sight,” Roberson stated to Variety. “I want to express my gratitude to every individual who was brave enough to participate in MAFS. You allowed me to share in some of your most sacred moments, which I never took for granted. Your courage and willingness to believe in the process consistently reminded me why this work is essential. Thank you for trusting us with your love stories.”
