EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight, which has run for over 200 episodes on the A+E Networks channels, has a brand new residence after a shock transfer.
Deadline understands that Peacock has nabbed the rights to the present, which comes from Kinetic Content material, in a significant new deal that has stunned many within the unscripted trade.
We’re listening to that Kinetic, which is run by Chris Coelen, was on the lookout for a multi-season deal – probably a three-season assure – however NBCU says it hasn’t dedicated to 3 seasons up entrance. The deal is massive, although, with sources suggesting that it was price north of $50M.
There was a bidding conflict with a number of corporations within the format, which is without doubt one of the hottest actuality collection all over the world. The transfer places Peacock entrance and middle within the courting house with MAFS becoming a member of Love Island and a slew of different romantic codecs.
It’s a blow for A+E Networks, which has shepherded the present within the U.S. for the final ten years. The present, through which {couples} meet for the primary time on the alter, launched on FYI in July 2014. The present began being simulcast on A&E from season two and with season 5 it moved to Lifetime, the place it has aired ever since.
In truth, Lifetime handed the present a six-season order – one in every of its largest ever orders – in 2020 in addition to one other spinoff and a blind dedication for one more Kinetic venture.
Married At First Sight relies on Danish collection Reward Ved Første Blik from Snowman Productions that initially aired on public broadcaster DR3. The present is especially big within the UK and Australia and has many celeb followers. Saoirse Ronan just lately mentioned that Married At First Sight Australia was her favourite actuality present. “If I met somebody from Married At First Sight, I might die,” she mentioned. “They’re hectic.”
Within the U.S., the present has additionally had eight spinoffs; Married at First Sight: The First 12 months, Married Life, Married at First Sight: Second Possibilities, Jamie and Doug Plus One, Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island, Married at First Sight: Fortunately Ever After, Married at First Sight: {Couples}’ Cam and Married at First Sight: Unmatchables.
The present began out with three {couples} every season, elevated to 4 in season eight and 5 for season 10, paired up by relationship specialists, who conform to marry once they first meet. The {couples} spend their wedding ceremony night time in a lodge earlier than leaving for a honeymoon. Upon returning residence, they dwell collectively as a pair for eight weeks. Thereafter, they need to select to divorce or keep married. Relationship specialists embrace Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson and Dr. Pia Holec.
Season 18, which options {couples} from Chicago, premiered on Lifetime in October.
Season 19 will stream on Peacock later this 12 months.
Married At First Sight is produced by Kinetic Content material, which is backed by Peter Chernin’s The North Highway Firm. It’s exec produced by Chris Coelen, Cat Rodriguez, Eric Detwiler, Erica Kessler, Kenda Greenwood Moran and Montre Burton.
