Married At First Sight: I’m Sensing That Experts Dr. Pia Holec & Dr. Pepper Schwartz Have Tension (What’s Causing It?)

I am sensing that Married at First Sight experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Dr. Pia Holec have tension between each other. I have been an avid Married at First Sight fan 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 since Married at First Sight season 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 Sight season 18 is airing, and Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia are joined by Pastor Cal Roberson as 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, MAFS season 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

Dr. Pepper has been on Married at First Sight since 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 noticed she 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 matched MAFS season 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

39-year-old Dr. Pia is a psychologist and sex therapist who has garnered negative feedback from the Married at First Sight audience in the few years she’s been on the show. Dr. Pia wears her feelings all over her face and has proven to be quite judgmental of the cast members she is supposed to be helping. My case in point was when she relentlessly told MAFS season 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

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 that Dr. 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.

Could Future MAFS Seasons Still Have Dr. Pia & Dr. Pepper?

Despite the many failed matches Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pia have made, they continue to be on the show.I think that speaks to the 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.

Since Married at First Sight viewers 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.