Andy DehnartWell, this is unusual. The hit series Married at First Sight returns next month, and will air on two different networks: its original home, FYI, and its new home, larger sibling network A&E.
That will bring some much-needed reality and authenticity to A&E’s reality TV.
The series was a breakout hit for FYI, and it seems like A+E Networks is trying to have the best of both worlds.
Moving it to a larger platform on A&E helps it reach about 25 million more homes. Having a version on FYI doesn’t quite abandon the new network and leave it without its signature series. In a statement earlier this month to the New York Post, A+E said:
“Due to the overwhelming response, we are excited to have the opportunity to expose the series to a bigger audience by moving the original series to A&E and creating a unique version for fans on FYI.”
I’ve learned that episodes on FYI will be 15 minutes longer, mostly using additional home video footage from the newly married couples.
The A&E version will include home video footage, too.
Married at First Sight season 2 will debut simultaneously on both networks on March 17 at 9 p.m. ET, with the two versions essentially compete against each other–though same corporate family, et cetera.