Married at First Sight’s Dr. Viviana Coles did not return after season 14, and fans want to know why. Viviana was a staple in the series since MAFS season 9, and her exit left fans curious about her decision and whether she might possibly return. Married at First Sight finished airing season 17 in late April 2024. It featured experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec. Dr. Pepper has been an expert since the show’s beginning, while Pastor Cal joined in season 4, so they spent several years with Dr. Viviana as colleagues. Dr. Pia joined in season 15.
Married at First Sight season 17 was the longest season in the franchise yet, having ran from mid-October 2023 to April 2024. Typically, MAFS seasons air for three to four months and then have a two to six-month hiatus in between seasons. The franchise also has a spinoff, After Party, which airs new episodes after new current MAFS episodes. Host Keisha Knight-Pullam chats with current and former cast members to go over the season’s drama and never-before-seen clips. On the main show, Dr. Viviana left a big impact on the franchise, and she has been missed.
Who Is Dr. Viviana Coles?
She Is A Formidable Therapist
Viviana entered the series as an expert in MAFS season 9, replacing former expert Dr. Jessica Griffin, who famously left the show after getting engaged to former contestant Jonathan Francetic from MAFS season 6. Jessica claimed that her relationship had nothing to do with her leaving the series. Viviana, an author, mom, and relationship/sex therapist, has a lot going on in her life. She enjoyed being on the show, and fans loved her due to her kind attitude and straightforward advice. Fans will miss her presence on the show but look forward to learning more about her life post-MAFS.
What Dr. Viviana Coles Said About Her MAFS Decision
Dr. Viviana Had An Emotional Exit
Following the three-hour MAFS season 15 premiere in July 2022, fans took to social media to discuss the newest Married at First Sight episode. One thing that people immediately noticed was the absence of Dr. Viviana. After many people asked her why she was no longer participating in the show, Married at First Sight alum Viviana released an official statement on Instagram about her departure.
“So I just filmed my last scene for Married at First Sight. It’s a very emotional day. But I am so grateful for this opportunity. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this process, and to have a part of bringing these coupes together,” she said teary-eyed.
Dr. Viviana Is Focused On Her Career After MAFS
Dr. Viviana Had A Reason To Leave
It seems as though Dr. Vivana is leaving the show on good terms with production and fellow experts, without any hard feelings. She expressed gratitude for her time on the show and wholeheartedly believes in the MAFS process.
However, she decided to leave in order to go on tour and promote her book, The 4 Intimacy Styles: The Key to Lasting Physical Intimacy , which was published in May 2021.
MAFS’ Dr. Viviana has her own private practice as a sex and relationship therapist, as well as a demanding schedule as an author. She’s promoted her book on several podcasts and attended readings and book signings. Dr. Vivana doesn’t appear to have time in her busy schedule to commit to filing Married at First Sight season 15. Dr. Vivana left behind original expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz and pastor Cal Roberts. Fans responded to the news with a mix of disappointment that she will no longer be featured and excitement over her next steps.
She made it clear that her mission of helping others to find success in their relationships continues. Following her absence, the series welcomed new experts Dr. Pia Holec, a sex and couples therapist, and DeVon Franklin, a Hollywood producer, pastor, and motivational speaker. It seems Vivana is ready to bring her energy beyond the Married at First Sight couples in order to help more people. Through her book, therapist duties, partnership with various health and wellness projects, and large social media following, she makes a difference. Fans want to keep an eye on Vivana and see what she accomplishes next.
Could Dr. Vivana Have Left MAFS For Other Reasons?
Like Because Of The Show’s Success Rate
It may be true that Dr. Viviana left the show to pursue her own endeavors, but there may have been other motives behind her exit, like protecting her reputation. Married at First Sight has a very poor success rate since it premiered in 2014. Of the 64 couples that have been matched, only 12 are still together, making the success rate a meager 18.75%.
In seasons 9-14, in which Dr. Viviana was on, only five couples are still together. Also, Dr. Viviana was primarily a sex therapist on Married at First Sight. Many of the couples did not consummate their marriages or get close enough to discuss sex, so there wasn’t a real need for her on the show. Dr. Vivana may have been trying to look out for her reputation given Married at First Sight’s couple drama that couldn’t get resolved. It is unlikely fans will see Dr. Viviana return, given her busy schedule and possible desire to dodge the failure rate.