Nick Lachey recently reflected on the unexpected emotional impact of the MTV reality series Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica during an appearance on the Richer Lives by SoFi podcast on May 27. The show, which documented his early married life with pop star Jessica Simpson, was a new type of television at the time. Though it started as a professional endeavor, Lachey admitted that the show became a meaningful part of his life, to the point that he became emotional when it ended.
A Music Promotion Plan That Turned Into Unexpected Fame and Lasting Personal Connections
According to Lachey, Newlyweds was originally created to support the couple’s music careers. Both he and Simpson had new albums releasing, and the plan was to produce a short, six-episode series to help promote those projects. However, what began as a simple promotional effort quickly grew into something much larger. Audiences responded strongly to the unscripted look into their personal lives, and the show’s popularity far exceeded their expectations.
Nick Lachey Reflects on Newlyweds and the Emotional Legacy Behind Reality TV FameWhen filming began, Lachey and Simpson were instructed not to interact with the crew to preserve the authenticity of the show’s format. Lachey, however, rejected that idea, saying it felt unnatural. He chose instead to engage with the crew members, forming close relationships with them over time. By the end of the series, these bonds had grown so strong that Lachey found himself in tears on the final day of filming, having come to see the crew as extended family.
Fame, Divorce and New Beginnings That Followed the End of Their Reality Show
As the show gained widespread attention, the couple’s relationship began to face increasing pressure. Their marriage, once seen as strong and stable, started to break down in the public eye. Jessica Simpson filed for divorce in 2005, the same year the show concluded. Despite the personal challenges, Lachey acknowledged that the series helped him grow professionally. He said it opened doors and gave the public a different understanding of who he was beyond his music career.
Following their divorce, both Lachey and Simpson moved on with new partners and families. Lachey married Vanessa Minnillo, with whom he has three children. The couple has co-hosted Netflix’s Love Is Blind since its debut in 2020. Simpson went on to marry former NFL player Eric Johnson, with whom she also shares three children. However, she announced their separation in January 2025 after ten years of marriage. Though Newlyweds ended years ago, it remains a major chapter in both of their personal histories.