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Chicken or Tuna? 20 Years Later, Newlyweds Stuns
16 Dec
Summary
- The "Chicken of the Sea" moment occurred on the first day of filming.
- Newlyweds producers aimed to capture the realities of early marriage.
- Reality TV has evolved from raw moments to scripted shows today.
The enduring legacy of "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica" is being revisited two decades after the couple's highly publicized divorce. Producers recall the show's debut in 2003, which documented the first year of marriage for the pop stars and quickly became a phenomenon, catapulting Simpson to megastardom. The series captured candid moments, including the now-iconic "Chicken of the Sea" confusion, which occurred on the very first day of production.
Initially conceived to promote the couple's music, "Newlyweds" offered an unprecedented glimpse into celebrity domesticity. Producers aimed to document the raw realities of a young couple navigating marriage, a stark contrast to today's heavily scripted reality programs. The show highlighted their differences, with Simpson's naivete and Lachey's more down-to-earth demeanor creating an "odd couple" dynamic that captivated audiences.
By its third season, the strain on the couple's relationship was evident, leading to their eventual split in late 2005. Looking back, producers reflect on how the show's intimacy and unscripted nature contributed to its lasting impact, with moments continuing to live on through memes and viral clips. Despite the personal toll, both Simpson and Lachey have found continued success and happiness in their personal lives.




