Why Did Dr. Jessica Leave ‘Married at First Sight’? New Expert Joins Season 9

“Married at First Sight” Season 9 won’t just have four new couples. There will also be a new expert. Dr. Viviana Coles will replace Dr. Jessica Griffin.

Dr. Jessica is said to be focusing on family instead of the Lifetime reality show. That includes fiancé Jonathan Francetic, who met the expert when he starred in “Married at First Sight” Season 6. Several months after breaking up with his wife, he and the psychologist got together. (Dr. Jessica has clarified that she advises cast members on the show as a “relationship expert,” meaning they are not considered her patients or clients.)

“Jessica and Jon are very happy together. She wants to focus on her family and their relationship,” a source told People. Jessica also has three children from a prior relationship.

A couple of days after reports revealed that she would not return for “Married at First Sight” Season 9, Jessica revealed that Jon had proposed. They got engaged in Sedona, Arizona.

Dr. Jessica’s replacement on “Married at First Sight” is psychotherapist Dr. Viviana Coles. The Houston-based marriage and family therapist will work with sociologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson to match the new couples.

According to her personal website, she generally works with people who are having trouble connecting either emotionally or physically. She helps individuals, couples and polyamorous relationships.

The newest expert has already been sharing behind-the-scenes looks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Her Instagram reveals that she has already met Season 1 alum and “Unfiltered” host Jamie Otis. She also wrote a nice note to Dr. Pepper last month.

“Thank you for being my #MAFSGuru! You've already helped make this leap into the deep end much less scary,” Coles shared.

Watch Coles in action on “Married at First Sight” Season 9. Wednesday’s premiere kicks off at 8 p.m. EDT with the matchmaking special. The two-hour wedding episode starts at 9 p.m. EDT.