Married by America is an American reality television series broadcast by the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox). The series premiered on March 3, 2003, and its eighth and final episode aired on April 14, 2003. American DJ Sean Valentine hosted the series. It was produced by the production company Rocket Science Laboratories (Joe Millionaire, Temptation Island).
In 2005, Married by America was one of several television programs cited in a class-action lawsuit filed by the Writers Guild of America concerning labor law violations.
Format
Five single people agreed to be paired up sight unseen with strangers chosen by America. The five newly minted couples met and got engaged on the spot. This was accomplished through family members and phone-in votes by TV viewers. Relationship Experts (Dr. Jenn Bermann, Dr. Don Elium and Ms. P.) eliminated one couple per week, opted to get married.
Production
On October 30, 2002, Fox sent out a press release for Married by America. The series was based on the concept of an arranged marriage, with Fox president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell stating "It’s different, it’s unusual, and it’s the first time anything like this has been tried in [the United States.] Ultimately, it’s up to the individuals if they’re going to get married. But hopefully, if it works, they’ll fall in love."