The Blended Bunch: Inside Erica And Spencer Shemwell's Marriage

The TLC network show The Blended Bunch is one whose mission is to document a large blended family as they navigate the highs and lows of their new life together. Think middle class version of the pop culture phenomenon Keeping Up With the Kardashians, ya know minus the glam squads, mega mansions, and multimillion dollar skincare and fashion brands, of course. Let the drama ensue!

The story goes that spouses Erica and Spencer Shemwell met after they both tragically became widows. As reported by People, Erica's husband died of cancer and Spencer sadly lost his wife in a car accident. But dealing with the loss of previous spouses isn't their only obstacle. Nope, together they bring a total of 11 children into their union. That's A LOT of moving parts!

So what's the lowdown on Erica and Spencer's marriage? And do we think their love can stand the test of not only time but 11 children all pushing and pulling them in different directions? Keep reading to find out!

As reported by People, Spencer and Erica Shemwell found each other via an online widower support group. Only 13 months later, the couple tied the knot, and instantly they became a family of 13. "We're kind of like the modern-day Brady Bunch," Erica explained about her new family dynamic in a teaser for the new show. "Except we have no Alice — we need an Alice," Spencer playfully interjected. 

But besides the logistics of merging 11 children, all under the age of 13, together into one household, the Shemwell parents also have to navigate the murky waters of marriage after loss. "Sometimes, I really just wonder if there are moments when Spencer wishes that Aimee was here instead of me," Erica confessed. 

Meanwhile, Erica's brother, Quinn, is causing an added layer of friction for the couple, even balking at the idea of his nieces and nephews being adopted by their new stepdad. "As your brother, I think about if I died, I don't know if I would want my kid to have somebody else's last name," Quinn told his sister in the trailer. And as it turns out, it appears he wasn't too keen on his sister marrying Spencer in the first place. "I went through that whole traumatic experience with terminal cancer. And then here somebody wants to marry my sister. I mean, really, my true feeling is kind of like, 'What are you doing?'"

Phew. It sounds like these newlyweds are in for a bumpy ride!