In anticipation of their new series on Peacock, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, Hilton and Richie have revisited their iconic reality TV moments. The duo, who gained fame through the Fox series that aired from 2003 to 2007, recently shared insights into some of their most memorable scenes with PEOPLE. Hilton, now 43, revealed that her infamous question about Walmart was a deliberate act for entertainment value, emphasizing that she knew what the store was but played along for the audience's enjoyment. Additionally, both stars clarified other memorable moments, including Richie's mishap with fake ashes at a funeral home. This reunion has brought back nostalgic and humorous memories, making their new venture even more anticipated.

Behind the Scenes of "The Simple Life": Clarifying Iconic Moments

In a candid interview ahead of their new series, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie delved into the past, reflecting on their time on the hit reality show The Simple Life. The series, which aired from 2003 to 2007, showcased the glamorous pair adapting to rural life, leading to numerous viral moments. One such moment occurred when Hilton famously asked, "What is Walmart?" after Richie mentioned people hanging out there. However, Hilton clarified that this was part of an act designed to entertain the audience. "We wanted it to be fun and engaging," she explained, adding that they were playing into what viewers expected from Hollywood celebrities.

Hilton also reminisced about another unforgettable scene where she creatively completed household chores, like cooking bacon with an iron and mopping floors on a Segway. "It made mundane tasks more enjoyable," she said, laughing at the memory. Similarly, Richie addressed a controversial moment when she spilled and vacuumed what appeared to be human remains at a funeral home. She assured fans that these were not real ashes, stating, "I would have been traumatized if they were."

The new series, set to premiere on Peacock, reunites the duo two decades later. Both Hilton and Richie expressed excitement about working together again. "It was so much fun," Hilton remarked. "It really made my summer," Richie added, highlighting the joy of reliving old memories while creating new ones.

From a journalistic perspective, this reflection offers a deeper understanding of how reality TV constructs narratives to captivate audiences. It also underscores the lasting impact of these shows on popular culture. The honesty and humor in Hilton and Richie's recollections remind us of the blurred lines between performance and reality in entertainment, providing valuable insight into the industry's evolution over the years.