Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's fame took an extraordinary leap with "The Simple Life." However, their powerful parents initially had reservations about the show. Now, as they gear up for the long-awaited "Paris & Nicole: Encore," they reflect on the original 2003 series where they explored different lives. In an interview with Glamour, both 43-year-olds shared how their parents were initially against the idea. Hilton recalled, "Our parents did not want us to do it and told us not to. It was a unique concept. They heard we were going to an unknown place." But once the show aired, her mother's attitude changed. She said, "After the first episode aired, my mom called me and she's like, 'This is the most hilarious show I've ever seen in my life. You and Nicole are incredible.' She's like, 'I was wrong for once.'" Now, in a new way, they are revisiting the iconic show by trying to turn their song "Sanasa" into an opera. Hilton explained, "The idea came about as an ode to how 'innovative' the original show was. We knew being in the opera world would be funny. We just wanted to do something different than other reunions and celebrate this special show in the most extravagant way. It's like we'll be fish out of water again." After the reunion was teased in spring, Lionel Richie hilariously commented. He said, "Let me tell you something: those two scare me just standing next to each other." He also admitted that his daughter and her BFF haven't changed much and he partly blamed himself. He recalled, "I don't know if the world knows this, [but] they started this mess and I was the first guinea pig daddy to go along with this. When they first started doing things like driving down the freeway backwards and I kept saying, 'What are you guys doing?' [She'd say] 'It's reality television, Dad!' And now these two are back together, oh my god, world, hang on to your seat." All three episodes of "Paris & Nicole: The Encore" premiere Thursday, Dec. 12 on Peacock.

The Unforgettable Return of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's Iconic Show

Parents' Initial Resistance

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's parents were far from supportive when the idea of "The Simple Life" first emerged. Hilton vividly remembered, "They were firmly against it and gave us strict instructions not to proceed. It was a bold move that they didn't understand at first." This initial opposition added an extra layer of drama to the show's inception.The Hilton family's stance was a significant factor in the show's development. As Hilton continued, "It was a battle between our desires and their concerns. But we were determined to show the world a different side of ourselves."

The Show's Impact and Evolution

"The Simple Life" not only made Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie household names but also set a new trend in reality TV. Hilton reflected on its significance, saying, "It was the first of its kind. People were fascinated by seeing us in these unfamiliar situations. It opened up a whole new world for us."Over the years, the show's impact continued to resonate. As they prepared for "Paris & Nicole: Encore," Hilton explained, "We wanted to pay homage to the original while also adding a new dimension. The idea of turning our song into an opera was a natural evolution of our journey."This evolution showcased their growth and creativity. Richie added, "We've come a long way since those early days. Now, we're bringing a whole new level of entertainment to our fans."

Family Reactions and Memories

The family's reactions to the show were diverse. Hilton's mother's change of heart after the first episode aired was a turning point. Hilton shared, "Seeing her reaction was amazing. It showed that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new experiences."Lionel Richie's comments also added a humorous touch to the family's story. He said, "We've always been a bit of a wild bunch. This show just brought out our true selves. And now, seeing them back together, it's like a trip down memory lane."These memories and reactions have become an integral part of the show's legacy. As they move forward with "Paris & Nicole: Encore," the family's bond and shared experiences will continue to shine through.