A once famous couple from the reality TV show “Wife Swap” has quietly divorced, according to exclusive information revealed by Page Six. Steven Spolansky filed for a contested divorce from Jodi Spolansky in August 2023, after being separated for years. The divorce was settled in January and finalized by a New York judge in February.
A Tale of Two Lifestyles
The Spolanskys rose to fame in 2004 when they appeared on the first season of “Wife Swap.” The show followed wives from different social classes as they traded lives for 10 days. Jodi Spolansky, then 36, was portrayed as a spoiled “multimillionairess” from New York City who valued her “me time” and spent thousands of dollars on clothing weekly. She swapped lifestyles with Lynn Bradley, a school bus driver and wood chopper from rural New Jersey.
As the Spolanskys participated in the show, their lavish lifestyle was contrasted with Lynn Bradley’s simpler way of life. Jodi’s reluctance to engage in manual labor, like chopping wood, showcased the stark differences between the two families. The episode culminated in a moment where Lynn expressed her intentions to let go of the nannies, prompting Steven to inquire if they were taking the children with them.
The Aftermath
Following their brief stint in the reality TV spotlight, the Spolanskys’ TV career dwindled. Their 15 minutes of fame included appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” but ultimately failed to sustain their celebrity status. Lawson, one of their children, revealed in a TikTok video earlier this year that the experience “ruined” his family.
The divorce of Steven and Jodi Spolansky serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of reality TV fame. Their story, once captivating audiences on “Wife Swap,” now represents a chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture. As the couple navigates their new realities post-divorce, the impact of their brush with fame lingers on in the memories of viewers and family members alike. The rise and fall of the Spolanskys serves as a cautionary tale of the highs and lows of reality TV stardom.