Inside The Relationship Of The Blended Bunch's Erica And Spencer Shemwell

TLC is constantly bringing us shows that dive into family matters, relationships, and overcoming struggles. It's no secret millions are obsessed with the channel's reality shows, ranging from cult-fave 90 Day Fiancé to 1000-Lb Sisters. Adding to TLC's addictive round-up is The Blended Bunch, a show that follows a couple who met after each of their first spouses passed away.

Contractor Spencer Shemwell and now-wife Erica Shemwell quickly fell in love, and the rest is history – with 11 kids in between them to raise as one big family (via People). With the premiere debuting on Tuesday, March 16, you can bet we're finding out everything we can about the adorable couple and the adversity they've overcome.

Adjusting to a newly-blended family is no easy feat, but as soon as the couple met, they knew their similar struggles meant they could make it work. According to a video shared on Instagram, Erica's husband Tony passed away from brain cancer three years ago. The mother of seven explains, "I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest" (via inTouch). 

Tragically, Spencer's wife Aimee passed away from a car accident. In the show's trailer, the proud dad recalls sitting his kids and telling them, "Mommy passed away." Naturally, neither Erica nor Spencer thought they could feel for another person romantically. As Spencer stated, "I thought there was no way that I could ever love anyone like Aimee."

Although they both went through an extreme tragedy, Spencer Shemwell and Erica Shemwell found their way to each other by meeting on an online widowers support group. They tied the knot just 13 months later (via People). 

As a "modern-day Brady Bunch," as Erica calls them, the two bring together a total of 11 kids, with Spencer bringing Brayden, 12, Harper, 8, Avery, 6, and Bexley, 4, and Erica with Landon, 12, Emma, 10, Lily, 9, Sophie, 8, Tanner, 6, Amelia, 5, and Caleb, 3 in tow (via CheatSheet). Even with picture-perfect smiles, the previews show they go through difficulties as well. 

As shown in the official trailer, the couple's kids and family have issues with their decisions. Some of the children are shown having trouble adjusting to their new siblings, while Erica's brother Quinn has some difficulties with the union. Quinn appears to criticize Erica's decision for Spencer to adopt her kids, noting "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." He also questions Spencer's motives, particularly after what Erica's family went through regarding her first husband's cancer battle.

Although the road is not an easy one, with Erica also suffering from panic attacks and doubting whether Spencer would prefer his first wife over her, the pair keep it together for the kids.