If you followed the MTV era of the mid-2010s, you probably remember the absolute chaos that was Zach Nichols and Jenna Compono. They were the "Barbie and Ken" of The Challenge, but let’s be real—the highlight reel wasn't always pretty. From that infamous phone call in Rivals III where Zach called Jenna the wrong name, to the public breakups that played out in front of millions, nobody expected them to become the franchise's most stable success story.
Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has completely shifted. They aren't just "still together." They’ve basically built a small army in Michigan.
The Reality of Zach Nichols and Jenna Compono Today
While most reality TV couples fizzle out once the Instagram engagement drops, Zach and Jenna doubled down on real life. They didn't stay in the spotlight for the sake of it. Instead, they retreated to Zach’s home state of Michigan, traded the club appearances for a quiet suburban existence, and started a family at a pace that would make anyone dizzy.
People always ask: how many kids do they actually have now? As of late 2025, they are officially a family of six.
- Anthony Joseph, their firstborn, arrived in September 2021.
- Liliana Marie followed shortly after in December 2022.
- Carmella Jean made a dramatic, "natural" entrance (Jenna didn't even have time for an epidural!) in February 2024.
- Francesca Rose, the newest addition, was born in August 2025.
It’s a lot. Four kids in four years. Jenna often jokes on social media that three kids wasn't "chaotic enough," which is a wild thing to say when you’re managing a toddler and an infant simultaneously. But honestly? It seems to work for them.
Why the "Barbie and Ken" Label Was Wrong
Back in the day, fans were obsessed with how they looked. They were the tall, athletic, blonde power couple. But if you look at their history, the "perfection" was a total myth. They dealt with very public cheating scandals and a power dynamic that often made viewers uncomfortable.
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The turning point wasn't a grand romantic gesture on camera. It was the decision to stop being "reality stars" and start being a couple.
Zach has been pretty vocal about how The Challenge environment was toxic for their relationship. In recent years, he’s pivoted to a more traditional 9-to-5 life. There’s been a lot of internet sleuthing about what he actually does—ranging from claims of him being a private investigator to owning a gym—but the reality is more mundane. He works to provide the benefits (Jenna famously admitted they had their first "mini-wedding" in 2021 partly so she could get on his health insurance before giving birth), while Jenna has mastered the "mom-fluencer" game.
Moving Past the Drama
Remember the Bumble incident? Or the time Zach almost went home because of a fight over Jenna’s past? Those moments are relics now. By the time they had their second, larger wedding in April 2022, the "toxic" label had mostly faded.
The guests at that wedding—Challenge legends like Nany Gonzalez, Kaycee Clark, and Jordan Wiseley—weren't there for a TV segment. They were there for a couple that had survived the meat grinder of reality television.
Living the Michigan Life
Michigan isn't exactly the hub for reality TV fame, and that’s probably why they’re still married. They live in a low-cost-of-living area where a Challenge win or a few solid brand deals go a lot further than they would in LA or New York.
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Jenna’s Instagram is now a sea of matching outfits, holiday photos, and honest "mom life" updates. She’s leaning into the "TradWife" aesthetic, but with a gritty, exhausted edge that feels more authentic than the polished versions you see from other influencers.
Zach, on the other hand, has mostly stayed off the main show. He’s popped up on podcasts and still follows the drama, but his days of jumping off cliffs for TJ Lavin seem to be in the rearview. He’s traded the "Thor" persona for the "Dad" persona, and frankly, it suits him better.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Jenna is "submissive" or that Zach hasn't changed. If you watch their interactions now, there’s a lot more mutual respect than there was in 2015. You have to remember they were kids when they met. Jenna was barely in her early 20s.
They grew up.
Most people also assume they’ll eventually return to the show. While Zach has teased it on his podcast, the reality of having four kids under the age of five makes a six-week filming schedule in another country nearly impossible. Jenna has been even more firm about her hiatus, focusing entirely on the kids and her brand partnerships.
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The Financials of a Reality Couple
How do they afford four kids?
- Influencer Marketing: Jenna is a powerhouse here. She has a high engagement rate with moms, which is a goldmine for brands.
- Zach’s 9-to-5: Having a stable income with insurance is the "boring" secret to their success.
- Appearance Fees: They still make money from the Challenge ecosystem without actually having to compete.
What’s Next for the Nichols Family?
Don't expect them to announce a comeback to the main MTV show anytime soon. If anything, they might be candidates for an All Stars season down the road, but for now, they are squarely in the "family era."
The real lesson from Zach and Jenna isn't that love conquers all—it's that sometimes, you have to leave the thing that made you famous to keep the thing you love.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check Jenna’s Instagram for the latest updates on baby Francesca; she’s usually the first to post specific milestones.
- Listen to Zach’s podcast appearances if you want his unfiltered (and often controversial) takes on current Challenge seasons.
- Stop waiting for a "Return to the Challenge" announcement. It’s probably not happening until the kids are at least in school.