Ep 1. Pitts/Policchio

In the first episode of the hit reality show Wife Swap, viewers are introduced to the Pitts and Policchio families. The Pitts are the quintessential southern family, living in Hahira, Georgia. David and Cindy Pitt are devoted to their three children, David Jr., 13, Ashlee, 11, and Nick, 6, and are passionate about their faith and traditional values.

On the other side of the country in Bellflower, California, the Policchios live a very different lifestyle. Frank Policchio is a busy, successful businessman who spends much of his time driving his kids to various activities and events. His wife, Gayle, is a free-spirited, liberal artist who owns her own business. They have two children, Brittany, 10, and Jesse, 7.

The premise of the show is to temporarily switch wives/mothers for two weeks, in an attempt to give each family a new perspective on their own lives. In this episode, Cindy Pitt travels to California to live with the Policchio family, while Gayle Policchio travels to Georgia to live with the Pitts.

Immediately upon arrival in California, Cindy is overwhelmed by the busy pace of the Policchio household. There seems to be constant commotion, with kids rushing in and out and Frank frequently coming and going. With Gayle's liberal parenting philosophy, Cindy also has trouble adapting. Gayle is not strict about meal times or bedtimes and allows her children to express themselves and their feelings freely, which is very different from Cindy's approach. However, Cindy sees the positive aspects of Gayle's parenting style and tries to embrace them, even though it doesn't come naturally to her.

In Georgia, Gayle quickly learns that the Pitts are a very religious family. They go to church multiple times a week and have strict rules about behavior and dress. They also live in a much more isolated area than Gayle is used to, which makes it difficult for her to take part in activities outside of the home. Despite these challenges, Gayle is intrigued by the close-knit family dynamic of the Pitts and marvels at how involved Cindy is in her children's lives.

Throughout the two weeks, both Cindy and Gayle struggle to adapt to their new environments. Cindy misses her family and feels out of place with the Policchios, while Gayle is alienated by the strict rules and religious practices of the Pitts. However, both women also learn valuable lessons about themselves and their own families. Cindy comes to realize that she needs to loosen up and let her children express themselves more, while Gayle sees how important it is to be present and involved in her children's lives.

As the two weeks come to an end and the women return to their own families, it's clear that the experience has had a profound effect on both families. David and Cindy Pitt are more willing to listen to their children's opinions and allow them to have more freedom, while Frank and Gayle Policchio are more present and attentive as parents. The episode ends with each family reflecting on what they have learned and acknowledging the positive impact of their temporary spouse/mother.

Overall, Wife Swap season 1 episode 1 sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of what happens when two drastically different families come together. The clash of parenting styles and values is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and viewers will be left wondering what changes will happen when the families reunite.