Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are back together, but life is a bit more complicated than it was during The Simple Life. With families and flourishing careers, the longtime friends are reuniting for a new project, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, which premieres Thursday, December 12, on Peacock.

Hilton, 43, opened up to Us Weekly about the three-part special, which marks 20 years since the debut of their iconic reality show. The original series, which aired from 2003 to 2007, followed Hilton and Richie as they traded their glamorous lifestyles for small-town living, creating a cultural phenomenon.

“I’m so proud of what we created with The Simple Life,” Hilton shared. “And now to do this celebration for the 20-year reunion is just amazing. Just to see how much we’ve grown up and how far we’ve come, and just what incredible women, wives, and mothers we are—it just makes me so, so proud.”

Both Hilton and Richie, also 43, are now mothers, bringing a fresh perspective to their latest collaboration. Hilton, who welcomed son Phoenix earlier this year with husband Carter Reum, and Richie, who shares two children with husband Joel Madden, reflect the evolution of their lives over the past two decades.

Hilton expressed her gratitude for her “lifelong friendship” with Richie, whom she considers a sister. “No one makes me laugh like Nicole,” Hilton said. “I think that’s why people loved the original series, because I feel like people could relate when you have your best friend that you have your secret language with. … Everyone has a best friend like that.”

The new series promises to capture the dynamic chemistry that made Hilton and Richie the original queens of reality TV, while also showcasing how much they’ve matured. Fans can expect a blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments as the duo reflects on their journey and their enduring bond.

From their early days as socialites navigating farm life to becoming accomplished women balancing motherhood and careers, Hilton and Richie’s story is one of growth, resilience, and lasting friendship. The Encore serves as both a celebration of their past and a testament to how far they’ve come.