Paris Hilton says filming the new reality show was ‘different’ as a mum

With families of their own and busy careers, Paris Hilton and Nicole RichieThe lives of these people are no longer so simple, which provided a new perspective for their latest project.

Hilton, 43, exclusively opened up to Us Weekly about reuniting with Richie, also 43, for the new series Paris & Nicole: The Encorepremiering on Thursday, December 12, on Paun. The three-part special picks up more than 20 years later The Simple Lifewho turned society into the OG of reality TV.

“I’m so proud of what we created with.” The Simple LifeHilton said U.S on Tuesday, Dec. 10, while discussing the pair’s Sonic partnership. “And now this 20-year reunion celebration is just amazing, and just to see how much we’ve grown and how far we’ve come, and what amazing women and wives and mothers we are, it just makes me so proud.”

Hilton raved about her “lifelong friendship” with Richie, whom she sees as a sister. “No one makes me laugh like Nicole and 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 Simple Life aired for five seasons from 2003 to 2007, following Hilton and Richie as they left their privileged lifestyles behind to work day jobs — from farming to serving fast food (yes, in Sonic).

Since the series ended, Hilton and Richie have entered the new era as business women and parents. Hilton shares two children — Phoenix, 22 months, and London, 12 months — with Carter Rheum. Richie, meanwhile, shares Harlow, 16, and son Sparrow, 15, with Joel Madden.

“The kids were in the special with us, so they would come visit us sometimes,” Hilton said U.S life as a “living mom” on the set. “When I’m working, I’m always on the phone with them.” It’s so sweet.”

Hilton explained that recording The Encore was “definitely different” because of her and Richie’s role as parents. “The first time, you know, we were 20 years old, we were kids and we just had no responsibilities,” she continued. “And now, both wives and mothers, we manage our businesses and everything we do in a million projects.” So it was definitely a lot to balance.”

Despite their busy schedules, the dynamic duo were “so passionate” about teaming up on a new project. “Obviously we couldn’t go to Arkansas for a month like we did (on The Simple Life), but we went to Arkansas for about two days,” Hilton added. “We just tried to do everything so we could, you know, work all day on set together, which is so much fun, and then go home to our kids and our families.”

Doc The Encore celebrates a new chapter in Richie and Hilton’s lives, best friends they are too channeling magic fans loved o The Simple Life to begin with. In August, Hilton and Richie were spotted filming at a Sonic drive-in in a nod to an early episode of their original series. Now, the couple is collaborating with the restaurant to create new signature drinks.

Hilton said U.S all about a “full circle moment,” noting that “(Sonic) was the first job that Nicole and I had when we were working The Simple Lifeand we had so much fun working there, and it was so hilarious. … Then to return to the flow Encore The reunion special, Nicole and I went and worked there again for a day, which was a lot of fun. And they loved working with us so much that they asked us to do a campaign with them.”

Hilton said the Sonic team are “so cute and fun” – and insisted the new drinks are “so delicious”.

Paris & Nicole: The Encore premiere on Thursday, December 12, on Paun.

With reporting by Amanda Williams