It’s time to set things straight, Australia!
I’ve been strolling through posts, comments and feedback on different Australian television sites and it seems there is a general consensus that this year’s Biggest Loser is dragging on for longer than usual. Is this a correct assumption? Well, I thought I’d investigate to see if this season is indeed being milked for all it’s worth.
So, this year’s Biggest Loser debuted on Monday January 22, 2012. It is currently scheduled to run until at least the end of April. This will mean that this seventh season of Ten’s hit reality series will last for approximately 13-14 weeks.
The first season of The Biggest Loser ran for approximately 10 weeks. The second season ran slightly longer at 11 weeks. An extra week was also added to season three. Season four ran for roughly the same amount of time, if not a few days shorter in total length. Season Five ran for 13 weeks, however a quick date check shows that it probably only lasted a whole seven days longer than the fourth. Season six also ran for 13 weeks.
However, depending on when this show actually finishes, fans may be correct in assuming this season is running longer than usual- but it would only be lasting two week longer at the longest. If this show wraps up, Monday April 30 (2 weeks to go), it will have lasted 2 weeks longer than last year, making it the longest season on record.
On top of this, this year’s season has had marginally more airtime than last year- with four hourly episodes, and one half hour episode per week; as opposed to four hourly episodes a week like last year. Not much of a difference- but it means one extra night of commitment, which can really be noticeable.
This season also started earlier than any other season- but due to added competition and an earlier Easter, this was inevitable and almost unavoidable. The Biggest Loser 7 has now been through two different non-ratings periods- which adds to the lengthy feeling of the show.
So, in whole- yes. The Biggest Loser 2012 does seem to be running longer than usual. But what’s with all the complaining? The Biggest Loser’s ratings have been steadily increasing, and for a network in the gutter, it’s viable. But for its long term future, maybe it is time to cull The Biggest Loser to help it fit into the period between the end of Summer and Easter.
But by doing this, it gives the contestants less time to ‘transform’, which is one of the biggest draw cards from the show, and indeed the genre. It would no doubt be an impediment on the incredible job the show does for people.
So what do you think? Has this Biggest Loser season ran its course already? Should it be longer? What would you do in Mott’s shoes?
The Biggest Loser: Singles (still) airs Sundays at 6.30pm and Monday-Thursdays at 7pm on TEN.
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