The Biggest Loser Families

The finale of The Biggest Loser (US) airs on ELEVEN from 8.30pm, Saturday August 27, 2011, during which you will see the winner announced of the series.

Then on Saturday September 3, it’s the finale again!

Well, not quite – it is a reunion episode that sees all participants of the series return to reveal how successful they have been with their weight loss.

US reality shows tend to really milk their brands with so many of them having reunion episodes after the finale. Survivor is one of the major reality series that do it every season.

The Biggest Loser US “reunion” is a big commitment, airing over three hours on ELEVEN from 8.30pm, Saturday September 3, 2011, on ELEVEN.

Meanwhile, Ten have announced, as part of the network’s 2012 line up, that The Biggest Loser (Australia) will revert to singles – despite the fact, that, after the 2011 series finales, they promoted families to apply for the 2012 season.

The Biggest Loser (Australia) will air on Ten in February, 2012.

This week (July 24-30, 2011) saw a record amount of locally produced reality TV air on our free to air networks. So much so, many have suggested there is simply too much.

The Block, seen on Nine, now airs over 6 nights a week, and a total of four and a half hours this week, not including encore episodes. Masterchef Australia, which airs on Ten, also airs six nights a week, amounting to five hours per week of competition plus a further ninety minutes for Friday nights’ Masterclass.

On top of that. Ten opted to launch new reality competition show The Renovators during the final two weeks of Masterchef, airing after the cooking show. This week, it aired one hour per night, over five nights.

Then there is Top Design on Nine, which was extended to over ninety minutes this week, The Amazing Race Australia on Seven – a one hour offering, and Australia’s Got Talent – also on Seven – which aired for two hours this week for its second last episode of 2011.

Just these six shows alone amount to a total over 20 hours of reality competition spread over prime time every night except for Saturday*. Next week (July 31 – August 6) is set to be similar as Masterchef goes into finals week, and both Australia’s Got Talent and The Amazing Race Australia conclude for 2011 while The Renovators airs over five nights again, and The Block continues on Nine.

All amounts to an absolute smorgasbord for reality TV fans, but for those trying to keep up with all these shows, a big ask to sit through hours a night of reality. All this before you consider, that on Foxtel, there is Project Runway Australia airing on Monday nights, and Australia’s Next Top Model soon to launch its new season.

Add on all the overseas produced reality shows – both on free to air and Foxtel and it would appear reality competition formats are back in full swing. On ELEVEN you have The Biggest Loser US, and Britain’s Next Top Model while the US version of The Voice starts on GO! August 9. On Foxtel, there is Top Chef and Dating in the Dark US to name a few. 

Past next week, and there is a reprieve of sorts as The Renovators on Ten fills the timeslots vacated by Masterchef, while The Block and Top Design continue on Nine.

Still to come this year is The X Factor and Beauty and the Geek, both on Seven while Ten has Junior Masterchef set to roll out its second season from September. 

Given how well locally produced reality is rating, the situation is not likely to change any time soon. 2012 is shaping up to be another year dominated by reality with Masterchef, Australia’s Got Talent, The Amazing Race Australia and The Block all set to return for new seasons next year. 

On top of those titles are The Biggest Loser Families to air on Ten from February, The Australian version of The Voice on Nine to launch next year, Masterchef season four on Ten and My Kitchen Rules season three on Seven. And of course, there is American Idol which will air on FOX8 from January.

Who said reality competition was dead? The format just seems to go from strength to strength – seems we just can’t get enough of it.

For the second consecutive year, a woman takes home the title of The Biggest Loser Australia.

Emma Duncan, 25 from Waratah Newcastle, who entered the competition weighing in at 133.9kg with her twin Meg, her sister Sarah Jayne and her brother Jarrod, now stands tall (6ft) and proud at 62.1kg, having lost 71.8kg, 46.38% of her total body weight. 

But it’s not all about losing, as Emma wins $100,000 for her immense effort during the course of her weight loss journey. 

Asked what she plans to do with the money she’s quick to respond that the Duncans came into this competition as a family and she’ll be sharing her winning with her siblings. However, with her share, “My husband and I will put some money away ready for a baby, and with the rest we’re going to go on  a holiday. There’s a few places I want to go to before a baby comes - Canada, Alaska and Las Vegas”, but it sounds like the pitter patter of little Duncan feet isn’t too far off. 

It’s a great result for first time Biggest Loser trainer Tiffiny Hall who molded the Duncan family into weight loss warriors through her martial arts training. And the proof is in the pudding – well – the low fat yoghurt at any rate! 

“Emma has embraced her ninja training and learned that when you train your mind, your mind trains your body. She is a warrior who has worked hard to  earn her black belt in health. She is a ninja because she is powerful in mind, body and spirit. Emma won not only as a weightloss warrior – but alsoas a woman! It is so awesome to see a chick claim the title again! Emma proves to every young girl who is overweight that you can reclaim your youth, your health and your future” dotes Tiffiny. 

Another very proud trainer will be Biggest Loser veteran Shannan Ponton whose persistence and inspirational leadership has resulted in his team – the Westrens – winning the Biggest Losing Family. They take home a lot less weight but a lot more money. Craig, wife Sharlene, son Leigh and his girlfriend Lara become $100,000 richer having lost a collective 193.4kgs (41.10% of their total body weight), beating their nearest rivals, the Duncans who collectively lost 39.24%. 

And the Westrens’ success doesn’t stop there, with Sharlene winning the Biggest Loser outside of the Top 4.  Who could possibly have thought that the feisty matriarch, in total denial of her own eating habits and the first to almost walk off the show as early as episode 2, should turn so dramatically into the “happy confident 50 year old lady ready to live her life!” She remembers “looking back at those first episodes and seeing a scared lady, too frightened to see what was underneath the layers of fat. 

Shannan could see it but I certainly couldn’t.” Having dedicated so much of her life to her daughter Emma who suffers from cerebral palsy, the time away at Camp Biggest Loser has strengthened their bond and helped her loosen the apron strings. And lest we forget, earned her an extra $20,000!  

Prize money and titles aside, three months ago, four families started the weight loss journey of a lifetime when they arrived at Camp Biggest Loser. 16 contestants, with a combined total weight of 2201.4 kgs, embarked on one of the most physically  demanding, emotionally confronting and mentally challenging voyages of self discovery which has taken them from the high seas of the Bass Strait to the filthy bottom of a mud pit.  

Whether it was our biggest ever contestant Damien Challenor, 234.5kg, unable to play with his children or to bend down to do his own shoe laces up, or our lightest contestant Jodie Moon, 106.5kg, who would watch from the sidelines as her children played in the pool, too embarrassed about her weight to join them, every single one of this year’s contestants leaves happier and healthier. 

The Biggest Loser – the show in which everyone wins.

The Biggest Loser Families Grand Finale, Ten, from 8.30pm.

The best part of every series of The Biggest Loser is seeing the amazing transformations that take place for the contestants that took part in the series. All contestants return and reveal their final weight loss since the start of the season, while one of the final four will be crowned this year’s Biggest Loser and walk away with the prize money.

Note – if you are recording, make sure you include The Winner Announced at 10pm, and add on an extra 15-20 minutes of recording time after 10.30 to make sure you do not miss the final moment. Last year, it finished at 10.45pm.

No Ordinary Family, Seven, 7.30pm

What do you get if you cross Heroes with Parenthood and Modern Family? You get No Ordinary Family – a show about how an ordinary family with two teen aged children suddenly find they have super hero like abilities after enduring a plane crash in the Amazon. The father has super strength, the mother speed, the 16 year old daughter the ability to read minds, and the 14 year old son has genius like mental abilities that lead his teachers to think he is cheating. The show tackles how each handle their new found abilities and how they can put them to use in their respective life situations.

Note that only one episode airs tonight, Seven changed their minds about a double episode premiere. Having already seen the first three episodes, through previews from Seven, I am already hanging out for the next. Well worth giving a go.

The Big Bang Theory, Nine, 7.30pm.

Yes, it’s on the same time as No Ordinary Family and Masterchef, but for fans trying to figure out when new episodes of the Big Bang Theory air, here they are – now Monday nights 7.30pm is the new home for new episodes of The Big Bang Theory. All others times are repeats.

Wilfred, SBS ONE, 11.00pm.

Thw show that scored SBS’s only nomination last night at the Logies – Wilfred – The Ice Dog Cometh. Adam wins a skiing holiday so he, Sarah and Wilfred head-off to the mountain top resort. Adam gets lost in a snowstorm, finding sanctuary in the remote cabin of Swedish couple Lars and Hilda.

America’s Next Top Model, FOX 8, 7.30pm.

And on FOX8+2 at 9.30pm Midday next day on Fox8 and many more times to help you avoid conflicts. The point here is, that for years we have known Tuesday nights to be Top Model night – every franchise on Fox8 – US, Australian and UK have always been on Tuesday nights until now. Even in the May Foxtel magazine, the new cycle of America’s Next Top Model is promoted for Tuesday nights.

Just to clarify – America’s Next Top Model (first run episode for the week) is now on MONDAY NIGHTS on Fox8, with numerous replays and encores throughout the week.

The final four for the Biggest Loser this year are:

Sarah (Moon family)
Kellie (Moon faimly)
Leigh (Westren family)
Emma (Duncan family)

It was between Sarah and Nathaniel who were in the bottom two. There were two votes for Nathaniel, thereby eliminating him from the competition, leaving no representatives from the Challenor family. Michelle was guttered at the outcome, while the Commando was happy to have two of his family remaining.

Finale airs Monday night, 8.30pm on Ten.

6.30pm Sunday May 1 on Ten

Tonight’s episode features the last elimination before the revealof which four contestants go through to the finale!

That gives the remaining contestants some intense motivation during Last Chance Training where every calorie burnt will count when they take to the scales.

It’s a gruelling and emotionaltraining session involving all4 trainers and one they’re not likely to forget.

So. for the very last time this season. there’s aWeighInfollowed by anElimination.

You can be assured that there will be some politics at play as the finaldecision is made but with $300.000 at stake. who could blame them?

Tune in tomorrow to see the spectacular results at this year’s Finale.

Sunday May 1 marks the return to ratings season, and as a result, a host of new and returning shows screening across the networks this week.

The Biggest Loser Families, Ten, 6.30pm.

The last episode before the big Grand Final. The contestants had their fun last week with train the trainers last Thursday – by far the funniest moments of the series, and perhaps in Biggest Loser history! Now, down to business. Last chance training has never been so important. This is the contestants’ very last opportunity to make it to the final four ahead of the massive grand finale.

Masterchef, Ten, 7.30pm.

It’s back and it’s bigger than ever, kicking off with the top 50 arriving on Cockatoo Island to officially kick off this year’s competition. Judges Gary Colambaris and Matt Preston have been doing the rounds last week, promoting the show’s return spruiking new challenges, more enthusiasm and a promise that this year, there will be NO second chance contestant returns – once a contestant is eliminated, they are eliminated with no chance of coming back. Masterchef continues Sunday to Friday at 7.30pm on Ten.

The 53rd Annual TV Week Logie Awards, Nine, 7.30pm.

Who will win what this year? Will the gold go to Rebecca Gibney as most expect, or will Asher Keddie pull through off the back of the success of Paper Giants two weeks ago? Or will it be Karl Stephanovic after an aggressive campaign on Nine. Chrissie Swan maybe? Adam Hills – in with a chance even though the ABC forbids advertising to vote for him? And there’s another Rafter as well – Jessica Marais.

The Logies are a bit of a marathon – running for four hours plus possible overrun on top. Throng will be busy live blogging and tweeting the results as they happen. As for Masterchef, thank goodness for a PVR tonight!

Cutting Edge: Gasland, SBS ONE, 9.35pm.

It is happening all across America – rural landowners wake up one day to find a lucrative offer from an energy company wanting to lease their property. Reason? The company hopes to tap into a reservoir dubbed the Saudi Arabia of natural gas.

And there are a number of well known movies tonight vying for our attention:

Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 7mate, 8.30pm.

Airs in HD. In the final chapter, Frodo and Sam, the hobbits with the task of returning the all-corrosive Ring to its origins in the molten rock of Mount Doom, have been joined by Gollum, who offers himself as their guide. Meanwhile, Sauron’s growing evil forces continue to attack against all of Gandalf best efforts. All hope is placed with Aragorn, who must take the lead to unite the scattered remains of men against this devastating enemy and lead them as their King. Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Miranda Otto, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Ian McKellen.

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption, GEM, 8.30pm.

Airs in HD. Soft-spoken, respected Maine banker Andy Dufresne is convicted for the murders of his unfaithful wife and her lover and receives a double life sentence. Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, James Whitmore, William Sadler, Clancy Brown

Movie: Mr and Mrs Smith, GO!, 9.45pm.

The movie that led to the break up of Brad and Jen all those years ago. Seemingly ordinary couple John and Jane Smith are stuck in a marriage rut until the truth behind their secret identity comes out. They are both lethal and highly paid assassins working for rival organisations. Stars: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Greg Ellis

Movie: Kenny, ELEVEN, 8.30pm.

It’s all about the poo. Kenny Smyth, part philosopher, part comedian and all heart. Kenny installs porta-loos at music gigs, church fairs, race meets; wherever a ‘poo-ticket’ is required, Kenny’s on the job. Cast: Shane Jacobson, Simon Scott, Eve von Bibra, Ronald Jacobson

The Biggest Loser Families, Ten 7.30pm.

Joe & Nathaniel continue to battle it out in the elimination dual – one of them will go home, leaving just 6 as the end of the 2011 series of The Biggest Loser draws nearer. The contestants find out what their bio-age is now. Also airs on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm, but not Friday due to the Royal Wedding.

Winter Wipeout, GO!, 7.30pm.

A new series of Wipeout on GO with a new twist and new winter themed games including Spinning Ski Lift, Snowplow Sweeper and Big Balls with a new twist, the Snow-tivator.

NEW CSI on Nine, 8.30pm

Finally new episodes of CSI are back on Nine, after being bumped for weeks on end by The Million Dollar Drop. New CSI bumps out Million Dollar Drop which was previously scheduled for 8.30pm Monday. It is followed by new CSI: Miami. At this stage, new CSI and CSI: Miami remain on Monday nights.

The View, (corrected) on W, not on Nine.

As most people have the day off, those who wouldn’t normally see day time TV are able to tune in. Today’s show is a must see for Grey’s Anatomy fans as Sara Ramirez who plays Calliope – Callie – on the show will be interviewed. There are some intense story lines coming up for her character. As the US is 6 weeks ahead of us, there is the possibility of spoilers and no doubt the much talked about musical episode of Grey’s will get a mention.

ANZAC Day TV.

Having ANZAC Day on a weekday means the usual breakfast and morning TV shows are on and will provide coverage of the news and events surrounding the day. Sunrise on Seven starts at 5am, while Today on Nine is from 5.30am, after the 5am news. ABC News 24 has live ANZAC Day coverage from 4.30am, ABC News Breakfast from 6am, while ABC1 will broadcast the various marches and services around the country (check local guides).

At 12.30pm, the Dawn Service from Gallipolli airs live on Nine and ABC1, followed by the Villers Bretonneux Dawn Service from around 1.30pm. On 7TWO, all day from 3am – 6pm, is the documentary series ANZACS, and on Seven at 7.30 is The Lost Diggers of Fromelles. Meanwhile, GEM are airing Colour of War: The ANZACs from 2pm – 5pm.

The traditional ANZAC Day AFL match between Essendon Collingwood airs on Ten and ONE HD from 2pm, with a two hour special ANZAC Day from the MCG from midday, before the game. After the game at 5.30pm on ONE HD is the AFL Post Game Show.

We can now reveal Ten’s programming for the first week of May – the week that sees the return of Masterchef filling 7 hours of the schedule, plus double that for encores, and the finale of The Biggest Loser on Monday May 2. Also returning that week is new Glee – now, with Masterchef back, on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm.

Here’s the run down:

Sunday May 1.

6.30pm The Biggest Families – the very last last chance training, before the finale on Monday night.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia – season premiere.  MasterChef is back and it’s BIGGER than ever! Tonight the Top 50 contestants arrive on Cockatoo Island to officially kick start the competition. First up is an outdoor camp oven cooking challenge.

9.00pm Hawaii Five-O – new episode. Repeat NCIS follows at 10.00pm.

Monday May 2.

3.00pm Masterchef encore. Encores of the previous nights’ episode also air at 3.30 Tue-Fri as well as Saturday 11.30am (Syd), 12.00pm (elsewhere) Saturday May 7.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia – he remaining 45 contestants meet new regular guest judge, Matt Moran, for a basic skills bootcamp. To avoid elimination, contestants must chop potatoes, make mayonnaise and strip down a chicken.

8.30pm The Biggest Loser Families Grand Finale. Three months ago, 4 families started the weight loss journey of a lifetime. Witness their amazing transformations and incredible losses! Be inspired by their quest for a better, healthier life.

10.00 The Biggest Loser Families – Winner Announced. Find out who is crowned the Biggest Loser 2011.

Tuesday May 3.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia. Tonight the remaining contestants cook off for the first 6 spots in the MasterChef Top 24. Contestants are given two hours to create a trio of desserts set by the guest chef, Maggie Beer.

8.30pm New NCIS, followed by new NCIS: LA at 9.30pm.

Wednesday May 4.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia. The bottom 10 contestants from yesterday’s Maggie Beer Challenge are faced with a choice – either go fishing and cook what you catch, or risk creating a dish with the mystery ingredient.

8.30pm Glee – New episode. Night of Neglect. Proving that birds of a feather flock together, the Gleeks decide to help out another under-the-radar club at McKinley High. But when Sue hears of the harmonious comradery, she quickly moves to strike. Starring: Matthew Morrison, Chris Colfer, Jayma Mays, Lea Michele, Kevin McHale

9.30pm Lie to Me – new.

Thursday May 5.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia. With another 6 spots in the MasterChef Top 24 up for grabs, the final 30 contestants cook with their 5 favourite ingredients to create what they believe is the ultimate Desert Island Dish.

8.30pm The Good Wife – new episode and 9.30pm Law & Order SVU, new episode.

Friday May 6.

7.30pm Masterchef Australia Masterclass. In the first MasterClass of the series, a few special contestants take a trip to the Barossa Valley to visit Maggie Beer in her home and to learn the secrets of the perfect pastry and roast chicken.

9.00pm Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution – new season premiere.

10.00 Law & Order. New.

Saturday May 7.

Sydney: 6.30 Bondi Vet, 7.30 Oprah, 8.30 Hawaii Five-O rpt, 9.30 White Collar rpt.

Brisbane: 6.30 Bondi Vet, 7.00pm AFL: The first Queensland derby in the AFL. Gold Coast Suns Vs Brisbane.

Melbourne & Adelaide: 6.30 Bondi Vet, 7.30 movie: Fantastic Four the Rise of the Silver Surfer, 9.30 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.

Perth: 6.30 Bondi Vet, 7.30 movie: A Knight’s Tale, 10.10 movie: The tender Hook.

Sunday May 8.

With Ten now promoting new Merlin, expect the series to premiere at 6.30pm Sunday May 8.

Tonight, Lara was eliminated again from the Biggest Loser Families, after being one of the four that returned to Camp Biggest Loser during last week (one from each family).

But – going by the promos, we already knew that she was going home.

Lara was notably absent from promos for the night’s episode which clearly shows the three remaining returning contestants shocked at the announcement of a new twist on the show (pictured).

This is not the first time Ten have inadvertently given away the results of a show they are promoting in an ad. When the network aired Celebrity Masterchef in 2009, you could clearly see the final six on in the first week it aired. There have also been other cases where you can deduce the outcome of an elimination based show just be the ads.

Yes – the ads generate interest in the show, but if you know who has been eliminated before watching, doesn’t that take away some of the incentive to watch the show?