The Biggest Loser US

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Nine, 7.30pm

How much have Nine promoted this – the first free to air broadcast of The Half Blood Prince? Harry returns to Hogwarts for his sixth year, to face a growing danger from Lord Voldemort and his supporters, which may be more than a match for his strengthening powers as a wizard.

The Biggest Loser (US), ELEVEN, 8.30pm.

With the finale airing next weekend, we are at the (pardon the cliché) business end of the competition. The contestants are put to the test in a trivia competition that tests both their food and fitness knowledge. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York.

Engineering Connections: The Space Shuttle, SBS ONE, 7.30pm

How many shows does this guy do!?!? Richard Hammond explores the ingenious design secrets of NASA’s space shuttle. He demonstrates the cooling system that keeps the shuttle’s engines from exploding, uses a wall of water to guard against the destructive power of sound waves, and explains how features found in cannonballs, tram tracks and camera irises help the shuttle successfully complete its missions.

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach, GO!, 10.21pm

On the eve of his retirement, Lassard is being honoured as the Policeman of the Decade at the 50th Annual National Police Chiefs Convention in Miami Beach. At the airport terminal, Lassard accidentally picks up an overnight bag filled with $3 million in stolen diamonds. When the thieves locate and kidnap Lassard, his loyal graduates come to the rescue with hilarious results.

Speed, Ten, 8.40pm (Sydney)

Pop quiz, hot shot? How many times has Speed aired on Ten? There’s a bomb on the bus… Stay above 50! Classic lines from a classic movie! A hot-shot young cop is the target of a psychopathic bomber’s elaborate revenge plot. Jack Traven must race against time – and the speed limit – to save a busload full of innocent passengers.

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.

ELEVEN programming for the week commencing August 28 sees Smallville back in the schedule, the final two episodes of 90210’s first season played out and the season finale of The Biggest Loser US.

Back at 10.40pm on Sunday August 28 is Smallville with a new episode “Charade”. It follows the network premiere movie Waitress. Angel is at 11.30pm, Sabrina 12.30am.

On Monday August 29 from 8.30pm, is The Simpsons For Grown Ups which features two episodes heavier than usual with adult themes (thankfully the use of the term “Adults Only” is lost) – Marge and Home Turn a Couple Play and The Three Gays of The Condo. Being Human continues 9.30pm.

Tuesday night has the regular new episode of The Office at 8.30pm followed by a repeat. Wilfred is at 9.30pm.

New episodes of The Cleveland show return to ELEVEN at 9.30pm from Wednesday August 31. New Futurama continues at 8pm Wednesdays.

On Thursday night, Stargate Universe is down to the last episodes of the series. Wonder what will replace it on Thursday nighs is a few weeks’ time?

Saturday night September 3 has the season finale of The Biggest Loser US from 8.30pm, followed by the final two episodes of season one of 90210 from 10.30pm. 90210 was out of the schedule for a few weeks. Look out for a whole new Saturday night line up on ELEVEN from September 10.