NBC's new reality series "The Biggest Loser" isn't a quest for people who watch "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" every day, nor is a profile of people still wearing mesh trucker hats. It isn't yet another reality show featuring some member of the Hilton family and nobody will marry a dwarf, out-sprint a hippo or box Tonya Harding.
"The Biggest Loser" is actually all about weight loss and NBC is asking contestants to do it the old-fashioned way, without liposuction or gastric bypasses. In what's described as an "inspirational" series, strong-willed contestants will learn weight-loss skills and transform their bodies and their lives.
"This challenging new drama offers a strong emotional attachment for viewers who can follow people trying to change their lives and re-shape their lifestyles," says Jeff Gaspin, NBC Universal's president of cable entertainment and cross-platform strategy. "But the quest and final results will be entirely up to the people who can benefit most - the participants."
NBC has already had open casting calls in Nashville, Memphis, Boston, New Orleans, Buffalo, Chicago Houston and Orlando and future calls will be held in Milwaukee and New Orleans.
"'The Biggest Loser' celebrates hard work and rewards discipline," says the show's executive producer Ben Silverman. "Hopefully we will inspire an overweight America to get fit. Every day will be a struggle for our characters as they battle each other and try to change their habits and way of life."
