The TV Chick

Each year, The Biggest Loser continues to amaze me. It’s something about watching people transform their lives that really gets me. And Bob and Jillian are amazing contestant ass-kicking machines. I love them so much! The theme of the 8th season is second chances, and some of the contestants will truly melt your heart. There is the biggest contestant in Biggest Loser history (even if they outdo themselves every year), a firefighter whose job is at risk, Daniel (back from last season!), and many amazing others.

Here is a first look at the contestants:

• Sean Algaier: Youth Pastor, 29

• Amanda Arlauskas: Patient Care Technician, 19 (remember the girl from last season’s finale who got voted onto the show? I love her!)

• Danny Cahill: Land Surveyor/Musician, 39

• Mozziz “Coach Mo” Dewalt: Youth Mentor, 56 (he’s pretty great)

• Antoine Dove: Health Insurance Agent, 23

• Julio Gomez: Mortgage Loan Officer, 40

• Dina Mercado: Custodian, 28

• Rebecca Meyer: Student/Nanny, 25

• Rudy Pauls: Engineer, 31

• Abby Rike: Teacher, 35 (She lost her husband and two children in a car crash. Her story is incredibly compelling).

• Allen Smith: Firefighter/EMT, 44

• Shauntina “Shay” Sorrells: Social Worker, 30 (heaviest contestant ever)

• Alexandra White: Student, 20

• Daniel Wright: Student), 20 (yay for second chances!)

• Liz Young: Salesperson, 49

• Tracey Yukich: Homemaker, 37

The premiere had interesting challenges as well as some big twists (if you read the conference call, you already know this but small spoiler coming up): Bob and Jillian train the teams together!!! I thought this was a fantastic and refreshing change. Clearly, Bob and Jillian are good friends, and being adversaries on the show just added an unnecessary level of competition. The contestants should be competing against each other, not the trainers. I think this season may prove to be the best one yet, and I cannot wait for the premiere. The 2 hour long (tear-jerker) season premiere is TOMORROW at 8 pm on NBC.