NBC SIZES UP A FIFTH SEASON FOR INSPIRING HIT WEIGHT LOSS SERIES “THE BIGGEST LOSER”

BURBANK - September 24, 2007 - NBC has weighed in on a fifth season of its popular weight loss reality series "The Biggest Loser" (Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m. ET), it was announced today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

"'The Biggest Loser' continues to be a top performer and important franchise for NBC, and season four is already off to a great start," said Plestis. "We look forward to the fifth cycle of the show, and continuing to entertain and inspire viewers all over the country as they watch these remarkable contestants achieve life-changing results."

"The success of 'The Biggest Loser' brand continues to positively impact viewers and participants worldwide," said executive producer Mark Koops. He added, "Having a fifth season pick-up is fantastic and knowing the show will be able to further promote a healthier lifestyle is the best reward."

"For the last four seasons, 'The Biggest Loser' has taken on the fat that has plagued America for decades," said executive producer JD Roth. "Our scale has been there, and will continue to be there telling these inspiring stories of weight loss for years to come."

"NBC believed in 'The Biggest Loser' since day one and we're thrilled that the show has had such a powerful impact all over the world," said executive producer Dave Broome.

Season five, which begins shooting this fall, will also feature an all-new twist that will heighten the emotion and tension in the competition. For the first time ever in the history of the show, teams of two will compete against each other rather than individuals. These teams will already have a special bond so they're playing not only for themselves, but also for their loved one, co-worker or best friend.

"The Biggest Loser" opened its fourth season on September 11 with a 3.1 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49 and 7.8 million viewers overall, sweeping its four half-hours in 18-49 and delivering the #1 rating of the night. With its second episode of the new season September 18, "The Biggest Loser" grew to a 3.4 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49 and 7.9 million viewers overall, increasing by 10 percent on its premiere rating of one week earlier and jumping 17 percent above its second-episode rating of one year ago. "The Biggest Loser" convincingly won its September 18 time period airing against the season finale of CBS' "Big Brother" and the season premiere of CW's "Beauty & the Geek."

The first reality series in which everybody "loses," "The Biggest Loser" -- hosted by Alison Sweeney (NBC's "Days of our Lives") -- challenges and encourages overweight participants to undergo physical makeovers, without any kind of surgery, in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. The series has become a worldwide hit airing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. It has also produced a New York Times best-selling book and cookbook, two #1 selling fitness DVDs and a burgeoning online lifestyle club www.thebiggestloserclub.com.

"The Biggest Loser" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office," "Ugly Betty"), Dave Broome ("A Model Life with Petra Nemcova," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope"), JD Roth ("Age of Love," "Beauty and the Geek"), Todd A. Nelson ("Unan1mous," "Beauty and the Geek") and Mark Koops ("Blow Out," "Shear Genius") serve as executive producers.

Source: NBC Press Release

powered by FreeFind