Last weekend, Chelsia Hart and I headed down to Portland to check out the Biggest Loser open casting as part of the new reality-obsessed show we’re doing for SuperPass, Back to Reality. This was definitely my idea, and by “my idea” I mean I saw that they were casting in Portland and I emailed the crew like “OMG WE ARE GOING I DON’T CARE IF WE RIDE THERE FROM SEATTLE ON HORSEBACK.” (I’m kinda obsessed with Biggest Loser. )
We scored some exclusive interviews with the casting directors about the audition process and what they look for in potential cast member, and we chatted with people waiting in line (in the pouring rain for hours!) to audition. We also ran into Ken from season three, who was there to cheer on the folks in line, and we talked to him about his experience on the show and what life has been like for him and the other contestants since their time on Biggest Loser.
We put some of our favorite parts of the footage on YouTube — check it out!
Yo, fat gurlz.
Did that woman actually say they’re were looking for people who were rootable? Is that as rude sounding in the US as it is in NZ/Australia?
Is it really true that 85-90% of the people gain back all of the weight they lose after the show? That makes me sad.
I love watching the show and often feel really inspired to lose my “bonus” 25 lbs by watching them overcome their struggles. Plus, I feel like the show does a good job of emphasizing some of the important healthy habits the contestants need for long term sustainability of healthy weights….
But, if such a large percentage of people really aren’t keeping the weight off in the long term, it makes me feel like the show is less about doing good for people and more like other reality shows – just about drawing in an audience with “drama.”
I guess it’s a reminder that it’s all a business.