Rebecca Meyer

Week five on the ranch kicks off with contestants getting the news that they'’re all going to be joining either trainer Jillian Michaels'’ black team or Bob Harper’'s blue team. But the bigger news from host Alison Sweeney is that whoever wins this week’s temptation gets to make the critical decision of which contestant goes on which team. And when one person wins that much power, all of the contestants are worried about being potentially separated from the partner who has been with them since the beginning of their weight-loss journey. Later, a challenge tests the contestants’ ability to work together in their newly-formed teams, and one player gives another a very special gift. Then a weigh-in leads to a tough elimination, sending another player home.

"The Biggest Loser" returns for season eight with a special theme of second chances. Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives) hosts the popular series, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return to train 16 contestants eager to get their second chances at a new lease on life. From a mother and military wife who has always put others first, to a firefighter whose health and job are at risk because of his weight, they'’ll all come together hoping to transform their bodies, their health, and ultimately, their lives. Last season'’s heaviest contestant and fan favorite Daniel will also return for a second chance to finish the weight loss journey he started and inspire a female social worker who has taken his place as the heaviest contestant in the history of "The Biggest Loser" weighing in at 476 lbs. In the season premiere, one contestant has a health scare during the first challenge, and all of the players get a wake-up call when they meet with Dr. Huizenga to better understand all the medical conditions they'’re facing because of their extra weight. Then an emotional weigh-in is followed by an elimination, sending home the first player of the season.

This week, the black and blue teams head to the beach to square off in a wild challenge that sends them digging for a buried treasure. The winning team will get a huge prize - tickets home to see their loved ones - but there'’s also a surprise twist! One team of contestants goes home for emotional reunions with loved ones, but is quickly faced with the challenges of continuing to eat healthy and work out back in their everyday lives. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the other team is determined to make the most of their time alone on campus in the hopes they can lose more weight than their opposing team. Also, contestants lend a hand at a food bank this week, and one contestant has an emotional breakthrough with trainer Jillian Michaels. And the team who made the most weight loss progress is revealed at the weigh-in before another player is sent packing. Alison Sweeney hosts the series, and trainer Bob Harper also stars.

This week, the five remaining contestants get a surprise visit from financial guru Suze Orman, who talks to them about the connection between health and wealth and gives them tips on how to be financially fit when they get home. The players take a health quiz about the high costs of poor health, and later, they talk to trainer Bob Harper about leaving the ranch and the challenges they may face back home. Later, Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion Rod Woodson helps kick off an NFL challenge involving the weight they’ve each lost all season. Then it’s off to the weigh-in, where this week’s winner will get a home visit from chef Curtis Stone to show them how to cook healthy meals after they return from the ranch. Then one contestant is sent home, leaving the four "Biggest Loser" finalists. Alison Sweeney hosts the series, and Jillian Michaels also stars.

It'’s week two at the ranch, well known as one of the hardest weeks on "The Biggest Loser" to lose big numbers on the scale. So contestants are surprised when host Alison Sweeney tells them they'’ll all get to stay on the ranch another week - if they lose a certain amount of weight. Hoping to help in their quest is Chef Curtis Stone, who meets them at the California Health and Longevity Institute for a "kitchen boot camp" designed to help them make healthier food choices. Then all the contestants have to rely on each other for a balancing challenge that tests their ability to work together. And later, the weekly weigh-in will reveal whether all the players meet the required weight loss goal to stay another week - or whether two players will be sent home. Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.

It’s one of the most eagerly-anticipated events every season -- "The Biggest Loser" makeover episode! Fashion guru Tim Gunn and chic hair stylist Tabatha ("Tabatha’s Salon Takeover") return to help the remaining six contestants look fabulous before they give speeches about their weight loss journeys to motivate others at a TV Guide Magazine event. Then it’s time for amazing reveals and emotional reunions, when the made-over contestants show off their incredible new looks to loved ones flown in to help them celebrate their big day and hear their emotional speeches. Later, the contestants face a high-flying challenge across a canyon divide, and the winner is rewarded with a two-week trip to "The Biggest Loser" resort at Fitness Ridge in southern Utah. Then a tense elimination follows the weigh-in, sending another contestant home. Alison Sweeney hosts the series, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.