Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition: New Reality TV Series Debuts in May

ABC has decided to try their own weight-loss reality show, giving fans of NBC’s popular The Biggest Loser something to watch once that show wraps for the season on May 21st. Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition will follow episodes of The Bachelorette and is being tying it into the Extreme Makeover franchise. Many are familiar with the Home Edition version (which returns April 17th) but that was actually preceded by Extreme Makeover; a more traditional makeover show which ran from 2003 until 2007.

Because the goal is for morbidly-obese participants to lose half their body weight, it takes as much as a year to shoot each makeover. With that in mind, ABC renewed the TV series for a second season of six episodes back in September.

Here’s the press release about the premiere from ABC:

EIGHT MEN AND WOMEN UNDERGO THE GREATEST TRANSFORMATION OF THEIR LIVES ON “EXTREME MAKEOVER: WEIGHT LOSS EDITION,” DEBUTING MONDAY, MAY 30 ON ABC

The Series Will Air Mondays at 10:00 p.m., Following “The Bachelorette”

In a unique, non-competitive show about weight loss — unlike anything seen on television — “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” will document the amazing makeover of eight courageous, “super obese” people who, in an unprecedented 365 days, set out to safely lose half of their body weight, ultimately revealing an amazing metamorphosis. In each of the eight one-hour episodes, the participants undergo a transformation not only of their bodies, but of who they are as individuals. “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” will premiere MONDAY, MAY 30 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Please note: “The Bachelorette” will premiere on Monday, May 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), following “Dancing with the Stars,” and move to its regularly scheduled timeslot on Monday, May 30 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

The term “super obese” is used to define those who exceed their estimated ideal weight by approximately 225 percent and who are roughly 200 pounds or more overweight. “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” will present each participant’s journey in a stand-alone episode. Trainer and transformation specialist Chris Powell (“The 650-Pound Virgin”) will guide each of the eight participants through their transformation process by moving into their homes with their families or loved ones. By assuring that they have the proper nourishment and exercise movement, Chris will provide a fresh perspective to individuals whose lives have become unmanageable because of their weight.

From the producers of “The Biggest Loser” and “MasterChef,” “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” is executive-produced by JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson and Matt Assmus. The series is produced by 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA.

What do you think? Are you interested in this new reality series?