Amanda Arlauskas

"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.

In this must-see, exciting live finale, all of the contestants from this season return for a special reunion and a chance to weigh in one last time -- and show America how much weight they’ve all lost since beginning their weight-loss journeys. There are four contestants left, but America has voted on the two that fell below the yellow line in last week’s episode to choose who will be the third finalist in the game. After America’s vote is revealed and the third finalist is announced, the eliminated player will then weigh in with the other 12 eliminated contestants to compete for the $100,000 "at home" prize. Then it’s the moment viewers have been waiting for, when one of the three finalists will be named this season’s "Biggest Loser" and win the coveted grand prize of $250,000! Alison Sweeney is the host, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.

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 an exciting week on "The Biggest Loser" when the nine remaining contestants head to Washington D.C., for an adventure that will take them from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the inside of the White House kitchen! After arriving in the nation’s capitol, the players learn from host Alison Sweeney that they’ll now be competing as individuals rather than by teams. And their first challenge is a big one - to race around the National Mall and try and bring as many people as possible back to the Washington monument for a public workout with trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, for the biggest workout in Biggest Loser history! Later, the trainers and contestants meet with members of Congress to talk about the importance of health and nutrition education, especially in schools. Then the players engage in a wild competition involving iconic D.C. landmarks before visiting the White House, where they get to prepare a delicious salad with the chef using vegetables from the White House garden. Later, the contestants weigh in by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before another elimination round sends a contestant home for an emotional reunion with their family.

Tensions rise when contestants learn from host Alison Sweeney that two players will be eliminated this week - so only six of the eight remaining players will still be in the game after the weigh-in. With the stakes so high, players are more determined than ever to stay above the yellow line. First, there’s a tennis ball pop challenge that rewards the winner with an advantage at weigh-in. Then the contestants have to jump through hoops - literally - when they head to the circus for a lively challenge with the coveted prize of immunity for whoever wins. Later, contestants are led by trainer Bob Harper through a wild, trapeze-swinging last chance workout, only to return to the ranch and find trainer Jillian Michaels ready to put them through a second, grueling last chance workout. Then a dramatic weigh-in leads to heartbreaking eliminations as the contestants say goodbye to two more players.