Amanda Arlauskas

It’s an intense week on "The Biggest Loser" when the contestants learn from host Alison Sweeney that they will each face off against a player from the opposing team at weigh-in. The winner of the pop challenge gains considerable control by getting to choose who faces off against whom. Then New York Yankee and four-time World Series champ Derek Jeter gives the players a pep talk about the importance of teamwork before they embark on a wild baseball challenge. The challenge winner then gets a delicious and healthy Mediterranean meal prepared by acclaimed chef Curtis Stone. Later, one player breaks a "Biggest Loser" record at weigh-in, and then the contestants say goodbye to one of their own in the most emotional elimination so far this season. Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.

"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.

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.

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.