Bigger than ever
Season 9 of “The Biggest Loser” is living large. There are twins who, together, weigh almost a ton — James and John Crutchfield will weigh in at 485 and 484 pounds respectively. There are four candidates who each weigh over 400 pounds. Michael Ventrella, 31, will be the first contestant to start the show weighing more than 500 pounds. His starting weight for the show is 526 pounds. There may be a new record for percentage of weight lost in the upcoming season of “The Biggest Loser.” The record was set at the end of season 8, when 40-year-old Danny Cahill weighed in at 239 pounds, down from his starting weight of 430, or about 55.6 percent of his total body weight. There’s a good possibility that Ventrella may beat that record in season nine.
* THE BIGGEST LOSER
Tuesday, 8 p.m., NBC
Shed those pounds
Everybody wants to drop some weight at the beginning of the New Year. This week, Dr. Oz (above) reveals his ultimate diet plan. First, he’ll reveal the three weight loss secrets everyone must know when starting a diet, plus the 5 items that need to be thrown out of your fridge immediately! Then Dr. Oz, and his best friend and “YOU: On a Diet” co-author Dr. Mike Roizen reveal the day-by-day plan to kick start your New Years weight loss resolution.
* THE DR. OZ SHOW
Weekdays, 3 p.m., Fox
Old friends
The murder of a petty officer forces Sam (LL Cool J) to confront someone in his life who may have a connection to terrorism. Meanwhile, Hetty (Linda Hunt) frets over the effect that crime solving is `having on her team. Co-starring Chris O’Donnell (inset).
* NCIS: LOS ANGELES
Tuesday, 9 p.m,. CBS
Fall from grace
Alicia gleans a bit more info into her husband’s fall from grace when she represents his nemesis’ wife in their divorce. Meanwhile, Will (Josh Charles) cozies up to his opposing counsel in a wrongful death suit against caustic commentator Rosco (Craig Bierko). Titus Welliver returns as Peter’s arch-enemy, Glenn Childs. Co-starring Makenzie Vega as Grace Florrick.
* THE GOOD WIFE
Tuesday, 10 p.m., CBS
Brace yourself
When Betty (America Ferrera, above) becomes concerned that she is spending too much time with her boyfriend, she gives him a surprise gallery showing of his art work — with unforeseen results, like a portrait of her with braces. Meanwhile, Marc (Michael Urie) is horrified that his one-night stand is falling for him. Cal Hartley hires someone to replace Wilhemina (Vanessa Williams).
* UGLY BETTY
Wednesday, 10 p.m., ABC
Bicoastal marriage
Bill and Giuliana Rancic try to balance their jet-setting careers with their desire to start a family in season two of “Giuliana & Bill.”
E! Host Giuliana dePandi Rancic and Bill Rancic, first-season winner of “The Apprentice,” started dating after she interviewed him on the red carpet. In 2007, their televised wedding took place on Capri — it wasn’t much of a stretch to launch a reality show.
“Our wedding special did really well for Style, so they approached us about doing a reality show,” says Giuliana, who, with Bill, spoke on the phone while the couple was taking a much-needed break in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. “Never did we ever think we’d do a reality show — so many of them are train wrecks. We lead an entertaining life, but we don’t flip tables over or cuss each other out.”
While the couple quickly became used to the cameras, they did not adjust well to hearing what each other had to say on camera.
“I saw why people on these shows break up. Most couples don’t hear the other person talking about them behind their back. That part was tough,” Giuliana says.
In season two, Giuliana and Bill have babies on the brain.
Thus far, Bill is wondering how they will manage having a baby while they pursue hectic careers. Bill is based in Chicago and Giuliana in Los Angeles. Bill also travels for speaking tours.
“The travel can be a blessing and a curse,” said Bill. “We don’t have the petty fights that most couples have because we aren’t together 24/7. We pick our battles more carefully.”
Besides all the baby talk, viewers will also see the couple compete in a series of physical challenges’ during the annual Rancic family challenge in Tucson, Ariz.
Says Bill: “If we had any advice for single people or couples deciding whether to get married, it’s this: have fun. So many forget to have fun once they get married. You need to be with someone who is your best friend and with whom you enjoy life.” — Paige Albiniak
* GIULIANA & BILL
Sunday, 9 p.m., Style