'The Biggest Loser' (8PM, NBC) season 9 premiere
We love that NBC kicks off a new season right after the new year begins, which always gives us another source of inspiration as we all plot our own healthy resolutions. This season might prove to be even more motivational, as the theme is families. The 11 teams competing to win the big cash prize -- and, more importantly, to change, and maybe save, their lives -- are made up of family members. The ninth season also includes the show's heaviest contestant to date (and the first one to start the season weighing more than 500 pounds), as 526-pound Michael Ventrella, a 31-year-old disc jockey from Chicago, will compete with his 51-year-old travel agent mom, Maria.

Yesterday, NBC revealed the cast for the new season of The Biggest Loser, and I was thrilled to see that last season's heaviest contestant Daniel Wright was among the new losers. Daniel was heavily crippled in his weight loss goals by the "Couples" format in place last season.

Dan had a great attitude and really wanted to make things work, but his partner David didn't have the drive to change, which ultimately cost them both the chance to continue beyond the fourth week. Daniel, who started at 454 pounds (the heaviest contestant ever until this season), still managed to drop to 312 pounds by the finale.