Chris Haston/NBC

The cast of "The Biggest Losers."

Longtime fans of "The Biggest Loser" are familiar with a phenomenon known as "the week-two curse." Anyone who didn't know about the troubles that traditionally follow the contestants' earliest efforts, certainly got a crash course on the curse Monday night.

The action picked up right where it left off in the last episode -- with the white team reeling from the loss of TC, whose ouster came hot on the heels of Nikki's voluntary exit. With just three members going forward, Jillian Michaels' team worried what the future might hold.

But Team White was far from the only one to fret. Host Alison Sweeney announced that the dreaded red line would return to the weigh-in again and claim another victim without so much as a vote. So the unlucky one with the lowest percentage of weight loss on the losing team by the end of the week would go the way of TC.

That had everyone worried, and that's where the so-called curse concerns came in. On "The Biggest Loser," the second week is often regarded as the hardest week. Players drop big pounds during week one, but often plateau after their initial success. In past seasons, losing no weight at all or even gaining a pound or two wasn't unheard of in week two. That goes for frontrunners and lagging "Losers" alike.

So with that thought looming over the contestants, they all prepared to give it everything they had. Good thing, since Bob Harper, Dolvett Quince and Jillian each set up outdoor gyms to put the players through their paces.

The workouts were, as always, grueling. But they weren't the toughest stuff the contestants faced. In fact, the huffing and puffing must have seemed easy compared to what came next for some of them -- one-on-one visits with "Loser's" resident doc, Robert Huizenga.

Jackson, from Team Red, learned that sleep apnea was robbing his body of much needed oxygen every night. Pam, from the white team, viewed a test tube highlighting the cloudy fat content in her own blood. The assessments were particularly harsh for Team Blue's Gina and Michael. She discovered she had "out of control" diabetes, while he learned that at age 34, he had the arterial calcification of a man in his late 70s.

They each aspired to use the bad news as a motivator for a better future, but first they had to get through the rest of the week's obstacles.

Speaking of obstacles, the official challenge for the week saw eight-time NFL Pro Bowler Antonio Gates direct the teams through speed drills. Teen players Biingo (blue), Lindsay (red) and Sunny (white) were on hand and stood to benefit the most, since the team to complete the drill in the best time would win $5,000 and (a visit from another NFL player) for their kid's school.

In the end, the small but determined (and really fast) Team White won it for Sunny.

But unfortunately, that was the only bit of good fortune the three-member team had all week.

Despite a rough weigh-in for Team Blue -- complete with a zero-pound loss for Jeff -- it was the white team that fell to the curse and ultimately came in last place.

The team of three was suddenly down to just two. It was their seemingly strongest player, Nate, who fell under the red line.

"That makes me really sad. It does," Nate said. "I look back, and I'm proud of the work that I've done. I was starting to write a new book of my life. I wanted 'The Biggest Loser' journey to be a lot longer than two weeks."

There was hardly a dry eye to be seen -- even Jillian broke down.

Still, it wasn't all bad news for Nate. In an update at the end of the show, he revealed that he's continued his weight-loss progress back home. He also had a big reveal for his girlfriend.

After declaring, "I feel like I deserve her now," Nate got down on one knee and proposed.

She said, "yes!"

Find out what the competition holds for the remaining contestants when "The Biggest Loser" airs next Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

What did you think of the results on Monday night? Do you think it was really Nate's time to go? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Jillian Michaels: I'll stay on 'Biggest Loser' 'as long as you'll have me'
• 'The Biggest Loser' returns with three kids and one quitter
• Jillian Michaels: 'The Biggest Loser' is a 'life or death intervention'
• Slideshow: Meet the players of 'Biggest Loser' 14

More in The Clicker:

• Morgan: It was 'a public duty' to try to get Omarosa fired from 'Apprentice'
• Jeah! Ryan Lochte dives into his own reality show
• 'Teen Mom' Farrah Abraham attempts to wax toddler's unibrow
• Omarosa: Piers Morgan 'was so nasty' on 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'

Gus Ruelas / Reuters

Jillian Michaels is back and ready to dish out the tough love on "Biggest Loser" season 14.

She's baaaack! Jillian Michaels made her return to "The Biggest Loser" as a trainer on Sunday's premiere of season 14 after taking a two-cycle break from the weight-loss competition. And this time, it sounds like she won't be leaving again for awhile. 

During a panel with the cast at the TV Critics winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday afternoon, the trainer said that she was excited to be back and that "I will stay on ('Loser') as long as you'll have me!"

"You leave the show, you want to do new things. Everyone’s like, 'That’s great! Good for you! We support you. Can you go back to ‘Biggest Loser'?' " she told reporters. "(Fellow trainer) Bob Harper and I saw Madonna in concert recently and she played new music, and we were like, 'Cool! When is she going to play 'Holiday'?' 'Biggest Loser' is sort of my version of 'Holiday.'"

Michaels also said she "greatly underestimated how inspired" viewers are by the program. "Childhood obesity of course is something we’ve all fought on myriad fronts. Bob works with the first lady. I work with the Clinton Foundation. (Trainer) Dolvett Quince does all that he does. Having a vehicle like 'Biggest Loser,' the resources and the exposure to be able to exploit that is really exciting."

One thing the trainer is known for is her harsh words and tough love for her contestants. When asked if she thought the players would feel let down if -- thanks to her reputation -- she didn't swear at them, Michaels was quick to shoot that down. "No, I don't think they'd be disappointed at all!" she laughed.

But there is a reason for the tough act.

"What seems like television to the American public to us is a life or death intervention," she explained. "So when we get crazy, when we get intense, we do it for a reason." 

"It needs to be raw. It’s brutal. You go into that gym and you don’t know if you have these people for a week or two weeks," Harper elaborated. "You have to make a difference. And Jillian and I are sensitive and extremely passionate about this. When the words are coming out, I find myself at the end of the day just going, 'Oh my god! How many times did I say the F-word?!' "

Quince agreed, saying that the contestants do need the cold reality check the show offers in teaching players to change their unhealthy lifestyles. 

"You push them because look at how bad they’ve been to themselves for so long," Quince said. "You see someone being gluttonous and gorging and all this over excessiveness. Why would you allow giving up to be an option? They’ve been giving up for so long!" 

"The Biggest Loser" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Are you glad to have Jillian back on the show? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• 'Loser' returns with 3 kids and 1 quitter
• VIDEO: ‘Biggest Loser’ loses its first contestant
• Slideshow: Meet the players of 'Biggest Loser' 14

More in The Clicker:

• Omarosa: Piers Morgan 'was so nasty' on 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
• Courteney Cox: I will 'show my boobs' on 'Cougar Town'
• 'Downton Abbey' season 3: 5 story lines to get excited for
• David Letterman talks sex scandal: 'I have nobody to blame but myself'

Chris Haston/NBC

Season 14 of "The Biggest Loser" kicked off with big drama for the new cast.

It's back! After a longer than usual break between seasons, NBC's long-running weight-loss competition, "The Biggest Loser," returned to prime-time Sunday night. And it's clear, while some things have stayed the same on the show, others couldn't be more different.

One change was, of course, the highly anticipated return of pull-no-punches trainer Jillian Michaels, who made her renewed presence known right away -- more on that later.

But the biggest change by far was the addition of kids to "The Biggest Loser" mix. Host Alison Sweeney introduced them as "the three people who will change everything" -- Biingo (13), Lindsay (13), and Sunny (16). They joined the show as participants and ambassadors, but don't go calling them contestants.

In an effort to address the growing problem of childhood obesity, the teens will occasionally participate in challenges and visit the ranch, but they won't have to weigh in or face elimination like others on the show. Instead, their purpose is to learn to lead a healthier lifestyle and to inspire others back home.

Even though the kids aren't officially competing in the same sense as the older folks, they are part of the teams. Biingo is on Team Blue, led by trainer Bob Harper. Lindsay is on Team Red, with Dolvett Quince. And Sunny earned a spot on Jillian's white team.

Uh oh?

Nah. There's no need to worry that Sunny or the others will be exposed to the typical tough talk in the gym that the over-18 crowd usually hears. Jillian's approach with the young ones -- as well as the approach used by all the trainers -- is much more understanding and sympathetic.

"I feel strongly that we're going to make a really positive, powerful impact," Jillian said.

As for the adults, while the end result is still aimed at a making positive impact, the path there won't be nearly as gentle.

Day one in the gym saw competitors repeatedly falling from treadmills, collapsing under their own efforts and vomiting at an alarming rate. Jackson, a member of Dolvett's team, blacked out completely and required oxygen. And TC, a man who tried out for the show repeatedly before making the cut this time, stumbled so many times Jillian kicked him right out of the gym -- along with Nate and Nikki, two of her other struggling charges.

"I have a job to do," she told TC. "You're impeding my progress!"

But progress was eventually made. After the first challenge of the game, which saw the charismatic kids leading the way for their adult teammates before the young players headed back home, everyone seemed to have a renewed energy.

Well, everyone but Nikki.

Nate and TC rallied when they returned to the gym, while Nikki seemed more depressed and far less motivated. She admitted she wasn't prepared for the emotional challenge of the game.

"The choice is yours," an impatient Jillian said. "What do you want to do? Don't say, 'I don't know.' It's really easy: There's the door, or you do the workout."

That's when Nikki made a surprising choice.

"I'm going to take the door," she cried.

With that, before the very first weigh-in, the competition was down one player -- and soon to be down two. When the weigh-in finally rolled around, it was the remaining four members of Jillian's team who were at risk, as they had the lowest overall percentage of weight lost.

Unlike most premiere-night exits, there was no vote to be had, no yellow line in play. The unforgiving red line, which spells a sudden end for the individual player with the lowest percentage on the losing team, claimed its first victim -- TC. 

It was a tough and sudden end for a player who tried so hard to get a spot on the ranch.

See what happens next for the remaining "Losers" when then next episode airs Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

What a night! What did you think of the first exits from the show this season? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Jillian: 'I will stay as long as you'll have me'
• Slideshow: Meet the players of 'Biggest Loser' 14
• 'Biggest Loser' host hopes kid participants will spark 'national conversation'
• Jillian Michaels: 'The Biggest Loser' is a 'life or death intervention'

More in The Clicker:

• Omarosa: Piers Morgan 'was so nasty' on 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
• Courteney Cox: I will 'show my boobs' on 'Cougar Town'
• 'Downton Abbey' season 3: 5 story lines to get excited for
• David Letterman talks sex scandal: 'I have nobody to blame but myself'

When "The Biggest Loser" returns for season 14, viewers will notice a couple of big changes. For instance, trainer and resident tough talker Jillian Michaels will be back on the show after a two-season break. But that's not the only difference that will have fans talking.

For the first time in the weight loss competition's history, kids will be part of the show. Ranging in age from 13 to 16, the young participants will shift the focus of the show to the epidemic of childhood obesity while trying to change their own lives. And according to host Alison Sweeney, it's a good move for "Loser" and for the kids.

"We're really getting into it. We want to have the (childhood obesity) conversation," Sweeney explained during a Friday morning visit to TODAY. "We think it needs to be a national conversation about helping our kids get healthy. The statistics are pretty staggering, and they're getting worse. And we found some amazing kids that we know America's going to fall in love with -- just like we already have."

Unlike the grown-up contestants, who'll be present in the upcoming season as well, the teens won't actually live on the ranch or have to face weekly weigh-ins.

"We're just here to inspire them, to motivate them and teach them and their families to lead healthier lives," Sweeney said.

For those who wonder whether or not it's really a good idea to put kids who are struggling with their weight in the spotlight of prime-time TV, the host insists the move is purely positive.

"The truth is I think they're already being bullied; they're already having a hard time," she told TODAY. "We want to support them and be their friend, and find them a new conversation to have about what we can do right. And they are inspiring their families and their communities, and other kids that watch. It's been fantastic so far."

And it's that sense of motivating more than just the teens on the show that encourages Sweeney.

"We want to get these kids healthy and we want to help parents start at the beginning and help their kids be healthy all along," she said.

Which is exactly what attracted Michaels to return to the competition.

"We are going to be showing America things they can do to help impact the health of our younger generation, which for the first time, in conceivably the (history of the) world, kids now have a lesser life expectancy than their parents," the trainer said in a preview clip for the new season. "The best thing we can do though, as parents, is acknowledge areas where we can improve and work on it."

The season premiere of "The Biggest Loser" airs Sunday night at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Are you looking forward to the return of "The Biggest Loser"? What do you think of kids joining the show? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Jillian Michaels: 'The Biggest Loser' is a 'life or death intervention'
• Meet the players of 'Biggest Loser' 14
• 'Biggest Loser' returns with kid participants, two-night season premiere
• 'Honey Boo Boo' hubbub and the rest of reality TV's biggest jaw-droppers of 2012

More in The Clicker:

• 'Bachelor' producers sue 'Reality Steve' blogger over new spoilers
• 'Best Funeral Ever' turns death into a joyful occasion
• David Letterman talks sex scandal: 'I have nobody to blame but myself'
• Honey Boo Boo's mama panics in mayonnaise meltdown

Mitchell Haaseth / NBC

Trainer Jillian Michaels returns to "The Biggest Loser" for season 14.

Some might see "The Biggest Loser" as simply a weight-loss program. Others might view it more as a tough reality TV competition. But according to returning trainer Jillian Michaels, the show is so much more than either of those things for the contestants on the ranch. She believes it's really a matter of life or death.

That's why Michaels, who was well-known for her no-nonsense ways before she took a two-season break from the show, sometimes gets a little intense in the "Loser" gym.

"I truly only use an intense and aggressive approach when I've exhausted all other options," she told reporters during a conference call on Thursday. "In addition, in looking at the show, you have to understand you have people that are killing themselves. This is a life or death intervention. They're essentially in rehab for a life-threatening food addiction. And they go home, so we have a ticking clock. They may have a week (on the show); they may have two."

That uncertain timetable motivates Michaels.

"I will do whatever I can to attempt to change their minds or get through to them or have a light-bulb, a-ha moment," she explained. "It's not as though they have three years, and they can be in therapy. Unfortunately, 'The Biggest Loser' is not that environment."

But the environment of "The Biggest Loser" is undergoing a big change for season 14. For the first time in the show's history, kids -- ages 13 to 16 -- will be part of the cast.

In an effort to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity, the series will feature the teens as participants and team members, but not true contestants. That means they'll focus on healthy living, rather than a number on a scale. Also, there's no risk of being voted out for the young ones.

And there's no risk of them facing the wrath of the game's toughest trainer. Michaels' approach is completely different where the kids are concerned.

"Of course, we're going to handle this in a completely different way," she assured. "First of all, they're children. They're not 100 percent responsible for their circumstance or their ability to get better. An adult is going to go home (on the show). Kids are not going to go home. Kids are far more fragile and vulnerable. …With the kids, we need to build. There is no break; it's all build. So, of course, we're going to be handling the kids in a 180-degree different way than the adults."

See for yourself when "The Biggest Loser" returns for a two-night season premiere that kicks of Jan. 6 at 9 p.m. on NBC

Are you looking forward to Jillian's return to "The Biggest Loser"? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Meet the players of 'Biggest Loser' 14
• 'Biggest Loser' returns with kid participants, two-night season premiere
• 'Honey Boo Boo' hubbub and the rest of reality TV's biggest jaw-droppers of 2012

More in The Clicker:

• 'Sister Wives' sneak peek: Cranky Kody wants wives to 'obey'
• Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy Fallon put new spin on 'Who's On First?'
• 'Jersey Shore' finale marks the end of a reality TV era
• 'Teen Mom's' Ryan seemingly proposes to Maci on Twitter

MTV / TLC / NBC

Jenelle of "Teen Mom 2," Honey Boo Boo, and Conda Britt of "Biggest Loser."

Sometimes you just can't script the bizarre things that happen on television. And thanks to reality TV programming -- whether the shows focus on lifestyle or competitions -- the "Oh no they didn't!" moments are seemingly endless. That was certainly the case this year, especially with TLC's introduction to Honey Boo Boo and her clan. 

Though the little tyke and her family generated plenty of talk, they weren't the only ones who left viewers laughing, scratching their heads or fuming. 

'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'
Nothing could have fully prepared reality TV audiences for the reality of Honey Boo Boo and her family. But ready or not, when the show premiered in August, it was time to redneckognize the fact the bunch wasn't going away any time soon. For some, the fun-loving family's mere prime-time presence made for one great big jaw-dropper. But for those who watched all of the roadkill-munching and mud-flopping action, there was one simple moment that topped them all: When Mama June taught us all to make "sketti." The ingredients? Topping the pasta and meat is a mixture of a massive glob of butter(-like spread) and ketchup -- microwaved to perfection.

'Teen Mom 2'
Amber who? Original "Teen Mom" Amber Portwood made her share of big mistakes prior to putting herself in jail, but rather than that being the end of law-breaking tales for MTV's franchise, "Teen Mom 2's" Jenelle Evans is following in Amber's footsteps and making truly unbelievable decisions when it comes to time behind bars. Some might say she's been even more frustrating to watch than Amber. Case in point? On the Nov. 26 episode, after learning that her probation officer is offering her a 16-day jail sentence instead of a 45-day sentence for violating probation, Jenelle tells her attorney that she can't start serving the day she is supposed to. Her excuse? No, not life-saving surgery. Not child-care issues. What, then? Second row seats for a Ke$ha concert. We kid you not. Jenelle even got "all these feathers" in her hair just to go see her "idol"! (Check out the young mom's 2009 "Tik Tok" video.)

'Toddlers & Tiaras'
It seems safe to say that most moms (and dads, for that matter) don't ever want to see their precious little kids puffing on cigarettes. But then again, most moms aren't trying to win a costumed beauty pageant at any cost. Destiny's mom, however, was. "Toddlers & Tiaras" viewers must have been as shocked as the pageant judges were when they heard Lisa Christian tell her tyke, "Don't forget to smoke!" before the wee one took the stage with a prop cigarette to portray Sandy from "Grease." One judge spoke for everyone when she said of Lisa, "What is she thinking?!" And that was nothing compared to what prosecutor-turned-talk-host Nancy Grace had to say when she booked Lisa on her show.

'The Biggest Loser'
There was no shortage of gasp-worthy moments on "Biggest Loser" this year. In fact, most of those moments centered on outspoken and outrageous contestant Conda Britt. But the participant some viewers (and fellow contestants) called a bully only played a bit part in real the shocker of the season -- the walkout. Yes, the people who were lucky enough to have landed a coveted spot on the weight-loss ranch decided that the reality show just wasn't "fair" (due to an all-too-common twist in the game) and threatened to walk right off the show if things continued as planned. Even more surprising? Two "Losers" actually made good on that threat and threw away their chances to make it to the finals and compete for the $250,000 grand prize or any other prize -- or even the right to just step up on the scales on finale night.

'Project Runway'
There's usually some griping when "Project Runway" asks its designers to create fab looks for non-model-sized women, but that moaning is generally directed at the task. Not so in season 10. Designer Ven Budhu made his frustration known by making jabs at his size 10 model, Terri Herlihy, who was there because her friend submitted her for a glam makeover. After what seemed like endless comments about her size, Terri was fighting back tears, and angry viewers took to social media to blast the designer hopeful for his behavior. After the show aired, Terri told The Clicker just how horrible the experience was, calling it "adult bullying at its best." The show's mentor, Tim Gunn, was also appalled by Ven. The fashion guru said that the editing was "especially kind" to the designer, adding, "He was especially atrocious."

'Dancing With the Stars'
Boo! Hiss! Those aren't exactly the sounds one expects to hear in the glam and glitz-filled ballroom of "Dancing With the Stars," but for a couple of brief moments in the show's 14th season, that's just what an angry audience delivered all the same. It first happened when head judge Len Goodman and the gang decided to follow up a round of big praise with a round of tiny scores for an excellent team paso doble performance. The in-house crowd let the esteemed panel know just what they thought of that call, as they did again when the judges failed to give Melissa Gilbert and ballroom bad boy Maksim Chmerkovskiy their fair due later in the show.

'Dancing With the Stars' -- again!
Some shows just deliver more surprises than a single entry can cover. Case in point? The second "Dancing With the Stars" season of 2012 might just have topped its own previous ballroom boos when the all-star cast had to say so long to former Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan. History repeated itself for the Disney star as she left the bash in week six, following a strong performance, just as she did back season five. Viewers weren't the only ones shocked. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba clutched her gut when the results were announced, while her fellow panelist looked on slack jawed.

Which reality TV moment did you find most shocking in 2012? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

More year-end TV content:

• Reality shows accused of faking it in 2012
• Best scripted scenes of 2012
• Honey Boo Boo makes Barbara Walters' 'Most Fascinating People' list

More in The Clicker:

• 'The Voice' season finale ends in win for Cassadee Pope
• 'Walking Dead' zombies share many 'Dumb Ways to Die' in video mashup
• 'Project Runway' judge Michael Kors replaced by Zac Posen
• Brandi Glanville: Faye is Kyle's 'pit bull' on 'RHOBH'

"The Biggest Loser" is back with another bunch of overweight contestants hoping to change their lives by learning to eat right, live healthy and shed some major pounds on the way. But there are two firsts for the NBC show in its 14th season: kid participants and an openly gay contestant.

As a child, Jackson Carter was bullied for more than just being heavy -- he was also picked on after coming out at age 14. Now 21, he volunteers at an LGBT youth outreach center in Utah. "I want to be a role model for those kids so that they grow up to lead successful, healthy lives," he said in his NBC bio.

The youngsters competing are 13-year-old Lindsay Bravo, who quit cheerleading after others made fun of her for her weight; 13-year-old "Biingo" Gray, who wants to grow up to be a pro baseball player; and 16-year-old "Sunny" Chandrasekar, who takes Advanced Placement courses but says her weight diminishes her self-confidence. 

The season's heaviest contestant is 34-year-old college professor Michael Dorsey, who weighs in at 444 pounds. In his bio, he said weight loss "just seems like that impossible mountain I cannot overcome."

Slideshow: Meet the cast of 'Biggest Loser' 14

Chris Haston/NBC

Launch slideshow

The contest will be divided into three teams, each led by one of the trainers: Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels and Dolvett Quince. There will be one child on each team, and the kids will compete with and contribute to their groups, though they will not weigh in as the adults do.

"Biggest Loser" kicks off its new season on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 9 p.m., and continues for a second night at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 on NBC.

Related content:

• 'Biggest Loser' returns with kid contestants, 2-night premiere
• Jillian is returning to 'Loser' to tackle childhood obesity

More in The Clicker:

• 'Downton Abbey' goes downtown in New York
• 'Amazing Race' finale ends with shocking win
• Senator urges MTV to pull plug on 'Buckwild'

After a longer-than-usual break between seasons, the return of NBC's weight-loss showdown, "The Biggest Loser," is now just weeks away. But season 14 of the show won't be the same old battle of the bulge.

As previously announced, when the show returns, former "Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels will be back on board to help Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince get the contestants into shape. The contestants, however, will be very different.

In addition to the usual assortment of grownups looking for a way to change their lives, this time, three teens -- ages 13 to 16 --will join the game. But unlike the adults, the teens won't participate in weigh-ins and they won't be subjected to elimination. Instead, they'll tackle childhood obesity by helping themselves and inspiring others.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a pediatrician who specializes in childhood obesity, will also join the reality competition to help the kids follow a program that best suits them.

As for the grownups, they'll still have to face the scale and team votes to stay in the game.

Get a glimpse of what's to come in the clip below, and to see more, tune in to the two-night season premiere of "The Biggest Loser" Jan. 6 and 7 on NBC.

Related content:

• Jillian Michaels returning to 'Biggest Loser'
• Forget 'The Bachelorette'! Love is where you least expect it on reality TV

More in The Clicker:

• Adam Levine slams Honey Boo Boo's family, calls show 'decay of Western civilization'
• Howard Stern to return to 'America's Got Talent'
• 'Reading Rainbow' gets the PBS viral video treatment
• Plane crash staged for 'Chicago Fire' fools TV news anchors

In May of 2011, "Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels left the weight loss competition show behind. The exit marked the second time the tough-talker said so long to the show since first starting alongside Bob Harper in 2004. But now there's good news for viewers who've missed Michaels' no-nonsense presence on the long-running reality TV staple. After a brief two-season break, she's set to return to the show -- again.

Michaels made the big announcement during a Tuesday morning visit to TODAY, and revealed that her return isn't the only big change in store for the next season of the show.

"You know, the show has chosen to take on something very controversial. They're going to go after childhood obesity," she told TODAY's Al Roker. "There are going to be three teenagers on each team. They're not going to be on the ranch, and they're not going to be competing. It's obviously something that needs to be handled with kid gloves, but it's something that needs to be handled."

According to Michaels, the powers that be behind the show felt that with "Loser's" huge success comes an equally large responsibility.

"The producers of the show have been consulting some of the top experts -- pediatricians, child psychologists -- to help us deal with this in the most delicate and appropriate ways," she explained. "For example, we won't be saying things to kids like, 'How much weight did you lose?' It's about getting them healthy, using words like 'healthy.' We won't be getting them on a scale; it's about getting them on a softball team -- things like that. We're very cognizant of how touchy it is, how controversial it is. And yet, of course, that's right where I want to be, right in the sweet spot, right in the frying pan. I couldn't miss an opportunity to be part of it."

Of course, the sensitive approach the show intends to take is a far cry from Michaels' usual shout-it-out ways. But like the show, she's experienced some changes too. Since leaving "Loser" behind, Michaels has become a mother of two.

"The one thing (motherhood) has given me is this incredible understanding of what matters and what doesn't," she explained.

"Loser" fans, are you happy to hear that Jillian Michaels is returning to the show? And do you think the focus on childhood obesity is a good move? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related links:

• Forget 'The Bachelorette'! Love is where you least expect it on reality TV
• Jillian Michaels' Bentley is stolen and wrecked

More in The Clicker:

• Walt makes a big decision in the bloody mid-season finale of 'Breaking Bad'
• Will Ryan Lochte say 'Jeah!' to his own reality show?
• Lindsay Lohan channels Elizabeth Taylor in latest 'Liz & Dick' photos

Getty Images (3)

Kristi Yamaguchi, Johnny Weir and Bruce Jenner all went from the Olympics to reality TV.

They spent countless hours training, made it through tough qualifying trials, and competed in the ultimate competition. They are, in short, the very best of the best. They’re ... reality TV stars?!

Well, they didn’t start out that way, but more than a few memorable Olympians traded their medal-worthy accomplishments for small-screen fun once the games were over.

As the 2012 Olympic hopefuls go for the glory in London and move on to their own reality TV efforts, let’s take a look at some of the athletes who’ve already paved the primetime way and the shows that gave them a shot.

'Dancing With the Stars'
No reality show can boast as big a list of Olympic participants as the ballroom bash. Gold, silver and bronze medalists, "DWTS" has had them all, and several have even moved on to mirror-ball trophy glory. Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno was the season-four champ, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi dominated season six and gymnast Shawn Johnson triumphed in season eight. (Both Apolo and Shawn will be competing in the "All Stars" edition this fall.) Other Olympians who have shown off their fancy (and sometimes not so fancy) footwork include Misty May-Treanor, Maurice Greene, Natalie Coughlin, Evan Lysacek, Sugar Ray Leonard and Hope Solo.

'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'
When thinking about Olympic athletes on reality TV, the "world's greatest athlete," Bruce Jenner, immediately springs to mind. The man not only won a gold medal for the U.S. at the 1976 Olympics in the decathlon, he also set a world record with his 8,634 points. Since 2007, Bruce -- married to Kardashian matriarch Kris -- has been featured on the E! network's popular reality show as well as its spin-offs. He's shown mostly playing dad, but from time to time, offers tales and words of wisdom from his days as an Olympian. But Bruce isn't the only person on the show and its spin-offs who's competed in the games. His son-in-law/basketball star Lamar Odom -- Khloe's husband -- played at the 2004 games and helped the team win bronze.

'Biggest Loser'
A lot of hard work goes into getting ready for an event like the Olympics -- then again, there is no other event like the Olympics. That’s why when the world’s premier athletes take the field, they’re usually in the finest physical form of their lives. After the games? Things can change. That’s a fact Rulon Gardner, the man who took the gold for the U.S. in Greco-Roman wrestling in 2000 and the bronze for the same event in 2004, knows well. In 2011, after weighing in at 442 pounds, he found himself in need of the sort of training that he could get on "The Biggest Loser" ranch. While there, he lost more than 140 pounds before distinguishing himself as the very first player to quit the competition. Another past Olympian starred on the show too. Former "Loser" trainer and retired pro tennis player Anna Kournikova competed in the 1996 games on the Russian tennis team.

'Be Good, Johnny Weir'
Sure, some Olympians sign on to appear in established reality shows when the competition wraps, but then there’s figure skater Johnny Weir, who followed up his 2010 Winter Olympics performances with his very own show. The Sundance Channel’s eight-part docuseries "Be Good, Johnny Weir" followed the life of the charismatic ice star. But that’s far from Weir’s only reality TV experience. In fact, he’s just as much of a workaholic on the small screen as he is in the rink. He gave comedian Kathy Griffin skating lessons on "My Life on The D-List," was as a regular pro panelist on ABC’s short-lived "Skating With the Stars," served as a guest judge on "RuPaul’s Drag Race," and appeared on "The Rachel Zoe Project" and "Say Yes to the Dress." Whew!

'Celebrity Apprentice'
Summer Sanders, who won several medals for swimming at the 1992 Summer Games, like Johnny, didn't limit herself to just one reality show. Since her Olympic days, the swimmer has participated in three reality programs. Of her stints competing on TV, she lasted the longest on season three of "Celebrity Apprentice." Going up against the likes of Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne and Rod Blagojevich, she ended up lasting eight weeks on the show and raised $45,000 for her charity. She also cooked on Team Rachael for Food Network's "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off," and was eliminated in episode four of six.  Summer also hosted Fox's "Skating With Celebrities" in 2006.

Which of today's Olympic athletes would you like to see on reality TV tomorrow? And what kind of show should they be on? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page! 

More in The Clicker:

• 'Dancing With the Stars' producer: 'I wonder about' Bristol Palin
• AMC cancels 'The Killing after two seasons
• Green Day's Bille Joe Armstrong joins 'The Voice'

Craig Sjodin / ABC

Emily Maynard on "The Bachelorette."

Another season of “The Bachelorette” is over, and once again, true love -- or a reasonable facsimile -- prevailed. Yes, after weeks of cycling through suitors, (spoiler alert!) Emily Maynard gave her final rose to Jef Holm and he gave her a proposal (and a great big diamond too). And of course, she said yes.

Now they’ll live happily ever.... OK, who are we kidding? If Emily and Jef go the way the vast majority of couples from the “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” reality TV franchise have, they’re far more likely to say “I don’t” than “I do” to each other.

In fact, with 24 seasons and 24 potential pairings between the two shows, only two season-ending couples ever swapped vows.

Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter, from the first season of “The Bachelorette,” were married on an ABC special (aptly titled “Trista and Ryan’s Wedding”) in 2003. Today they’re still together and have two children.

And while Jason Mesnick gave his final rose to Melissa Rycroft on “The Bachelor’s” 13th season finale, he married his last-minute switcheroo pick, Molly Malaney. They too were married on an ABC special (aptly titled “Jason and Molly’s Wedding”) in 2010.

Two other couples can kind-of-sort-of chalk up their marriages to the shows, but they didn’t actually share any on-screen time together. Jesse Csincsak, of “The Bachelorette’s” fourth season and Ann Leuders of season 13 of “The Bachelor” walked down the aisle after meeting as show alums. It was much the same story “Bachelor 10’s” Petyon Wright and her now-husband “Bachelorette 6’s” Chris Lambton.

But that’s it!

Now don’t let those results lead you to lose faith in finding real love on the boob tube. Just because the shows that aim for a happily-ever-after often fail to find it, that doesn’t mean reality TV is lacking in love. You just have to know where to look.

“Survivor”

Somewhere in between their attempts to outwit, outplay and outlast their tribemates, a few “Survivor” castaways managed to out-romance the competition and walk away from the game with the ultimate reality TV alliance -- marriage.

The first and probably best known “Survivor” union is the one between “Boston Rob” Mariano and Amber Brkich, two past players who found love during the “All-Stars” season, got engaged on finale night and made it official months later. They’re now the proud parents of three children.

Jaime Dugan and Erik Huffman met during “Survivor: China” and tied the knot less than two years later. Alex Bell and Kim Powers, of the “Amazon” and “Africa” editions of the show respectively, also found love on “Survivor.”

And the Jeff Probst-hosted reality TV staple could soon claim two more marriages. Past players and longtime couple Jenna Morasca (“Survivor: Amazon” and “All-Stars”) and Ethan Zohn (“Survivor: Africa” and “All-Stars”) are currently engaged, as are “Redemption Island” pair David Murphy and Carolina Eastwood.

“Biggest Loser”

There’s something about this weight-loss competition that leads to gaining spouses. Whether it’s the shared goals, the hard work or just the close quarters on the “Biggest Loser” ranch, the experience produces lasting love results.

For instance, while there were no visible sparks between season-two winner Matt Hoover and third-place “Loser” Suzy Preston during the show's run, the two fell for each other all the same. Months after their season ended, the pair appeared on TODAY, and Matt popped the question. Suzy accepted. The couple married in 2006 and have two children together.

During the finale for season three of “The Biggest Loser,” Marty Wolff became engaged to his former co-competitor Amy Hildreth. They later married and now have a child. And Stephanie Anderson and Sam Poueu, who met and fell in love in “Loser’s” ninth season, married in April of this year.

The next “Biggest Loser” success story to take place off the scale could be the match between former contestants Antoine Dove and Alexandra White, who were engaged during the season eight finale.

Marriages aside, both “Biggest Loser” and “Survivor” are responsible for plenty of other relationships, and the two reality competitions are far from the only ones to be able to boast that. In fact, for “American Idol” it’s practically a regular occurrence, with Jessica Sanchez and fellow “Idol” alum De Andre Brackensick being the show’s latest love connection. Engaged couple Brendan Villegas and Rachel Reilly met on “Big Brother,” which is known for its frequent “showmances.” Even “Dancing With the Stars” can claim pro-and-partner matches, as well as pro-and-pro ones, over the course of the show’s seasons. But romances rarely seem to last in the ballroom bash.

Are you surprised by the unlikely places couples find love on reality TV? Share your thoughts about the romance-themed shows vs. the shows that actually lead to more romances on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Emily makes her choice on 'The Bachelorette' finale

More in The Clicker:

• 'Toddlers' star leaves pageants way behind in 'Honey Boo Boo'
• Shirley MacLaine: Hairdresser told her about 'Downton Abbey'
• Barbara Walters refuses impromptu interview with George Zimmerman

David Livingston / Getty Images

Jillian Michaels no doubt has a lot weighing on her mind right now. The former "Biggest Loser" trainer found herself on the, well, losing end of a break-in at her home.

More from E: 'The Biggest Loser's' Jillian Michaels gains baby girl through adoption

It seems Michaels woke up on Tuesday morning and noticed the keys to her Bentley were missing, E! News has confirmed.

Sure enough, upon stepping outside, she saw that her expensive set of wheels was indeed gone.

Police later spotted the stolen vehicle being driven, but soon after a pursuit began, the suspect ended up crashing into a light pole

Photos from E: The big picture: Today's hot pics! 

The man was subsequently taken into custody and is also believed to be the person who burglarized Michaels' residence as well.

More in The Clicker:

• 'Big Brother' introduces new twist: 4 returning players
• Seinfeld cruises with 'Comedians in Cars' in first show teaser
• 'Bait Car's' reality TV cameras catch detective in the wrong