Jillian Michaels just made the announcement, but Starcasm called it days ago: The Biggest Loser trainer will be co-hosting one daytime TV show and making regular guest appearances on another. She is trying to channel her inner Oprah, for sure.
Jillian will be one of the co-hosts of the Dr. Phil spin-off show, The Doctors, which also stars Dr. Jim Sears, Dr. Travis Stork, Dr. Lisa Masterson, and Dr. Drew Ordon. Hmmm . . . we dig Jill and all; but, one of these hosts is not like the others.
According to the show’s web page, The Doctors want to give you what you need “to know how to live life to the fullest.” Its hosts “are your go-to sources for information on the latest medical breakthroughs and cutting-edge practices and procedures.” And their “medical dream team uses their knowledge and years of hands-on experience to educate viewers and provide valuable resources.” The website also includes a press release that explains Jillian’s new role on the show:
“Although best known as a trainer and life coach, Michaels also is the author of four New York Times best-sellers. She brings to The Doctors a passion for fitness that originates from 17 years of devoted practice in the fields of martial arts, personal training, health and wellness. She embraces a no-nonsense approach to promoting healthy lifestyles that is well-suited to the show’s core mission of supplying its viewers with valuable information about today’s health topics and recognizing that an ounce of prevention is the key to a long, healthy life.”
So, basically, Jillian isn’t a Dr., but she plays one on TV.
And what’s with the spin off spinning off? Just because Mork and Mindy managed to spin off of Laverne and Shirley after it spun off Happy Days, doesn’t mean just any show can pull it off.
Spin off spin offs are far more likely to go the route of Checking In, which spun off the All in the Family spin off, The Jeffersons. Never heard of it? My point exactly.
But maybe Oprah spins shows off with such velocity that they can make it work. Since Jillian has also signed a contract to make regular appearances on the Dr. Phil show, her spin Daddy will be in prime position to keep an eye on how she’s “movin’ on up.”
Here is the full press release with the announcement and Jillian’s reaction:
(Hollywood, CA – May 6, 2011) — Health and wellness expert and fan favorite Jillian Michaels has been signed to a multi-year deal to join the team of experts on the Emmy Award-winning daytime series The Doctors, it was announced today by Creator and Executive Producer Jay McGraw.
The Doctors, from Stage 29 Productions, and distributed by CBS Television Distribution, launched in 2008 with an esteemed group of professionals that includes E.R. physician Dr. Travis Stork; OB/GYN Dr. Lisa Masterson; cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Drew Ordon and pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears. The show has been heralded for providing viewers with entertaining and easily-digestible information that is essential to health and well-being.
“Jillian Michaels is the perfect addition to The Doctors team,” said McGraw. “She not only embraces our mission to supply viewers with critical information to make informed and intelligent health care decisions, but more importantly, she leads by example. Jillian has been one of our most popular guests, and we’re thrilled to give her a permanent seat at the table on The Doctors, where she will focus on Wellness, Prevention and Lifestyle dynamics in addition to other health-related issues. Our Doctors all love Jillian and could not be more excited about her joining the team.”
In addition to her role as co-host on The Doctors, Michaels also will serve as a special correspondent on Dr. Phil, where she will focus on similar lifestyle issues.
“I could not be more excited about joining such an amazing show! My greatest passion is helping people live their healthiest, happiest lives by empowering them with information and support,” said Michaels. “This is literally the most informative show in daytime, and it allows me to continue to educate people on how to make powerful health choices enabling them to take control of not only their physical well-being, but every facet of their lives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent as a guest on the show and becoming a permanent member of the team makes today one of the best yet.”
Although best known as a trainer and life coach, Michaels also is the author of four New York Times best-sellers. She brings to The Doctors a passion for fitness that originates from 17 years of devoted practice in the fields of martial arts, personal training, health and wellness. She embraces a no-nonsense approach to promoting healthy lifestyles that is well-suited to the show’s core mission of supplying its viewers with valuable information about today’s health topics and recognizing that an ounce of prevention is the key to a long, healthy life.
