Getting fit is the sweetest ‘Revenge’
Served hot:
The best way to get back at your ex after a nasty breakup is to look fantastic. With Khloé Kardashian on one’s side — as well as an army of beauty experts, personal trainers and dietitians at her disposal — doing so gets a little easier.
The youngest Kardashian sister guides 17 revenants through transformative makeovers in season 2 of “Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian,” premiering Sunday, Dec. 10, on E!
In the series, the contestants dust off the ashes of their former relationships and show up anyone who didn’t believe in them. And who better to lead them than Khloé — a lesser-known sister of the TV-famous family (“Keeping up with the Kardashians”), who’s often voiced her struggles with self-image?
In an E! promo video for “Revenge Body,” she describes herself as the “chubby” sister. Khloé says she longed for her siblings’ style and swagger. Now, she’s found happiness in being fit, eating right and dressing sharp — and she wants to bring this gift to others.
Though “Revenge Body” is about makeovers, it’s not a fair-weather series. The show addresses serious relationship issues such as abuse, addiction and sexual orientation. After contestants realize how unhealthy habits or thought processes hold them back, the real changes begin to emerge. Season 2 retains the element that gives the show its edge, with footage focusing more on the makeovers this year.
Each expert teaches contestants to keep a diet and fitness regimen to gain mental and physical strength. Experts talk straight to contestants about the health risks of their diet or lifestyle. Contestants then have to navigate new friction in their relationships as they try to change their habits for the better.
Others stress the most significant part of happiness: living as your authentic self. One contestant struggles with his identity as he decides whether to come out as gay to his parents. Everyone must confront what they fear before they can change.
Khloé gives each person the confidence to strive for their goals, and the transformations often shock audiences. Even without a mob of hairstylists and personal trainers at your disposal, there’s plenty of useful advice on tenacity and self-love to take to heart.
Season 2 brings more tears, joy and inspiration for fans when “Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian” returns Sunday, Dec. 10, on E!
The naked truth:
What if someone took away everything you owned — your phone, your money and even your clothes — for 21 days? That’s what “Stripped” explores as couples, siblings, friends, single parents and bachelors strip down to their birthday suits in front of a camera crew. The newest episode of “Stripped” airs Tuesday, Dec. 12, on Bravo.
“Stripped” shows the complicated relationship we have with the things we own, and how we may take those everyday items for granted. The series takes each person’s most coveted belongings and locks them in a mobile storage container somewhere in the city. If participants find the storage location, they get one of their valued items back that day. They must survive with what they’ve got, plus the water, food rations and toilet paper they’re given on the first day.
Adapted from the hit Scandinavian format, “Stripped” takes reality TV to the next level by expecting each person to carry out his or her everyday life. They still go to work, drive the kids to school and socialize with friends, whether they have their car, phone or wardrobe.
“Stripped” delivers plenty of laughs and awkward moments, but the paradigm shifts will amaze viewers. What matters to most may not be as important as they thought, shaking foundations to the core.
There are no prizes to be won, but the participants all walk away with an authentic knowledge of themselves and their relationships. Watch real Americans as they bare all in the social experiment. A new episode of “Stripped” airs Tuesday, Dec. 12, on Bravo.
Super-sized foodies:
Travel Channel’s hit series “Man v. Food” has long been a favorite for extreme food lovers, and its latest host breathes new life into the series. Casey Webb returns with a new episode of “Man v. Food” on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
After Adam Richman left the series as host in 2012 (and lost 70 pounds two years later), many assumed no one would replace him. Food challenges are as mentally daunting as they are physical, so it’s not a job for your average glutton.
“Man v. Food” found its footing with Webb, however, who started his career in restaurants and entertainment. He’s had guest roles in “Inside Amy Schumer” and “Boardwalk Empire,” but hit it big when he became the larger-thanlife foodie in “Man v. Food.”
While exploring the culinary gems of America, Webb’s eaten a burger stuffed with french fries and fondue; a pitcher-sized Bloody Mary garnished with a whole chicken; and a Reuben weighing more than four pounds. And he’s just getting started. This season brings more outlandish challenges for Webb, including the spiciest food imaginable.
Audiences have been gobbling up each episode with delight. Those wanting seconds of the series can check out “Extra Serving,” a digital show on Travel’s website that shows footage that didn’t make the prime cut. Don’t miss the next serving of Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” airing Tuesday, Dec. 4.