Texarkana Gazette

Contestant­s look for romance in ‘The Proposal’

- By Kyla Brewer

Love is in the airwaves: Marriage may seem like an antiquated notion to some, but plenty of romantics are still eager to walk down the aisle. In this day and age, it can be tough to find “the one,” and more people are turning to the magic of television to find romance.

Former “The Bachelor” star Jesse Palmer hosts as 10 competitor­s vie for the affections of an unknown partner in the premiere of “The Proposal,” airing Monday, June 18, on ABC. The unique competitio­n follows the participan­ts through four pageant-style rounds in the hopes of winning the heart of the mystery person.

The series comes from “The Bachelor” mastermind Mike Fleiss. When news broke about the 10-episode series in April, Fleiss told the Hollywood Reporter he was excited about the new show.

“I think ‘Bachelor Nation’ is going to love it,” he explained in reference to the pet name for fans of The Bachelor franchise. “It’s also great to welcome back a member of the ‘Bachelor’ family, our host, Jesse Palmer.”

A fan favorite, Palmer was the star of the fifth season of ABC’s hit reality TV series “The Bachelor.” Although his romance with finalist Jessica Bowlin fizzled a few months after they connected on the iconic show, he’s ready to guide the participan­ts of “The Proposal.” Each week, 10 eligible singles attempt to woo a partner during the first impression round and beachwear round, in addition to answering the mystery man or woman’s questions and competing to win the approval of the mystery person’s most trusted family member.

As the series progresses, some contestant­s are sent packing, while those who make a connection with the featured single stick around in the hopes of earning the ultimate prize: a proposal. In the end, two finalists meet the suitor for the first time and present a romantic proposal.

Find out whether anyone is willing to say “I do” in the new series “The Proposal,” premiering Monday, June 18, on ABC.

To the rescue: Animal lovers are a compassion­ate bunch, and some people dedicate their whole lives to creatures in need. Animal Planet shines a spotlight on such heroes in a new docuseries.

Humans go to great lengths to help abused, neglected and homeless ani- mals in “Dodo Heroes,” airing Saturday, June 23, on Animal Planet. Each episode explores the inspiring stories of men and women who work tirelessly to save animals in need.

The program marks the channel’s first-ever global series premiere, as it airs in more than 220 countries and territorie­s worldwide. In December 2017, news broke that the show would be produced in associatio­n with Dodo, the online digital media brand for animal lovers, and Nomadica Films.

“These are compelling and moving stories about the powerful relationsh­ip between animals and people,” Animal Planet executive Susanna Dinnage said when the series was announced.

This week’s episode profiles British Marine Pen Farthing and Hannah Surowinski, who run an animal sanctuary in Afghanista­n. The couple has rescued more than 150 animals from the streets of Kabul, and cameras follow them as they attempt to transport six puppies from Afghanista­n to Texas, where they’ll be reunited with the soldier who first saved them.

Another episode in the series features Derrick Campana, an expert in animal prosthetic­s and orthotic braces. He’s on a mission to save Jabu, a 30year-old elephant with a life-threatenin­g leg injury. Before he flies to Botswana to help Jabu, Derrick checks in on Chi Chi, a quadripleg­ic dog with four prosthetic legs.

Other episodes share the story of Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips and Animal Defenders Internatio­nal, an organizati­on on a mission to free circus animals from a life in chains as they work to ban the animal circus industry in several countries. The show also follows Katherine Connor of Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary as she tries to rescue a majestic elephant named Pang Fai in Thailand. In another episode, chimpanzee expert Estelle Raballand searches for a companion for a lonely chimp.

Animal lovers won’t want to miss “Dodo Heroes,” airing Saturdays on Animal Planet.

Secrets of success: Whether it’s stardom, financial success or athletic achievemen­t, just about everyone has a dream. Unfortunat­ely, the will to succeed isn’t always enough to make those dreams a reality, so a new interview series takes a look at how eminent artists, athletes, innovators and others have reached the top of their respective fields.

Emmy-winning journalist Carlos Watson explores unconventi­onal paths to success in the series “Breaking Big,” airing Friday, June 22, on PBS. The program reveals that even the most talented, intelligen­t and driven people sometimes struggle.

“The paths leading up to a gamechangi­ng career are varied and rarely without setbacks and lucky breaks,” Watson explained.

In addition to interviews with the subjects, the show includes input from social scientists, marketing experts, film critics, editors and others.

“Breaking Big’s” first season subjects include Trevor Noah (“The Daily Show”), Danai Gurira (“Black Panther,” 2018), country music star Jason Aldean, fashion designer Christian Siriano, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and producer/director Lee Daniels, among others.

This week’s episode traces the success story of chef and author Eddie Huang (“Fresh Off the Boat”). Don’t miss “Breaking Big,” airing Friday, June 22, on PBS.

 ??  ?? Jesse Palmer hosts “The Proposal”
Jesse Palmer hosts “The Proposal”

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