This week, contestants are surprised by the return of the blue and yellow teams, who were sent home after the first challenge of the season. Now they’re back, 30 days later, to weigh in and try to earn a spot back on the ranch. Then a vigorous football challenge tests everyone’s stamina, except for one player sidelined with medical issues, and provides immunity for the winner – but a big disadvantage for the losing team. Later, after another elimination round sends a player home, host Alison Sweeney surprises the contestants with exciting news
The players compete for immunity during a surprise challenge. The winning team also has the chance to influence the weigh-in for three other groups. Later, the trainers are dismayed by one team's game-playing tactics, and the contestants take part in a lifting challenge.
The teams are split up into teachers and students. The teachers work out with Bob and Jillian and then must instruct the students on what they've learned from the trainers. Elsewhere, a player considers leaving the ranch after a conflict with Bob and Jillian; and the weigh-in turns tense when accusations begin to fly.
The contestants receive medical evaluations from Dr. Huizenga, who gives each team a task to illustrate the effects of their poor health. Later, the players compete in a balance challenge over a pool and Jillian urges a contestant to confront her fears
Season 9 kicks off with 22 new contestants, the show's heaviest cast yet, who compete in family teams of two. Before arriving at the ranch, the players must step on the scale in front of family and friends in their hometowns. Later, during their first day on campus, the players endure a strenuous bike challenge
The winner of the $250,000 grand prize is revealed in the eighth-season finale. Also: The eliminated players return for a final weigh-in and compete for the at-home $100,000 prize; and the third finalist chosen by viewers is announced.
We're down to the final four, folks, and only three contestants will make it to the live finale. The first few minutes of this week's episode featured flashbacks from Week 1 on campus. But now it's time for Danny, Rudy, Liz and Amanda to head home for 60 days to finish up their journey there.
Suze Orman visits the ranch to explain the connection between health and wealth, a lesson that's driven home with a quiz about the high cost of health problems. Later, NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson leads the players in a football challenge, and the weigh-in winner receives a home visit from Curtis Stone.
The six remaining players receive makeovers with the aid of Tim Gunn and hairstylist Tabatha Coffey. After giving speeches about their weight loss at an event for TV GUIDE magazine, the contestants reveal their new looks to family and friends. Later, the players compete for a two-week trip to a fitness resort in Utah.