Shedding for the Wedding | B-

It seems the reality bug just keeps getting bigger. The CW has been experimenting with reality shows to complement its long-running series, America's Next Top Model. Some, like Beauty and the Geek, have had success, while others haven't fared as well. Claiming the coveted Top Model time slot this week was Shedding for the Wedding, a program that pits nine overweight engaged couples against each other in a weight-loss competition for their dream wedding.

A Jenny Craig success story, host Sara Rue (Less Than Perfect), starts by introducing each couple. Their ideal wedding themes range from Beach Fantasy to a Greek-Week-themed wedding featuring a beer pong table. (Naturally the bride will make sure it's monogrammed, "because that keeps it a little classy.") We also meet the two fitness trainers during the contestants' first workout, as well as the nutritionist and, of course, the esteemed wedding planner.

Wedding's biggest problem lies in the draw of the show itself. The series is a combination of NBC's The Biggest Loser and pretty much any wedding show on TLC. TV ads and bus banners will only take the show so far if viewers feel they've already seen a million shows like it. The series also goes a little over the top in choosing couples with incredibly strange, desired wedding themes. One couple, for example, met online and wants the wedding to center on online gaming. The quirky themes and personalities of some of the couples detract from the point of the show, which is the struggle to lose weight.

Few scenes were as emotive as the point in which the brides try on their dream wedding gowns. One by one, the women tearfully explain that they don't feel beautiful because they don't feel right with themselves. But the premiere's poignant pinnacle was when Greek Week couple Lindsey and Chase were faced with the first "'Til Death Do Us Part" challenge. Facing elimination, the couple had to keep a 200-pound weight from hitting the ground for three minutes. With 15 seconds remaining, Lindsey was physically struggling but persisted with Chase's motivating words, telling her to hold on because he loves her.

If Shedding can tap into this emotion without getting distracted by the eccentricities of the teams, it has the potential to keep viewers watching. But can it attract an audience? That remains to be seen.