Critic Reviews
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Producers clearly encourage some to-the-camera carping, but the overriding emotional tone is one of bonding and growth. And respect. In a reality competition!
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Like The Biggest Loser, Shedding for the Wedding is ultimately feel-good reality that also aims to make its contestants feel better.
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There's nothing terribly original about the Shedding, although it's a hoot to hear about the couples' theme weddings.
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Shedding otherwise is groaningly familiar in every way with its mix of taskmaster trainers, supportive yet firm host and heavyweights who are in it to win it.
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Depicting their triumphs and setbacks with imperfect sincerity, smooshing together various reality-show formulae with an awkwardness that is at times touching, the series sheds light on a corner of the psyche where the princess-y obsessions of the wedding culture meets a mutation of the great American tradition of self-improvement.
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Frankly, none of the couples really stand out by reality-TV standards in the first two episodes, but the basic template contains enough relatable elements--struggling with weight, and stressing about wedding details--to carry the show along.
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Shedding for the Wedding is a plate-load of empty calories, a lot of huffing and puffing we're meant to take as compelling even though there's little compelling in the presentation; it is just speedy.
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Two of my least favorite "reality" genres--the weight-loss competitions and the weddings-on-steroids shows--come together in one only occasionally repellent package tonight.
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Vulgarian avarice, unfortunately, is one of the high points of Shedding For The Wedding. Far more disconcerting is the number of couples who say they want to lose weight because sex between fat people is--well, let's spare the details and just say "yucky."