Reality and lifestyle channel, TLC has announced a new reality show about "mixed-weight" relationships. The upcoming reality series will explore the challenges faced by real "mixed-weight" couples.
The show, which will be called "Hot and Heavy," is set to premiere on January 7. It will follow the lives of three real-life couples - Joy and Chris, Kristin and Rusty, and Adrianna and Ricardo.
"Hot and Heavy" will deal with the challenges that "mixed-weight" couples face such as judgment from family and close friends. The three-part, one hour show is a first of its kind to explore the highs and lows of "mixed-weight" relationships.
The show which was first announced on the network's Twitter account immediately received backlash. Twitter users responded by calling the show's title "horrible" and offensive.
It was also criticized for being exclusively about men that are in a relationship with plus-size women and not vice versa. Some even called the show's concept tasteless and enforcing beauty standards only on women.
"We're not fetish material. We're not freak shows. We're not PROBLEMS." said Samantha Puc, editor-in-chief of Fatventure magazine. She also urged everyone to stop treating obesity as if it's a curse and treating the lives of fat women as entertainment.
But not everyone is unhappy with the show. One user Tweeted "I’m not going to sit here and judge. Whatever makes your clock tick, it’s your life enjoy it."
The show's trailer which was uploaded on the network Twitter account has already been viewed almost 4 million times. It shows a glimpse at the show's main female characters' lives.
TLC, a network known for diverse programming, is also known for its controversial shows. Shows such as Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Breaking Amish, Gypsy Sisters, Sister Wives, and Toddlers and Tiaras, have all faced backlash when they were first announced.
Two of the show's couples, Joy and Chris and Adrianna and Ricardo deal with the judgment of their family and close friends. While Kristin and Rusty face the dilemma of Kristin getting a gastric surgery for her to have a baby.
Hot and Heavy premiers Tuesday, January 7, 2020. It is produced by This Is Just A Test for Discovery Communications, the same company that produced the shows Undercover Billionaire, I Am Jazz, and Project Grizzly.