Can a TV show centered around the $46 billion herbal weight loss industry be interesting? We'll soon find out, because HBO has greenlit a pilot called Fat Sells. The story will center on the head of a weight loss company, and how his life starts to unravel when the FDA begins investigating the company's claims.
Forest Whitaker is attached to exec produce (and possibly direct the pilot), along with Dave Broome, who served as exec producer on The Biggest Loser. Hmmm ... wonder if he has some insider info he'll bring to this project.
In a story in today's Variety, Broome said, "It's the magic pill theory. As a society, we don't care what the side effects are to these pills. I thought it would be an interesting world to look into, the fact that it's a market unregulated by the FDA."
Okay, it might be interesting, but it'll depend on the actors, character development, and storyline, of course. HBO has proven that you can build a successful series around just about any industry, including the funeral business (Six Feet Under), the acting business (Entourage), and the mob business (The Sopranos). I don't see any reason why this show wouldn't work, given the right team.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-10-2008 @ 6:38PM
David O'Hara said...
This could be a winning formula. The alternative health industry is full of charlatans, dreamers and snake oil salesmen. I should know because I'm in it... although my business is entirely legit of course!
And there are also many herbs that have strong medical support. The answer is to be informed and not fall for remedies that have no evidence.
A good example of an alternative health method with medical credibility can be found at http://www.control-your-blood-pressure.com
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7-11-2008 @ 5:56AM
Weight loss said...
Lets wait and watch for more as it would be to early to comment on Diet pills. Worth will be best
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