One Friday, three mega launches

Friday is that one day of the week which is synonymous with movie premieres. And now even our television industry is not far behind. Take today's Friday the 18th for instance when not one, not two but three mega budget and much talked about shows hit the airwaves - Sahara One's Biggest Loser Jeetega (9.30 pm), Star Plus' Star Voice Of India (10pm) and Star One's The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 3 (9pm).

Interestingly this trio falls in the 'reality genre' which means there is competition to grab eyeballs not only within themselves but also from the other existing shows falling in the same time bracket. We are talking about Sony's Indian Idol (9pm) and Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge 2007 (10pm). So henceforth weekends will witness a 'real' reality race on the TRP chart!!!

Here's a lowdown on the three new entrants who are all set to woo the TV audience from today.

Sahara One's Biggest Loser Jeetega : To be aired every Fri-Sun at 9.30 pm, this reality show will showcase the lives of 16 obese contestants over 16 weeks and their journey to fitness, complete with drama and emotions. The show is directed by Arun Sheshkumar and hosted by the fabulously fit actor Sunil Shetty. As per the format 16 overweight contestants from all walks of life are grouped in two teams of 8 each, competing to knock off the inches and shed kilos under the expert guidance of fitness trainers and nutritionists. The one who loses the most weight among the final three is crowned 'The Biggest Loser' who will walk away with the grand prize.

Star Plus' Star Voice Of India : Conceptualized by TV's man of music, Gajendrra Siingh, this musical reality show makes its debut on Star Plus. The versatile, talented and hugely popular voice of melody, Shaan, will be the host and Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Aadesh Shrivastava, Jatin & Lalit Pandit will form the esteemed panel of judges. To be telecast every Fri-Sat at 10 pm, Amul SVOI is produced by Saibaba Telefilms. Gajendrra Siingh, the creator of some of the biggest music based shows on television, will also direct the show.

Star One's The Great Indian Laugter Challenge 3 : The new series to be aired every Fri-Sat at 9 pm and will see loads of fresh comic talent with wit and characteristic humour! The wonder duo - Shekhar Suman and Navjot Singh Sidhu return as judges with their trademark enigmatic style! And that is not all… The stunning Shonali Nagrani joins Parizaad Kolah as her partner-in-wit for season 3.