Posted by Kathy Lyford

"The Biggest Loser" co-creator Mark Koops has answered your weighty questions. 

Mark (pictured with trainer Bob Harper) is also managing director of television production company Reveille, which produces "The Office," "The Tudors," "Ugly Betty" and many other series.

He's rightfully very proud of "The Biggest Loser," a series that has changed many lives over its six seasons.

Season seven, "Biggest Loser: Couples," began last Tuesday. Jerry, the oldest contestant ever, collapsed and was taken to the hospital. He returned to the ranch and is still in the game. And the season features the biggest contestant ever (Daniel) and the biggest female contestant ever (Carla). Producers also unveiled a rather ingenious twist. Of the 22 folks we were introduced to, nine were sent home to continue the program there. Those whose partners are still in the game in a month, will be invited back to the ranch.

Here are you questions and the answers. We'll have a couple of prize winners this time. I'll notify them via email. (I apologize if your question was left off; we had some technical issues with our software affecting comments during the week we were compiling questions.)

Q. Why is it that your show has less of the gamesmanship and nastiness than other reality shows? (With the obvious exception of last season’s Vicky, of course.) — Betty 
A. I think it is genuinely because they all want to change their lives. that may sound trite but it is true. the contestants become their own self-help group and one person’s success becomes the group’s success. They recognize that only one person can win the game, but they can all change their lives, change the lives of the ones they love and inspire you, the viewer. 

“The Biggest Loser” co-creator/executive producer Mark Koops will answer 20 reader questions here at Season Pass. Get your questions in soon if you want to be included.

Most folks’ New Year’s resolutions will include one or more of the following: Lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier. If you’ve ever watched “Biggest Loser,” you know that adhering to those principles can do wonders for your health and appearance.

We just finished watching the lovely Michelle (right) take the crown last season by losing 110 pounds. The next season, which starts Tuesday, features couples — parents and children, cousins, friends, siblings, marrieds and an engaged couple. It will include the heaviest-ever contestant and the oldest contestant to date.

Your questions for Mark can include anything about past seasons, the upcoming season, casting, challenges, contestants, etc.

Here are the rules:
1) Hit the comment button below and ask your question. We’re aiming to get the questions to Mark by Friday, Jan. 2.
2) You may ask more than one question but we are looking for quality, not quantity. Asking more will not guarantee that you'll get an answer. In the spirit of fairness, we try to give plenty of folks a chance.
3) Read through the other comments to make sure you’re not repeating something that’s already been asked.
4) The person who asks the question Mark likes best will win a prize, to be determined later.

Posted by Kathy Lyford

It's that annual time to reflect on what worked on TV over the past year… and what didn't. Here is my personal list.

BEST

"Mad Men"
This intricately woven tale of 1960s ad men's work and home lives captured the imagination of an obsessively loyal fanbase. It's also one of the few things Emmy got right, awarding the show its outstanding drama trophy. And creator Matthew Weiner has become one of our favorite people this year. See our Q&A here.

DirecTV's deal for "Friday Night Lights"
A shared window plan between the satellite provider and NBC bought the critical darling another season. Those lucky few who subscribe to DirecTV have had the privilege of enjoying a season that approaches the greatness of the show's epic first season.

"Big Bang Theory"
This comedy about socially awkward geniuses has emerged as a surprise hit this fall after garnering fair ratings in the strike shortened 07-08 season. Creatively the show's never been better, with the razor sharp ensemble now firing on all cylinders and auds propelling it to season high numbers week after week. See our Q&A with star Jim Parsons here.

"Desperate Housewives"
Fast forwarding the ladies' lives five years added a much needed jolt to the flagging drama. See our Q&A with creator Marc Cherry here.

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin
Priceless

"Privileged"
A sweet dramedy that's too smart for the CW's core audience. More people ought to be watching.

"Worst Week"
Consistently laugh-out-loud funny.

"Dexter"
Jimmy Smits proved a suitable friend, then foil, to our favorite sociopathic hero. See our Q&A with exec producer Clyde Phillips here.

“The Office”
Anyone who works in an office has got to appreciate this painfully accurate laffer.

“The Biggest Loser”
As reluctant as I am to include a reality show in any best of list, I have to admit, this one hits on every emotion.

"The Capture of The Green River Killer"
This Lifetime mini was an engrossing and emotional account of the 20+ years search for a serial killer with stellar performances from Tom Cavanaugh and Amy Davidson. It's too bad the broadcast nets have given up on movies and minis.

WORST

The Emmy Awards
An embarrassment to the television community. Everyone involved should be ashamed. If you've blocked out how truly awful it was, read my review from that night here.

"Do Not Disturb"
Auds mercifully checked out early from this dreadful Fox comedy.

"Grey's Anatomy"
This show has lost whatever charm it once had and now just feels desperate.

"Knight Rider"
A bad idea, executed horribly.

"Crusoe"
Unwatchable.

"ER's" final season
I've been a fan for most of this hospital drama's 15 seasons but this last gasp has been a slow painful death.

"Boston Legal"
Someone needs to explain to me how this ever attracted an audience. I've never been so happy to see a show end its run.

Those are mine. What are yours?

For more best of lists, visit TVGuide.com's list of best shows and best TV moments. TV.com weighs in here. Our pal Mo Ryan of the Chicago Tribune has her say here.

Did you see other lists that resonated with you?

— Kathy Lyford

Back in May 2004 when Daily Variety first broke the news about NBC’s planned weight-loss reality show “The Biggest Loser” I remember thinking it would just be a cheap way to make fun of overweight folks, despite producer J.D. Roth’s assertion that “You’ll see a bigger transformation of the person from the inside out rather than the outside in.” I chose not to watch.

Well, the show was a hit for the Peacock. The sixth season of the competition bowed last night. The trainers, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper have become celebrities in their own right. And countless contestants have slimmed down and reportedly kept it off.

I waded into the show slowly last season (“Biggest Loser: Couples”), usually tuning in for just the last 10 minutes (the weigh-in and elimination) and I became hooked. I found it touching, inspiring and, at times, heart-wrenching. They really do teach people a healthier approach to eating, instill in them an appreciation for exercise and, in the process, change lives. Roth was right.

So I’ve set a season pass for this season’s edition — “The Biggest Loser: Families” — where Bob shepherds spouses and Jillian oversees teams comprised of a parent and adult offspring.

(At left, host Alison Sweeney, Bob and Jillian)