As someone who is not a fan of reality TV shows, I will admit I was skeptical when I saw the preview for Lizzo's reality TV show "Watch Out for the Big Grrls" on Amazon Prime. Although the premise of a dance competition featuring plus sized women seemed interesting, I worried it would be hokey or boring. I'm so glad that I gave this show a chance since it is entertaining, insightful, and uplifting.
The main premise of the show is that Lizzo is searching for new backup dancers to add to her Big Grrrl dance crew who will perform with her at the annual Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee as well as go on tour with her across the country. In order to select the best woman for the job, Lizzo flies thirteen plus size women (including one trans woman) to Los Angeles to audition for a spot of the dance crew. In each episode, the contestants are given challenges meant to showcase their dancing ability, personality, creativity, as well as stamina and endurance.
Throughout the course of eight episodes, the viewer learns the backstory of each of the women which involve common factors of feeling unattractive and not feeling accepted by society due to their body size. By discovering dancing in various stages in their lives, each of the women find healing and happiness. As each episode progress, the viewer also sees each of the women transform from timid and insecure individuals to a strong and powerful team. By sharing a house together, eating, sleeping and dancing together on a daily basis, a sisterhood is formed among those living in the house in addition to bonds formed with Lizzo.
As I continued to watch each episode, I was surprised to see pieces of my life experience in each of these women whether it was through learning how to love my body (regardless of its size) or working to uplift other women through my words and deeds. Through watching this show, Lizzo's genuine love for helping women shine really showed as well as her desire to help women work through their person issues in order to become the best versions of themselves.
In closing, if you are a plus size woman, have plus size people in your life, or just wanted to watch an unconventional reality TV show which focuses on uplifting often overlooked people, I highly recommend you watch this show!
