THE BIGGEST LOSER, Trainers Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, (Season 5), 2004-, photo: Mitchell Haaseth / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection
The friendship between Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, once prominent figures on NBC’s reality show The Biggest Loser, has evolved significantly since the show first aired in 2004. While they appeared to be supportive colleagues during the competition, their offscreen relationship has been described as distant, raising questions about their current standing.
The series, which followed contestants on a weight-loss journey over 30 weeks, quickly gained popularity. Viewers were captivated by the intense training sessions led by Michaels and Harper. Despite their professional camaraderie, both trainers experienced differing paths within the show. Michaels participated in the first two seasons before stepping away, returning briefly in 2007 and again for season 14 in 2013. Harper, on the other hand, remained with the series throughout its run and eventually took over as the host after Alison Sweeney departed.
Despite the apparent friendship on screen, Harper and Michaels have not maintained a close bond off the set. In 2020, Harper noted in an appearance on *Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen* that he was excited to work with new trainers, subtly indicating a lack of ongoing communication with Michaels. He stated, “I’m just really excited to be working with the two new trainers. I mean, they are fantastic,” prompting Cohen to suggest viewers “read between the lines.”
Michaels, too, acknowledged the distance when discussing Harper following his heart attack in 2017. She reflected on their past while mentioning that they had lost touch. “From what I remember of Bob, he’s looking at it, and he’s like, ‘Well I can [do it]!’ He’s not thinking about it that way,” Michaels said during an interview on *E!’s Daily Pop*.
The trainers’ complex relationship was further explored in Netflix’s docuseries Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, released in August 2025. Harper stated, “How do I put this? People were always like, ‘You and Jillian have been so close.’ I was like, ‘Well we were close on TV.’ After I had my heart attack, she’s the one person I never heard from. That to me spoke volumes.” His comments highlight a shift from the supportive image portrayed during their time on the show.
In 2013, Michaels officially exited The Biggest Loser, expressing her dissatisfaction with how she was portrayed on the show. She told *People* magazine, “I don’t want fans to think I feel like I’m too big for the show or that I’m seeking greener pastures. I’m so grateful to the show and so sad to leave.” Her departure stemmed from “fundamental differences” with the producers and a desire to have her relationships with contestants better represented.
Following Michaels’ exit, Harper continued to evolve in his role, eventually taking on hosting duties. He expressed in an interview with *Us Weekly* that he hadn’t kept in contact with Michaels, stating simply, “I’m good. I’ve got a couple of people from the past but not many.” This remark underscores the ongoing separation between the two despite their shared history.
Controversy also surrounded Michaels in 2020 when she commented on Lizzo’s weight during an interview with BuzzFeed News. Her remarks drew significant attention, prompting her to clarify her stance on health and body positivity on social media. “I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity,” she wrote. Harper, responding to the situation, distanced himself from Michaels’ views, suggesting that he would not comment on anyone’s health unless they requested his opinion.
As of now, the relationship between Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper remains a topic of intrigue for fans of The Biggest Loser. Their journey illustrates the complexities of personal relationships within a competitive environment, raising awareness of the challenges faced by public figures even after the cameras have stopped rolling.
