Plot Synopsis

MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE is a one-hour reality series that follows Whitney Thore, an inspirational young woman who gained more than 200 pounds after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, as she embraces her new body, loves herself again, and urges others to do the same. Once a slender dancer, Whitney felt like a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl's body; she felt as though her life was over. Struggling with self-doubt and societal pressures, but eager to continue sharing her passion for dance with the world, Whitney courageously posted a self-choreographed performance piece on YouTube in January 2014. "A Fat Girl Dancing" became an overnight sensation and turned her life upside down. Now 380 pounds -- and following the success of her "fat girl" dance videos -- Whitney launched the No Body Shame Campaign (#nobodyshamecampaign), a movement that works to fight the devastating effects of body shame and promotes self-love and acceptance. Determined to find happiness from the inside out, Whitney rediscovers her love of dance, pursuing an aggressive dance schedule despite her weight and even teaching her first dance class for "big girls." Plus, she recently moved backed in with her parents at the age of 30 and she's also throwing herself into the dating scene -- much to the chagrin of her often-meddlesome parents. From donning a bikini on the beach for the first time in a decade to confronting online bullies who try to body-shame her, Whitney is no longer letting her fear of people's judgment dictate the way she lives her life.

MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE returned for its 22-episode second season on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 9-10pm ET/PT, with back-to-back new episodes immediately following a new one-hour special at 8pm and a five-hour marathon (3-8pm) of encore episodes. The special (8pm), "Whitney Weighs In," takes a look back at funny and heartfelt never-before-seen moments from the show, along with childhood home movies and questions from viewers. Then, in the season opener (9pm), "Whitney's Back!," Whitney heads back to the doctor to see if her adjustments have had any impact on her health after she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. In the night's second new episode (9:30pm), "Pasta La Vista, Baby," Whitney says goodbye to all of her comfort foods, but has a difficult time watching those around her indulge. Plus, later in the season, Whitney marks a year of new beginnings, as she takes the ultimate leap of independence by leaving her parents' home to move in with Buddy. As they navigate everything from first time furniture shopping to life as roommates, Whitney and Buddy struggle to find a perfect balance. With a new found freedom, Whitney begins her biggest adventure yet: dating for the first time in ages. Babs, Whitney's mom, questions Whitney's ability to hook a man, but her contagious personality and self-confidence prove otherwise when Whitney begins to fall for a fellow artist. Also, Whitney proves that inner strength, a positive attitude, and taking risks are all you need to succeed. At 380-pounds, Whitney rides a bike for the first time in years, finishes a 5k, and takes her Big Girl Dance Class to the next level with a performance at the Greensboro Grasshopper baseball game.

The third season of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE premiered on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC, immediately following a nine-hour marathon (Noon-9pm) of encore episodes. In the new season, Whitney's positive body image has her believing that she can be fat and fit, but serious new health scares suggest otherwise and don't change the reality of Whitney's situation. Excited about planning her first dance-a-thon, Whitney learns the hard way that her body is not as healthy as she thinks. After being rushed to the hospital for collapsing at the dance studio, Whitney must undergo a major lifestyle transformation. There's a lot of work to be done in order to get Whitney back in shape, but it's a team effort to put her excuses aside and make healthy life choices. For the first time ever, Whitney's friends confront her about the discrepancy between her bad habits and her pro-health message. Plus, Whitney's fight for a body-positive world isn't over by a longshot, and the added headache of a different dynamic in the house isn't making things easier. Whitney finds herself in an awkward situation when Buddy starts dating her best friend. And, on top of it all, Whitney still finds herself in outrageous encounters with her mom, when Babs buys a baby pig and learns how to sext.

MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE returned for its fourth season on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC, immediately following a 13-hour marathon (6am-7pm) of encore episodes and a new two-hour special (7-9pm). The two-hour special, "Countdown to the New Season," features exclusive bonus footage, as Whitney gets the chance of a lifetime to make a dance DVD, but will her backup dancers come through? And later, Whitney and Todd prepare for the ballroom competition and Whitney's love life catches everyone by surprise. Then, in the season opener, "Knocked Up?," newly single, blonde, and a homeowner, Whitney takes a fresh approach to the challenges faced by a 370-pound dancer. But an unfortunate fight with her new "tenant" topped with the most shocking news imaginable leads to catastrophe.

Season 5 of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE premiered on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT on TLC. The fourth season kicks off with three consecutive weeks of two-hour episodes, with one-hour episodes resuming on Tuesday, January 23. The new season follows Whitney as she juggles her burgeoning career with the strenuous demands of her family and the dynamic relationships among her close friends, in addition to managing her personal struggle with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which added 200 pounds to her petite frame several years ago. Last season, viewers saw Whitney pursue her dance dreams and embark on a whirlwind tour as a backup dancer. Now, after being on the road for several weeks -- away from her family, friends and secret love interest -- Whitney is on the verge of an emotional breakdown and she is forced to make a tough life decision. Although she has dated in the past, she has never fallen so hard for a man until now. Unfortunately, this sweet romance quickly turns sour, and Whitney is blindsided by a heartbreaking turn of events from which she may never recover. In the midst of this devastating news, she must also manage her other close relationships, many of which are on of the verge of collapse. Before joining the tour, Whitney temporarily handed Todd the reins to her beloved Big Girl Dance Class, but Todd seems to be letting this new position go to his head, which creates noticeable friction in their friendship. Meanwhile, Buddy's and Heather's relationship is facing its own challenges, and everyone is grappling with the fallout. Buddy soon finds himself in the hot seat with his friends, and they are shocked to learn that he has been harboring a big secret. With her own fertility in question, painful feelings emerge for Whitney as she helps Ashley prepare for childbirth. Then, with pressure from her dad, Whitney agrees to run a 5k race in Hawaii and enlists Glenn to help her train. As the race approaches, Whitney's health and stamina comes into question, and making it to the finish line turns into an uphill battle. Can Whitney keep herself and everyone around her from imploding? Or will their emotions get the best of them?

On New Year's Day 2019 (Tuesday, January 1) from 8-10pm ET/PT, TLC premiered the sixth season of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE. This season, Whitney finally reunites with her old friend Buddy after being apart from him while he was in rehab, and the will-they-won't-they chemistry between them is all over the place. Acknowledging that she is still single but following her dreams of being a mother, Whitney moves forward with the steps to adopt a child but must deal with the varying opinions of her family and friends who don't agree that this is the right move for her at this time. Thinking about creating a family of her own causes Whitney to reflect on her existing family and her parents increasing medical needs as they get older; she realizes she won't have them forever and needs to seriously re-evaluate her priorities. Meanwhile, Whitney admits that the excitement of her beloved "Big Girl Dance Class" has worn off and thinks that going on tour with the class will breathe new life into the program. However, she's at odds with her long-time dance partner Todd, who thinks they should focus on the local clientele in Greensboro, NC. Finally, Whitney tackles the biggest physical challenge of her life in a quest for redemption after last season's 8K race in Hawaii ended in disaster. In the two-hour season opener, "Single, Fat and Crazy," Whitney visits Buddy in D.C. where they share a surprise kiss! Heather struggles to get over Buddy. Whitney is confronted with her parents' aging. An adoption agent gives Whitney painful news. Buddy late-night call leads Whitney to question his sobriety.

Season 7 of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE premiered on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 8-10pm ET/PT on TLC. This season Whitney has made some big changes with a new business and a new life in Charlotte, North Carolina. But with Whitney's new opportunities and a new love interest, her friends back in Greensboro feel left behind. Meanwhile, Whitney's fitness journey continues as she pushes herself to complete new challenges and hit new records. In the season opener, "A Tale of Two Whitneys," uncomfortable after her kiss with Buddy, Whitney creates a new business and a new life in Charlotte. When Whitney accepts a date with another man, will it create a love triangle? And tension between Buddy and Tal forces Whitney into a tough decision.

MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE returned for its eighth season on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC, immediately following a new one-hour special. Wedding bells were set to be ringing on season, but just four months after a romantic proposal in Paris, a newly engaged Whitney and Chase hit some serious bumps in the road. Though Chase promised to move to Charlotte, the couple is still doing long distance. Before they can reach an agreement on where to start their life together, COVID-19 hits and keep them quarantined separately. When North Carolina finally begins to reopen, Whitney is dealt another crushing blow when she learns that Chase is going to be a father... but not with her. Whitney thought she had her life planned out, but this unexpected turn leaves her shocked, sad and angry. After celebrating her 36th birthday in isolation, Buddy once again comes to her rescue and moves in with her. Left with a broken heart, Whitney wonders if weight loss surgery would be an easier path to finding love. And though her online workout business with Ryan is booming, will they be able to carry on their partnership knowing Ryan is still in close contact with Chase? We follow Whitney as she fights to get her groove back, leaning on friends, family and her own resilient determination. In the season opener, "Wedding Bells Are Ringing," now four months into their engagement, Whitney and Chase are no closer to living together, but wedding plans need to be made. During a mountain weekend getaway with their friends, will Whitney's new boundaries with Buddy be put to the test?

The ninth season of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE premiered on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC. In Season 9, Whitney is showing signs of life after love. With the end of her engagement in the rearview mirror, she's focused on her future. Her virtual fitness business with friend Jessica is thriving, and a recent move back to her hometown of Greensboro, NC means she's closer to family and friends. In fact, Buddy is actually living at her house, but he spends the majority of time at his new girlfriend's place. Whitney is exploring a new relationship of her own, as an online flirtation buds with a man who lives in Paris - the two met while Whitney was taking virtual French lessons, but long distance, especially cross-continental, is never easy, so the two of them are working to figure out exactly what they have. Whitney is also pursuing her goal of receiving her personal training certification, but she soon finds that anti-fat prejudices make it hard to develop a client base. Another dream of Whitney's - motherhood - remains intact, but her journey is filled with challenges. Meanwhile, living in her hometown means Whitney can spend more time with her parents, but after taking them to receive their second vaccine shot, her mom takes a nasty spill, further tweaking her already-strained back. As the season progresses, Whitney and her gang are fully vaccinated and the world is opening back up, meaning the possibilities are seemingly endless; celebratory trips ensue, but one big question remains: will Whitney get the opportunity to meet her Frenchman in person?

Season 10 of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE debuted on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT on TLC, immediately following a two-hour countdown special. Whitney is back and facing some larger than life struggles this season. The Thores are devastated after a stroke leaves Babs hospitalized and her road to recovery uncertain. With the help of her supportive friend group, Whitney musters strength to be the pillar her family needs during their darkest time. Meanwhile, things get tricky for Whitney when she mixes business and pleasure by hiring her ex-boyfriend to help with her online fitness videos. Will Whitney's relationship with the French man prove to be as strong as she thought or must all good things come to an end?

MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE returned for its eleventh season on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC. In Season 11, The Thore Family is grieving the devastating loss of Whitney's mom, Babs. Whitney is desperate to help her father find joy in life again and helps to create a bucket list for him. But a long-held secret from the past emerges - Whitney has a sister she never knew about. Is this the beginning of a new, expanded family dynamic?

Season 12 of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE debuted on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC. This season provides a fresh take on Whitney's life as it revolves around her upcoming 40th birthday. With this milestone birthday, she's taking a close look at her relationships with family and friends, bullying she experiences, navigating new romantic interests and overcoming obstacles she faces in her life. While most of her friends are settling down and moving onto new life stages, Whitney is focusing on her own unique journey to find joy and love. This season, she travels to Spain, celebrates important anniversaries, and dances her way to novel, thrilling adventures.
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On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT, TLC premiered "Dark Horse," the Season 12 finale of MY BIG FAT FABULOUS LIFE. After Juan's rejection, a witch offers to fix Whitney's cursed love life; as the joint 40th birthday nears, Whitney fears Todd will be a no-show for their Flamenco performance, and Glenn amps up the pressure on Hunter to propose.