NBC's hit weight-loss series 'The Biggest Loser' launching nationwide, nine-city search for new contestants

Season 17 auditions for teams of two to be held in Los Angeles, Raleigh, Seattle, St. Louis, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York and Cincinnati

NBC's popular reality series "The Biggest Loser" is launching a nine-city, cross-country search to find new contestants for the next edition of the hit show. Teams of two (spouses, siblings, parent/adult child, best friends, co-workers) who have at least 80 pounds to lose are encouraged to apply for the new season. Fan-favorite former "Biggest Loser" contestants will make appearances at casting calls in some of the audition cities.

Casting producers are looking for outgoing and charismatic teams of two who have the personality, desire and competitive edge to vie for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose weight, change their lives forever and compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the U.S.

People will not be allowed to line up prior to three hours before the start of the open call. Candidates should bring a non-returnable photo of themselves and their partners.

Locations, dates and times include:

Los Angeles

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11

Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Raleigh, N.C.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11

Planet Fitness, 404 E. Six Forks Road

Seattle

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18

Planet Fitness (Lake Forest Park), 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park

St. Louis 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18

River City Casino & Hotel, 777 River City Casino Blvd.

Atlanta

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18

The Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree St. NE

Dallas

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18

Gilley's Dallas, 1135 S. Lamar St.

Chicago

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25

The Biggest Loser Resort - Chicago (Note: This location has moved since last open call), 250 Schick Road, Bloomingdale

New York City

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25

Planet Fitness Manhattan (Midtown West), 423 W. 55th St.

Cincinnati

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25

Planet Fitness (Tri County), 11755 Princeton Pike

For those who are unable to attend a casting call, information on how to apply to the show and submit a videotape is available at www.nbc.com/casting and www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.

"The Biggest Loser" is a show that challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000.

Fans can visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/.