The relationship between personal trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, once a focal point of the reality show The Biggest Loser, has experienced significant shifts since their time on the series. Despite their on-screen camaraderie, the friendship has faded over the years, raising questions about their current standing.
Premiering in 2004, The Biggest Loser followed contestants striving to lose weight through physical challenges and dietary changes. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers who tuned in weekly to watch Michaels and Harper guide participants on their weight-loss journeys. As the series progressed, it faced criticism for its extreme tactics, with some viewers concerned about the intense exercise regimens and calorie restrictions imposed on contestants.
Harper, a staple of the show, took over hosting duties from Alison Sweeney in later seasons, while Michaels participated in the first two seasons before being replaced by Kim Lyons. After a brief return in 2007, Michaels officially left the show in 2011, citing “fundamental differences” with the producers regarding her portrayal and the show’s direction. She expressed disappointment that viewers did not see the meaningful connections she built with contestants.
Following her exit, Michaels did not maintain contact with Harper. In a 2020 interview on “Watch What Happens Live,” Harper indicated that he was excited to work with new trainers, hinting at a lack of ongoing communication with Michaels. “I’m just really excited to be working with the two new trainers,” he stated, while host Andy Cohen encouraged viewers to read between the lines regarding their friendship.
This distance was further emphasized when Harper suffered a heart attack while working out in New York City in 2017. Michaels spoke about the incident, noting Harper’s family history with heart issues. Her comments suggested a recognition of the challenges associated with his lifestyle choices, but they also implied a lack of direct communication. “From what I remember of Bob, he’s looking at it, and he’s like, ‘Well I can [do it]!’” Michaels remarked.
Despite their earlier closeness on-screen, Harper confirmed in 2020 that he and Michaels had not kept in touch “at all.” He expressed a preference for focusing on new relationships rather than dwelling on past connections. “I’ve got a couple of people from the past but not many,” he noted.
The dynamic between the two trainers continued to attract attention in the wake of controversy surrounding Michaels’ comments about singer Lizzo in 2020. Michaels raised eyebrows while discussing concerns about health implications related to obesity. In her defense, she emphasized the importance of health awareness, stating, “I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.” Harper, however, chose not to engage with Michaels’ opinions publicly, stating that he refrains from offering unsolicited advice.
In 2025, Harper reflected on their past during Netflix’s docuseries Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser. He shared that while they appeared close on television, the reality was different. “After I had my heart attack, she’s the one person I never heard from. That to me spoke volumes,” he remarked. In an interview with The Guardian, he characterized their relationship as more professional than personal, noting, “We weren’t besties, but we were partners on a television show for a very long time.”
As both Michaels and Harper continue their careers in the fitness industry, their evolving friendship serves as a reminder of the complexities behind public personas and personal relationships in reality television. With their paths diverging, it remains to be seen how their journeys will unfold in the future.