Ruby is an American docu-reality television series produced by Gay Rosenthal Productions which follows the life of Ruby Gettinger who lives in Savannah, Georgia as she attempts to lose weight.
Ruby starts the show weighing more than 216 kilograms (she originally weighed over 317 kilograms). Ruby works with nutritionists, doctors, and trainers to lose weight, all the while commenting honestly and often humorously about the experience.
The series premiered in the USA on Style Network on 9 November, 2008.
Ruby premiered in South Africa on DStv's The Style Network on Tuesday 10 November 2009, at 23h00. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 3 premiered on The Style Network on Tuesday 11 May 2010, at 22h00. New episodes air weekly. There are 11 hour-long episodes in the third season.
Season 3 Repeats
Saturdays: 20h00
Sundays: 09h00
Season 1
In Savannah, Georgia, Ruby Gettinger lives in a small two-bedroom house with her dogs, Foxey and Lucey, her nephew Jim and old friend Jeff.
Ruby introduces herself and establishes the central premise of the show: at 227 kg's she suffers from life-threatening obesity and it has interfered with her many dreams. She calls food her addiction, "the Beast" and wants to defeat it but something always stops her.
After a meeting with her doctor who tells her she will die if she doesn't lose weight, Ruby resolves that she is going to do whatever is necessary to free herself.
The show introduces Ruby's best girlfriend Georgia who epitomizes a colourful and rich southern lifestyle - but also introduces food and habits that are dangerous for Ruby.
Los Angeles starlett Brittany Daniels is another friend of Ruby's who arrives to support her change in lifestyle. To save her life, Ruby assembles a team of experts to help her lose the weight: a doctor, a dietician, trainers and a psychiatrist.
After an emotional visit to her therapist, Ruby realizes that her quest for health may also involve an emotional and psychological journey as well as a change in diet and exercise. She is determined to make her dream of health come true - whatever the sacrifice.
Season 2
In the second season opener: Ruby has been on her weight loss journey for one year and has managed to lose over 100 pounds. However, with the recent death of her father, Ruby has gotten off track and gained 5 pounds.
Disheartened, Ruby wonders if she will be able to get back on her program. Ruby's ex-boyfriend, Denny, suggests she join him in Charleston for a Rascal Flatts concert. This is exactly what Ruby needs to get re-energised.
Jeff, Georgia, and the gang decide to tag along, even though they dislike Denny for breaking Ruby's heart in the past.
Once in Charleston, Ruby and her friends have a great time. The concert is amazing and, thanks to Denny's friendship with the lead singer, they even get to hang out backstage with Rascal Flatts.
It seems that Denny is doing everything possible to redeem himself, including planning healthy meals and showering her with gifts. Ruby confides in Denny that she has gotten off her program and, with his knowledge as a personal trainer, he is able to give her pointers to getting back on track.
Back in Savannah, Ruby has a session with her therapist, Dr. Brewerton. She talks to him about the death of her father and how it has thrown her off track.
Season 3
Ruby returns for a third season with a new spirit and determination to lose weight. Thanks to her continued diet and exercise, she is able to wear jeans for the first time, albeit with some comedic difficulty.
Ruby's new therapist, Dr. Jane, not only helps her analyze her disturbing nightmares, but suggests that Ruby look into a 12-Step program for her eating disorder.
Ruby struggles to admit that she does, in fact, have a food addiction. At Women's Fat Night, a 12 Step expert named Tennie McCarty forces Ruby to come face to face with her own denial.
Seasons
(All seasons air exclusively on The Syle Network)
Season 1 (9 episodes)
Premiere: 10 November 2009 | Finale: 5 January 2010 | Tuesdays, 23h00
Ruby: The First 100 Pounds (one-hour special)
Aired: 9 January 2010 | Saturday, 20h00
Season 2 (10 episodes)
Premiere: 12 January 2010 | Finale: 16 March 2010 | Tuesdays, 23h00
Season 3 (11 episodes)
Premiere: 11 May 2010 | Finale: 20 July 2010 | Tuesdays, 22h00
Related Articles
Starting On TSN Soon: Ruby
The TVSA Interview: Ruby Gettinger