Watch One Big Happy Family

One Big Happy Family is a reality TV show that aired on TLC in 2009. The show follows the Coles family, who are from North Carolina, and are known as the "world's largest family". The family consists of Tameka Coles, her husband Norris, and their three children - Shayne, Amber, and L'Asia. However, what sets this family apart is their size, as they are all severely obese, with a combined weight of over 1,500 pounds. The show aims to provide an insight into their daily lives, highlighting the struggles they face due to their weight and how they try to overcome them as a family.

One of the main themes of the show is the family's battle with their weight. With a BMI over 40, a medical classification of severe obesity, Tameka and Norris have been deemed as "super morbidly obese". Their three children Shayne, Amber, and L'Asia are also severely overweight, with Shayne weighing in at over 400 pounds. The show follows the family as they attempt to lose weight and improve their health. Viewers get an insight into their daily lives, including their diet and exercise routine. The show also addresses the challenges this family faces in their daily lives, from fitting into an airplane seat to finding clothes that fit. Through their struggles, the family's message is that they don't want pity or judgment, but acceptance.

Another aspect of the show is how this family copes with their weight and how it affects their relationships. The Coles family is very close-knit, but their weight has caused some strain in their relationships. Tameka feels guilty for "allowing" her children to become obese, while Shayne blames his mother for his weight problem. Through therapy sessions and family discussions, the show explores how they can work through their issues and support each other in their weight-loss journey. The show also addresses the topic of self-esteem and body image, particularly among the younger members of the family. The fear of judgment and rejection is something that all family members struggle with, and it becomes a central theme of the show.

Apart from the weight loss efforts, the show highlights the Coles's family's daily activities, which range from mundane to exciting. The family's sense of humor is also on display, and this helps reduce the tension that comes with living with obesity. Norris is an amazingly talented cook and also helps other people lose weight. His cooking prowess is evident when he prepares meals for his family, and the audience is given a glimpse of what it takes to prepare healthy meals for a large family with varying tastes. Above all, the Coles family is depicted as a loving, supportive, and tight-knit clan that's dealing with weight issues. The show takes the viewers into the family's world and helps them understand the challenges they face, both emotionally and physically.

Overall, One Big Happy Family is an engaging and thought-provoking show that tackles a sensitive topic with compassion and hope. The family's determination to shed the pounds and lead healthier lives is inspiring, and their infectious personalities make it easy to root for them. Through the show, viewers get to see the Coles family in all their complexities, from their relationships with each other to their hopes and dreams. The show is not only educational but also heartwarming, and it is clear that the family members want to make a positive impact on people's lives by sharing their story. One Big Happy Family is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

One Big Happy Family is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between December 29, 2009 and on TLC