If you thought Lizzo’s new Amazon Prime show Watch Out For The Big Grrrls would simply be your run-of-the-mill dancing competition with the twist of having an all plus-size cast, think again.
In the 8-episode series, Lizzo taps 13 plus-sized dancers to compete for 10 spots in her crew of backup dancers — aka her Big Grrrls — who would then perform with her at Bonnaroo.
To make sure Lizzo got exactly what she wanted and needed for her team, she did what most American competition shows don’t do — instead of sending a dancer home each week, she lets them grow and apply the knowledge of what they learned from the week before.
It’s clear from the very first episode that this show would be different. With each week, Lizzo and someone close to her give the girls helpful critiques so they can gain experience to work in the industry, even if they didn’t make it into her Big Grrrls crew. It’s nice to see that one bad day doesn’t automatically mean elimination. Instead, we get to watch each girl flourish in their new environment.
In each episode, Lizzo starts out the challenge with some self-exploration before the dancers have to learn choreography. Lizzo wants the dancers to feel confident and good about themselves. After all, being a Big Grrrl means knowing you are 100% that bitch. Being on stage is tough — people will criticize you and want to bring you down for your looks. So Lizzo wants to prepare her girls and make sure they know their worth.
In order to succeed in the challenges, the girls have to know the choreography and have the stamina to perform it well. Lizzo stresses that, in order to be a Big Grrrl, you need high energy. She even brings in a coach to help the girls increase their stamina.
It’s clear that Lizzo truly wants these girls to succeed. Most reality shows are so cutthroat and filled with drama. It’s refreshing to see a show with high stakes but without the constant jabs. The girls genuinely care for each other and want each other to make it to the promised land of Bonnaroo.
Each episode highlights the importance of sisterhood, making it so endearing to watch. The show truly reflects Lizzos’ brand of self-love and uplifting women. With each guest she brings in, they help the women love their bodies more and more without making them compromise their values.
Lizzo is unlike any of the typical celebrity judges that you see on TV. She sits down with the girls from the jump, learning their stories of why they dance. You can tell she’s excited and believes in the women in front of her.
Yes, you have the stereotypical sob stories these reality shows are known for. But rather than exploiting the trauma of the girls, it’s used to provide another added layer to their complexity. With each episode, you grow to love these dancers more and more. It’s awe-inspiring to see these girls who originally doubt why they were there, grow to that wonderful realization that they deserve to be seen.
When the girls finally get to realize their dreams of being on stage, tears came to my eyes and I got goosebumps. It was like I was living that moment with them. The joy on their faces and the pride as they danced were magic.
Watch Out For The Big Grrrls is such a special show that anyone would enjoy watching. It’s heartwarming, funny, and tear-jerking in the best way. The show proves that no matter your age, race, or weight, there is a spot for you in this world. People want to hear your voice, you just have to get out there and share it.
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