'Breakthrough': NBC offers people positive thinking with Tony Robbins reality show

"Breakthrough" is a summer reality show on NBC starring Tony Robbins, the self-help author and motivational speaker. That alone is something of a breakthrough — after more than 30 years in the high-end advice business, Robbins at last has his own network show.

His empowerment seminars and audiotapes are marketed worldwide, making the name Tony Robbins synonymous with life coaching even to those who don't seek his services. He has played himself in movies like "Shallow Hal," but television viewers mostly know Robbins through his ubiquitous 30-minute infomercials that, according to his website, play 24 hours a day somewhere in North America.

Now he seems to have unleashed the power within to secure free primetime network exposure. And, at least in the pilot Tuesday, he doesn't have to perform what was once his signature stunt — fire walking.

Instead Robbins brings his brand of muscular positive thinking to people in deep distress. And some problems do seem overwhelming. On his wedding day to Kristen in 2008, Frank Alioto leapt into a swimming pool and broke his neck; he woke up a quadriplegic. Kristen has been his caretaker ever since, feeding and washing him while supporting the household. Husband and wife are stricken and depressed, and Kristen in particular looks as if she's at the end of her rope.

"No marriage can survive the kind of dynamic they are facing," Robbins tells the camera after Frank and Kristen tell their stories. "We have to find a way to help them break through."

Robbins offers the couple a few of his basic rules. "Step 1: Rewrite your story" is one. "Step 2: Confront your real problems" is another. He sends the couple on a lavish escape: to a 525-acre luxury resort in Fiji, the Namale Resort and Spa, which he owns, and where he has his own vacation home. The resort provides the couple with an exotic change in scenery and Robbins with an additional free plug for his ancillary business. (Step 3: Find the synergy in marketing.)

Reality shows have many genres, but a leading subset is rescue reality — modern variations on the series "Queen for a Day." "Breakthrough" uses the same template as "The Biggest Loser" and its spinoff, "Losing It With Jillian" (both on NBC), only instead of dropping pounds, Robbins' clients shed fears and inhibitions.

"Breakthrough" is also a lot like "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC. On that show designers and contractors give a poor but deserving family a new home; Robbins gives his guests advice.