The Amazing Race (2001- ) is the best reality television show
Photo Courtesy of Kartoffel07- Wikimedia Commons
It astonishes me that when I talk with my friends their eyes go blank the moment I name The Amazing Race (2001- ) as one of my favorite shows. The Amazing Race (2001- ) is a competitive reality show where teams travel across the globe completing challenges and legs in hopes of winning the one million dollar prize at the end. It has always been a staple in my household and the only reality tv show I have continuously turned on my television for years. It has the best aspect of every famous reality program but also includes something most of the others lack: it teaches you about cultures from all around the world.
Maybe your favorite reality show is The Bachelorette (2003- ) or The Bachelor (2003- ); well don’t worry, this show contains romance as well. Each team is generally comprised of two members and it is very common for them to be a couple. Viewers get to see the relationships typically unfold in one of two ways—a cataclysmic collapse or happily ever after. Jonathan and Victoria from season six were known for their constant bickering and explosive arguments on the show, while conversely, Will and James from season 36 got engaged on the last league. If that isn’t enough romance for you, watch season 26 which contains teams that are on a “blind date,” never having met before, and racing together around the world for a chance to win the cash prize and maybe a new romance.
The Amazing Race (2001- ) also contains aspects of other famous shows as well, such as Survivor (2000- ) and The Traitors (2023- ). There is constant tension as the viewers wait to see who is eliminated at the end of every episode. Some of them even boil down to a foot race to the finish line, increasing the stakes. The suspense is undeniable as you sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see who reaches the pit stop first. On top of that, alliances sometimes form between teams and it is always interesting to see who keeps up their end of the bargain and who betrays the teams they promised they would help.
One of the best aspects of the show is the immersion of the teams into the culture of the countries they travel to. Teams must complete challenges known as detours, where both members participate, or roadblocks, where only one member does. The challenges generally connect to the cultures and lifestyles of the people they are surrounded by while doing that task. For example, in season 18, teams made chocolate in Switzerland, and in season four, teams had to eat raw octopus in South Korea, a common dish there. Also, each season there is at least one dance challenge, allowing the viewers to see traditional dances from countries such as Vietnam, Austria, and Burkina Faso.
There is also humor sprinkled throughout the entire show. Whether that be contestants making jokes and doing silly challenges or missing what is right in front of their eyes, The Amazing Race (2001- ) has viewers laughing, even if the contestants aren’t. The audience can also play along with contestants if they wish by mentally completing certain challenges, especially the one at the end of the season, as typically it is a memory challenge that forces teams to remember aspects of previous legs.
The show is hosted by Phil Kolegan and just hearing his voice brings back the nostalgia of the show. The show is now on its thirty-ninth season, so it is something you can binge watch if you so desire. Currently the show is streaming on Paramount +, with new episodes available every Thursday; if you like reality television in any form, there will be something for you in this show.