Phil Keoghan on why the competitive series lasted 34 seasons (exclusive)
In a world where the market is saturated almost monthly with new reality series in almost every genre, The amazing race enters its 34th season. The long-running CBS reality competition series is an adventure that sees 11 or 12 teams of two travel around the world. Health and fitness enthusiast Phil Keoghan has hosted the show since Season 1, which premiered in 2001.
As fans prepare to watch the Season 34 premiere and see a new set of teams compete for the grand prize, Keoghan says the secret of the show’s success is that it’s inspirational. Showbiz spoke to Keoghan about why the show has such a good track record.
Phil Keoghan says the show is a success because it gives viewers hope
Keoghan has been with the show since the beginning. Aside from game show hosts, news anchors, and soap opera stars, he’s an anomaly when it comes to keeping a show business job. But it’s a project he enjoys. “I think it’s just a great format. We have people who are in existing relationships, traveling around the world trying new and different things. It’s a celebration of the human spirit,” he told us.
More importantly, it’s a level of escapism that the world needs in such a state of chaos with the continuous news cycle. It’s a show that people can cheer for and that makes them feel good.
“There are a lot of shows that focus on the things that are wrong and make entertainment out of it. I mean, news in and of itself is a lot about what’s going wrong in the world. We are reporting a terrible thing that has happened in the world,” he added. “We need news, but it doesn’t necessarily make us feel good and like a show Amazing race is a show that gets to celebrate some of the better things in life, rather than some of the things that go wrong. That’s part of what I love about the show. I think that’s why people like to watch it, because it inspires them and makes them want to get out there and travel and it’s fun and exciting for them to experience with the cast.”
Season 34 will take viewers to new parts of the world
For the first time in the show’s 34-year history, teams will start racing outside of the United States. The start line will be held in Munich, Germany for the start line.
From there the racers visit Petra in Jordan. There, the teams ride the train and experience a scene reminiscent of the classic “Lawrence of Arabia” from 1963. You’ll also have other cultural experiences, like a chance to perform Jordanian folk dances and learn the Arabic alphabet.
The spectators travel together with the participants to Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Iceland and Nashville, where the finish line is located. The lucky team will take home a grand prize of $1 million.
There is a surprising twist in this season too
In addition to new locations, CBS also announced that for the first time, the show will no longer have non-elimination stages. At the end of each stage, one team is eliminated, making it one of the most grueling races to date.
According to Keoghan, this has caused the competition to become even more intense. “People ran into the pit stop wondering if they will be eliminated or not? We decided to take out the non-eliminations and make it a lot more fateful. If you’re last, you’re out, you’re done. There are no second chances,” he explained.
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https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/the-amazing-race-phil-keoghan-why-competition-series-lasted-34-seasons-exclusive.html/ Phil Keoghan on why the competitive series lasted 34 seasons (exclusive)
