Summary

  • The Amazing Race season 35 has incorporated changes, including using a private chartered jet and a European-focused route, to stay afloat during the pandemic.
  • The show will switch to longer, 90-minute episodes for the season, which could provide more context and showcase relationships between contestants.
  • The official race locations for season 35 include Los Angeles, Thailand, Vietnam, India, , Slovenia, Sweden, and Washington, marking a return to pre-pandemic filming.

The Amazing Race season 35 has begun, and it's set to be another unprecedented installment of the show. The long-running series has had an exciting run since the pandemic interrupted its usual production methods. The beginning of the pandemic forced season 33 to shut down production in 2020, and it couldn't resume for 19 months. The show incorporated many changes to stay afloat, including using a private chartered jet rather than commercial air travel.

The Amazing Race season 34 maintained many of the altered production protocols that began for season 33. These changes included the charter jet and a mostly European-focused route. The Amazing Race season 34 did deviate a bit from the restricted season 33 route, with a notable leg in Jordan. Ultimately, Big Brother 24 couple Derek Xiao and Claire Rehfuss emerged victorious during that season.

The Amazing Race 35 News

The most significant change in The Amazing Race 35 will be that the show is switching to longer, 90-minute episodes for the season. Besides premieres, finales, and special episodes, The Amazing Race has always had one-hour episodes. However, CBS recently announced that both The Amazing Race and Survivor will be switching to the longer episode format in their fall seasons, and they will air back-to-back on Wednesday nights.

The new format could have some pluses and minuses for The Amazing Race. The longer runtime could add needed context to the race, as some episodes can be overstuffed and confusing. It can also help show the relationships between the contestants, which would make the season more rewarding overall. A drawback would be that the show might struggle to maintain a steady pace and have enough non-filler content to fill the extra time.

Rumors surrounded The Amazing Race season 35's route, but the official race locations have been confirmed. The competitors began their journey in Los Angeles, raced through Thailand, Vietnam, India, , Slovenia, and Sweden, and finished in Washington. The increased variety of locations and use of commercial jets will be a return to pre-pandemic filming.

The Amazing Race 35 Release Date

The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan

The Amazing Race season 35 premiered on CBS on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 9:30 p.m. ET. The show airs directly after Survivor season 45, which also airs 90-minute episodes this season. Episodes will air on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+ through December 20, 2023.

The Amazing Race 35 Cast

The Amazing Race Season 35 Cast

The Amazing Race season 35 cast was announced in August 2023. Excitingly, there will be 13 teams, more than is usually featured on the hit reality TV series. The pairs come from all walks of life and relationships. Longtime host Phil Keoghan heads the season and features a brand-new cast. While the season is ongoing and some pairs have already been eliminated, the full cast is as follows:

  • Alexandra & Sheridan Lichtor, Siblings from Chicago, Illinois
  • Elizabeth & Iliana Rivera, Mother & Daughter from Tampa, Florida
  • Andrea Simpson & Malaina Hatcher, College Friends from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Todd & Ashlie Martin, High School Sweethearts from Chino, California
  • Greg & John Franklin, Brothers from New York, New York & Mountain View, California
  • Jocelyn Chao & Victor Limary, Married Entrepreneurs from Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Joe Moskowitz & Ian Todd, Engaged Couple from New York, New York
  • Joel Strasser & Garrett Smith, Best Friends from Kuna & Meridian, Idaho
  • Liam & Yeremi Hykel, Brothers from Cheyenne, Wyoming & San Marcos, Texas
  • Morgan & Lena Franklin, Sisters from Brooklyn, New York & Los Angeles, California
  • Rob & Corey McArthur, Father & Son From Riverside, California & New York, New York
  • Robbin Tomich & Chelsea Day, Childhood Friends from Kirkland & Shoreline, Washington
  • Steve Cargile & Anna Leigh Wilson, Father & Daughter from Petty & Royse City Texas

The Amazing Race 35 Trailer

The Amazing Race season 35 trailer aired on August 30, 2023. As predicted, the trailer included confirmation for the 90-minute episodes. Contestants were seen beginning their journey at the iconic Hollywood sign through Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. While The Amazing Race season 35 is just starting, the increased number of cast , longer episodes, and ventures into exciting locales are sure to make for an engaging and entertaining season of racing worldwide.

The Amazing Race season 35 airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Paramount+.