CBS has announced the lineup for Season 39 of The Amazing Race, and the latest iteration returns to a focus on civilian competitors. Thirteen teams will vie for the 1 million dollar prize, featuring a mix of family members, friends, and romantic partners. The season promises a test of endurance and strategy, spanning five continents, nine countries, and 13 cities.
This season introduces several adjustments to the standard format. Producers have included a record 13 Express Passes, with each team starting the race in possession of one. Teams face the challenge of determining when to deploy these advantages before the end of the sixth leg. Additionally, the production includes a first-ever visit to Albania, marking new territory for the long-running series.
The competition kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, where contestants face a 200-foot jump from the BC Stadium catwalk. From there, the route covers over 25,000 miles of travel. Activities include trekking with camels in Morocco and flying a paramotor in Laos. The cast features diverse backgrounds, including pro athletes, a pilot, a civil engineer, and a marine officer.
Host Phil Keoghan noted that the focus remains on everyday people navigating high-stakes challenges in international settings. The season premieres with a two-night event starting Wednesday, September 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS, with streaming availability on Paramount+. This return to non-celebrity contestants aims to recapture the core spirit of the program that has sustained it for nearly four decades.