The Amazing Race

What’s the Story?

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the wildly popular THE AMAZING RACE combines the thrill of competition with the excitement of travel. Eleven teams, usually pairs, dash all over the globe, performing tasks of physical and mental skills and aiming ultimately for the $1 million prize. Hosted and narrated by Phil Keoghan, each week's episode of The Amazing Race takes the viewer on a tour of the challenges and success stories that competitors face each week. Typically, the competitors are young, strong, attractive pairs, either romantic couples, siblings, or best friends. A sprinkling of other demographics is also represented: older couples, men and women of color, gay couples, mother/daughter teams, and pairs who, on the surface, seem less athletic.

Is It Any Good?

The harsh dialogue and lack of support between some of these team members can be quite difficult to watch. Clearly, some folks tolerate stress better than others, but it's hard not to wonder how much of this drama is real -- and how much is part of the show. Parents have to ask themselves whether the kid viewers in their household can make that distinction.

Is this an okay show for kids? It depends. For older tweens and teens who are naturally competitive or have a taste for world travel, yes. But kids need a certain level of maturity to be able to understand the drama within this competition. Parents need to be available to filter, discuss, and answer questions about the participants' competitive behavior.