Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Yudt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Survival show with diverse cast has some scares and cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Race to Survive
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
RACE TO SURVIVE features eight teams of two competing for a $500,000 prize. A grueling 100-mile race (the first season is in Alaska; the second in New Zealand) is divided into six legs. At the end of each leg, the last team to arrive is eliminated. Along the way, teams face challenges introduced by producers and must survive the elements with very few supplies. The players come from eclectic backgrounds -- including an Army vet, an ER doctor, a fisherman, and a pair of Ivy League grads -- but all bring survival skills and a love of adventure to the game.
Is It Any Good?
A diverse, compelling cast and adrenaline-filled adventures make this reality series an entertaining watch, but it's nothing we haven't seen before. Race to Survive is basically a mashup of The Amazing Race, Survivor, Outlast, and dozens of gritty wilderness shows where everyday people battle the elements. (One cast member on the first season of Race to Survive also appeared on Naked and Afraid.) It's fun to trace the teams' progress through narration and their movements on a map, and in the first season, Alaska's varied landscapes are jaw-dropping, from the lush rainforest to snow-covered mountains. But this survival competition show doesn't do much to break out from the pack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about taking risks. What's the difference between persevering in the face of challenges and pushing yourself too far? Do you think the contestants on Race to Survive are putting themselves in danger?
If you were on this show, who would you want to be your teammate? What qualities make someone a good partner?
Why do you think people become survivalists? What can we learn from shows about living in the wilderness?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 3, 2023
- Network : USA
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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