Common Sense Media Review
Stressful global race features tense moments, teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Amazing Race
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 32 kid reviews
Kids say this show is an exciting blend of fun, culture, and teamwork that keeps families engaged, though some reviews express concern over occasional mild profanity and instances of team conflict. Despite these elements, many viewers highlight its educational value and the enjoyment of watching global travel experiences unfold week after week.
- family-friendly
- teamwork emphasis
- mild profanity
- educational value
- engaging content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the wildly popular series THE AMAZING RACE combines the thrill of reality competition with the excitement of travel. Eleven teams of two, which consist of friends, married couples, siblings, parent-child teams, and even social media stars, dash all over the globe in hopes of winning a major cash prize. Hosted and narrated by Phil Keoghan, each episode features each team using their smarts, wits, and various modes of local transportation to help them get to from one far-off destination after another and remain ahead of their competition. Once there, they perform tasks of physical and mental skill to get clues and information that will get them to the next location. During certain legs of the journey, the last teams to arrive at checkpoints are eliminated. From the urban streets of Mexico City to the deserts of Dubai, the contestants do what they can to win while experiencing the wonder and adventure of international travel.
Is It Any Good?
The fun, fast-paced series allows viewers to see the world through the eyes of the race and learn more about cultures and local customs in places that aren't always well-known vacation destinations. But, like most reality competitions, The Amazing Race has a fair share of petty behavior, thanks to the stresses of the many unusual and sometimes-difficult circumstances the contestants find themselves in. Adding to the tension are the occasional ethical questions raised about the teams helping (or not helping) one another.
The way the individual pairs, who are from all walks of life, support each other throughout the race ranges from heartwarming to frustrating, especially when they begin to take out their stress on each other. Meanwhile, some cast members aren't always respectful of the international communities or their traditional customs. However, these moments are usually quick and usually overshadowed by the excitement of the journey. Overall, it's an entertaining show that offers an amazing look at the world around us and adventures that most people only dream about.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the participants' behavior on The Amazing Race. Does a competitor have a moral obligation to help another struggling team, or is it OK to leave them floundering? Who in this competition seems to be balancing a healthy competitive spirit with good sportsmanship?
What are some of the things you should and shouldn't do when traveling in a different country? Should you expect people to understand you or your needs while you're there? Is it ever appropriate to make fun of people's language(s) or customs, even if they're very different from your own?
Would you like to join The Amazing Race? Do you think you would do well in these stressful situations? Where would you like to go? Is there anywhere in the world you'd be more hesitant to race through? Why?
How do the competitors on The Amazing Race demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 5, 2001
- Cast : Phil Keoghan
- Networks : CBS , Travel Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate