It’s that time again: “The Amazing Race” is back! Season 38 premieres on Thursday, September 25, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
This season is marked by intense competition as contestants strive to win the $1 million prize money. But who are the competitors? When and how can you watch the show? And what spoilers have been revealed?
The Cast of ‘The Amazing Race’ 38
Phil Keoghan will return as host and lead 13 pairs of former “Big Brother” contestants and their travel companions in a competition that will take them across Europe. These familiar faces include “Big Brother” Season 12 and Season 22 alum Enzo Palumbo. He is joined by his brother, Jack Palumbo. Season 18 alum Natalie Negrotti and her sister Stephanie Negrotti, and Season 21 contestant Kat Dunn and her boyfriend, Alex Romo, People reports.
Also joining the cast are Season 23 alums Hannah Chaddha and her sister Simone Chaddha. Kyland Young and fellow “Big Brother” alum and girlfriend, Taylor Hale, who won Season 24. Adding an interesting twist to the mix is Season 24 competitor Joseph Abdin and his brother, Adam Abdin. Joseph is also Hale’s ex-boyfriend.
Fans will also see Matt Turner and his wife, Megan Turner, as well as Season 25 stars Izzy Gleicher and Jag Bains. Gleicher brought her fiancée, and Bains was joined by his brother Jas Bains. There are also four Season 26 alums: Angela Murray and her daughter, Lexi Murray; Rubina Bernabe and her sister, Kristine Bernabe; Tucker Des Lauriers and his brother, Eric Des Lauriers. And last, but certainly not least, the winner of Season 26, Chelsie Baham, who was joined by her dad, Jack Baham.
Where Is ‘Amazing Race’ 38 Filmed?
“The Amazing Race” 38 is being filmed in Europe this season and will begin in Amsterdam. Other cities that the contestants will visit include Prague, Budapest, and Romania.
“The Amazing Race takes the Racers and viewers on an unforgettable journey,” a press release on Paramount from co-creators and executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri reads, People reports. “With a traveling crew of over 100 people, over the course of 38 seasons, we have traveled to nearly 100 countries and over 1 million miles, an extraordinary feat of storytelling and logistics.”
How This Season Was Influenced by ‘Big Brother’
Host Phil Keoghan commented on the differences of having an all-star “Big Brother” cast compared to other seasons. “We have never had a cast where they are all connected before. Every single one of these cast members knew of or dated somebody on the cast. It made for some totally new content. When you are 38 seasons into the show, it is nice to try new things,” Keoghan told Parade on September 24 ahead of the season premiere.
There were also significant differences in the gameplay this season due to the competitors’ backgrounds with “Big Brother.” Speaking of the strategy, Keoghan said it was different straight away, as were the alliances. The reason being “because they all had a history with each other.”
He continued, “Normally the alliances and connections happen later in the season because they have to get to know each other and then decide, ‘Oh, I want to work with this team or that team based on their strengths or weaknesses.’ … They knew the history and knew who would be best to strategize with at the beginning. So, it played out differently than we would normally see on the race.”
I’ve watched and loved the race since the beginning. Am so disappointed with this season and all big brothers contestants. Would love to see it as it started with all separate contestants.