The Amazing Race Is on Season 38?! I’m Completely Shook (and Honestly Kinda Proud)

The Amazing Race Is on Season 38?! I’m Completely Shook (and Honestly Kinda Proud)

I had a moment recently. I was scrolling through upcoming TV releases when I saw it — the phrase that stopped me mid-scroll, mouth wide open:

“The Amazing Race — Season 38 Premiere.”

Wait. Hold on. Season. THIRTY. EIGHT.

Not 28. Not 18. THIRTY-EIGHT.

I had to check multiple sources because my brain refused to believe that a reality show that debuted before social media existed was still not only running — but THRIVING.

So here I am, publicly declaring:I am SHOCKED, amazed, and maybe a little emotional that The Amazing Race is still alive, kicking, and racing full throttle into a new season.

Let’s talk about how this show has made it to nearly 40 seasons — and why that’s actually incredible.

A Quick Flashback: The Year It All Started

Let’s rewind to 2001.

• iPods were brand new.

• We were all burning CDs.

• Reality TV was still in its infancy.

• And a show called The Amazing Race quietly premiered on CBS.

It had a simple concept with huge ambition:Teams of two would race around the world, completing cultural, physical, and mental challenges for a shot at $1 million. The twist? They had to do it all under pressure, on limited resources, and with minimal information.

We didn’t know then that it would go on to become one of the longest-running and most beloved reality competition shows ever.

Seriously, 38 Seasons Is INSANE

Just think about it:

• 38 seasons of sprinting through airports, crying in tuk-tuks, and yelling at cab drivers to “go faster.”

• 38 groups of strangers (and siblings, couples, best friends, and exes) racing against time, each other, and their own personal limits.

• 38 finales with Phil Keoghan dramatically whispering “You are the first team to arrive...” or “You have been eliminated from the race.”

• And nearly 25 years of TV history — through streaming, cord-cutting, reboots, and a global pandemic.

Most scripted shows don’t make it past Season 5.Most reality shows fade by Season 10.

And yet, The Amazing Race is still GOING. That deserves a standing ovation.

Wait… How Did I Miss This Many Seasons?

This was my second shock. I used to be obsessed with The Amazing Race. I watched it religiously in the early 2000s and randomly caught episodes during later seasons. Somewhere along the way, I blinked — and an entire decade of races happened without me.

I missed detours.I missed Roadblocks.I missed meltdowns and plot twists and “We should’ve taken the left at the roundabout!”

But maybe that’s the magic of The Amazing Race:Even if you’ve been away, it welcomes you back like an old friend. It’s familiar, fast-paced, and comforting in its chaos.

Why The Amazing Race Still Works in 2025

Let’s be real — this show shouldn’t still work. In the era of bite-sized streaming content and fast trends, how is a globe-trotting travel show from 2001 still relevant?

Here’s why:

1. The Formula Is Timeless

Two-person teams. Clues. Detours. Roadblocks. Pit Stops. Elimination.It’s a structure that works — and viewers know what they’re getting every single time. It’s comfort food with jet lag.

2. It’s Literally a Passport to the World

We get to visit remote villages in Vietnam, deserts in Morocco, temples in Sri Lanka, and markets in Colombia — all from our couch. No other show offers global exposure like this.

3. It Combines Adventure, Strategy, and Human Drama

It’s not just about speed — it’s about communication, resilience, problem-solving, and how people behave under pressure. The moments of teamwork (and the meltdowns) are equally satisfying to watch.

4. It’s Family-Friendly

While other reality shows lean into backstabbing and toxic drama, TAR is competitive without being cruel. It’s something you can watch with your parents, your partner, or your kids.

5. It Keeps Reinventing Itself

• Seasons with social media stars? Done it.

• All-star seasons? Multiple times.

• U-Turns, Express Passes, Blind Dates, Megalegs? They keep it fresh.

• They even survived COVID with smart, safe filming in a post-pandemic format.

CBS said, “Let’s run around the world during a pandemic.” AND THEY DID. Wild.

Why Season 38 Might Be One of the Best Yet

From what I’ve seen in early teasers, Season 38 brings the heat. Here's why I’m excited:

• A more diverse, dynamic cast — not just racially, but in terms of age, relationship type, and personality.

• Brand-new locations we’ve never seen on the race before.

• A focus on mental endurance and cultural immersion — challenges that go beyond just brute strength.

• Rumors of new rule twists that force teams to rethink their strategy mid-race.

• And of course, Phil Keoghan still looking unbothered at every Pit Stop.

It feels like they’re pulling out all the stops to make this season memorable — and honestly, I’m sold.

Final Thoughts: I'm Shocked — But I’m So Glad It’s Still Here

I truly can’t believe we’ve made it to The Amazing Race Season 38. It’s wild. It’s inspiring. It’s a little chaotic. And somehow, it still works.

The world has changed dramatically since 2001 — but The Amazing Race remains a reminder of what we all love:Adventure. Resilience. And maybe a little healthy competition with your bestie or your spouse.

So even though I missed a few seasons (okay, like 10), I’m back now — and I’ll be cheering every team on like I never left.