By Variety | Created at 2026-08-12 17:56:23 | Updated at 2026-08-12 21:12:40
5 hours ago
The world is waiting for them. GO! CBS has revealed the contestants for this fall’s “The Amazing Race” Season 39, and after last year’s “Big Brother”-themed pairings, the partners are back to being civilians.
The 13 teams this time out include two women’s pro athletes, as well as the usual mix of siblings, parents and kids, BFFs and significant others. “The Amazing Race” Season 39 premieres with a two-night event on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET and Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 p.m. on CBS plus streaming on Paramount+.
Season 39 kicks off in Vancouver, Canada (where they jump 200 feet off the BC Stadium catwalk), and ultimately travels to five continents, nine countries (including Morocco, where they walk with camels, and Laos, where they fly a paramotor), 13 cities and more than 25,000 miles.
Among the new elements to this edition: The series’ first-ever visit to the country of Albania, as well as a twist at the very start of the season: All 13 teams will receive an Express Pass. Those teams must then decide how to strategically use those passes before the end of leg six.
“’Amazing Race’ fans continue to make it clear what they love most is seeing everyday Americans stepping outside their comfort zones to race around the world and complete extraordinary challenges in extraordinary places — a chance to vicariously experience our amazing planet through the eyes of compelling, relatable contestants,” said host Phil Keoghan in a statement. “This season’s twists, including a new, unexpected reveal at the start line, as well as the return of some tried and tested classics, ramp up the importance of strategy. All this, along with a first-time visit to Albania, make for another thrilling race for $1 million.”
Here are the teams:
“Ali is a two-time World Cup champion (U.S. Women’s National Team, 2015 and 2019), Olympian (2016, Rio), Champions League winner (1. FFC Frankfurt, 2008) and NWSL Champion (Gotham FC, 2023) Joanna played professional football for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), Washington Freedom, Philadelphia Independence, Boston Breakers and the Washington Spirit.”
CBS
Brothers from Dallas, Texas CBS
CBS
Katie Schultz (26, esthetician) and Charlotte Schultz (20, esthetician): Sisters from Murray, Ky. CBS
“The Amazing Race” exec producers include creators Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, as well as Jerry Bruckheimer, Keoghan, Patrick Cariaga and Darren Bunkley. World Race Productions produces in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, ABC Studios and Amazing Race Productions.
