How a labor strike forced a reality show to double its runtime
In short: When the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike hit, CBS faced a production dilemma for The Amazing Race. The solution wasn't just a delay; it was a structural overhaul that fundamentally changed how the show is consumed by its audience.
In May 2023, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach announced that The Amazing Race 35 would pivot to a 90-minute episode format. Rather than simply airing the show as planned, the network leveraged the situation to provide 'more of what they want'—more content and more immersive storytelling for the audience. The network initially announced that no episodes would air during the first half of 2023. This delay was confirmed on February 21, 2023. The production team used the extra time to explore different format possibilities.
The shift allowed producers to utilize a massive amount of 'left on the floor' footage. By expanding the runtime, the show could experiment with different format elements and new trials. Various beloved features reappeared during this cycle, such as the U-Turn (last seen in season 32), the Express Pass (last seen in season 29), and commercial flights. Notably, the U-Turn Vote returned as a private vote rather than a public one. The season also introduced a new element called The Scramble. While this feature debuted in the previous season, it appeared in the final leg instead of the first. The production also included a first-time visit to Slovenia.
The season's logistics were equally ambitious, featuring thirteen teams traveling over 23,800 miles across three continents and nine countries. The journey began in Los Angeles and spanned locations such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Sweden, and Ireland, eventually concluding in Greater Seattle. This production cycle, which began with filming in June 2023, successfully balanced high-stakes competition with the expanded narrative requirements of the new 90-minute format. The competition concluded on December 13, 2023, with brothers Greg and John Franklin taking the top prize. They were joined at the finish by best friends and a father and son duo. The final three teams were notably composed entirely of men.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Amazing Race 35
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