Beloved CBS Reality Show Celebrates 25 Years With More Than 1 Million Miles Traveled

The Amazing Race has officially reached a milestone that would have been difficult to predict when Phil Keoghan sent 11 teams racing away from a New York City starting line 25 years ago.

The CBS reality competition began its journey on Sept. 5, 2001, joining Survivor and Big Brother during the network’s early push into reality competition television.

Standing beneath gray skies, Keoghan gave 22 contestants their final instructions before they began a race through nine countries for a $1 million prize. “The world is waiting for you. I want to wish all of you the best of luck. Travel safe,” Keoghan told them. He then raised his eyebrow and delivered one word that would become synonymous with the series: “Go!”

That first starting line launched one of CBS’ longest-running reality competitions.

Over 38 completed seasons, The Amazing Race has sent contestants more than 1 million competition miles across 39 countries. The series has also collected 15 Primetime Emmy Awards while continuing through major changes in both reality television and the broader TV industry.

Keoghan has remained at the center of the American edition since the beginning.

Speaking with Parade in 2024, the longtime host offered a straightforward explanation for why he believes the series has connected with viewers for so long.

“I love that our show is the show that people say nice things about,” Keoghan said.

When The Amazing Race arrived in 2001, CBS was still learning whether its new reality competition shows had staying power. Survivor had premiered in May 2000 with strangers attempting to outwit and outlast one another in a remote location. Big Brother followed in July 2000, putting a group of strangers together in a house while they competed for a cash prize.

The Amazing Race gave the network a third format, this time sending pairs of contestants around the world. Along the way, the series also created one of reality television’s most recognizable starting-line traditions.

“The world is waiting for you. Good luck. Travel safe. Go!” became Keoghan’s familiar send-off, typically accompanied by his signature eyebrow raise before contestants sprint toward their first clue.

Twenty-five years after he first sent racers on their way, Keoghan is preparing to do it again.

The Amazing Race returns for season 39 with a two-night premiere on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.