[

] of
The Amazing Race. Logos for the international versions of the show are adapted from this logo.]]
The Amazing Race, sometimes referred to as
TAR, is a
reality television game show in which teams of two people
(with one exception), which have some form of a preexisting personal relationship,
race around the world in competition with other teams. Contestants strive to arrive first at "pit stops" at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and avoid coming in last, which carries the possibility of elimination or a significant disadvantage in the following leg. Contestants travel to and within multiple countries in a variety of transportation modes, including
planes,
taxis,
rental cars,
trains,
buses and
boats. The clues in each leg point the teams to the next destination or direct them to perform a task, either together or by a single member. These challenges are related in some manner to the country or culture where they are located. Teams are progressively eliminated until three teams are left; at that point, the team which arrives first in the final leg is awarded a large cash grand prize, usually one million U.S. dollars.
Created by
Elise Doganieri and
Bertram van Munster, the
original series has aired in the
United States since 2001 and has earned seven
Primetime Emmy Awards, including all five "
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program" awards that have been given.
Emmy-award-winning
New Zealand television personality
Phil Keoghan has been the popular host of the show since its inception.
Hollywood mega-producer
Jerry Bruckheimer has been TAR's main producer. The show has branched out to include a number of international versions following a similar format.