Continuing to provide the best game-related series possible, GSN, the network for games, has acquired the off-network rights to episodes of the Emmy Award-winning adventure reality series, THE AMAZING RACE. The acquisition, from King World Productions, Inc., of the popular CBS series hosted by Phil Keoghan, marks the first time THE AMAZING RACE episodes will have been seen since their original airings. The announcement was made today by Ian Valentine, Senior Vice President, Programming, GSN.
Executive Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said, "We are pleased that the one-of-a-kind adventures offered by THE AMAZING RACE have found a second home on GSN. We have received an outpouring of responses from our viewers that they would love to see the series again and we have many fans who came to the series after its beginning. THE AMAZING RACE on GSN will satisfy both groups and hopefully bring in new fans."
"THE AMAZING RACE is perfect for our network," remarked Valentine on the acquisition. "It offers everything that our network stands for - competition, adventure, terrific production values, good storylines and great characters. We couldn´t be more thrilled to be the year-round home of this award-winning series."
Executive Producer/Co-Creator Bertram van Munster added, "I am thrilled and very excited that we have made a deal with GSN. ´THE AMAZING RACE´ is the most unpredictable of all game shows ... each episode is self-contained from different world wide locations fueled by dramatic characters and a powerful, original story and ending."
The series´ first season begins on GSN Monday, July 11 at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and will air in this regular time period Monday through Sunday. The series will have an encore showing at midnight every night except Fridays during GSN´s Casino Night. GSN´s deal includes the rights to the first eight editions and more than 100 hours of the series, as well as the option for the next two installments. The network will telecast each season consecutively and will program special marathons at various times throughout the year.
THE AMAZING RACE premiered on CBS on September 5, 2001. The series has delivered consistent ratings growth over the last four years and had its best season to date in season seven. "More and more people discover and love the show every season it´s aired. That growing enthusiasm really cemented the value of the program for GSN," said Valentine.
The series format follows 11 pairs of contestants as they race around the globe, completing challenges in hopes of capturing the $1 million grand prize. The series has toured South Africa, Paris, the Sahara Desert, Beijing, Alaska, and scores of other exotic locations. In addition to the arduous traveling and grueling breakneck speed of the competition of the game, contestants along the way have had wallets stolen; sprained ankles; danced and begged for money; bungee jumped; skydived; rappelled down treacherous slopes; sold escargot; traveled in crowded hot and muggy trains and fought airport security. And if these globe-trotting obstacles were not enough, contestants also have had to overcome serious spats with their partners and other teams. Accusations of cheating, arguments over driving, anger and fear are some of the issues and emotions that have added to the excitement of this one-of-a-kind series, which was recognized with consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality- Competition Program in 2003 and 2004.
THE AMAZING RACE is now prepping for its eighth season which will feature families of four, adding a new twist to the series.
