Filming of season 33 of The Amazing Race has stopped due to the coronavirus fears. Executives at CBS decided it was too risky to put their workers and the contestants in danger while the virus is still spreading with no foreseen end.
The Amazing Race is hosted by New Zealander, Phil Keoghan and has been Emmy nominated. The reality- adventure series features 11 teams of two each new season and has them globetrotting around the world for a chance to win one million dollars. During their travels, each team has to perform challenges or roadblock that could consist of learning a native dance, language, or trying a local delicacy. Fans watch as some teams form bonds with others while others sacrifice everyone to win.
According to Variety, the CBS network decided to halt production of the 33 season of The Amazing Race due to the increased cases of the coronavirus, which has not taken over worldwide. The network revealed the decision was made out of an "abundance of caution." CBS also stated that the respiratory virus had not impacted anyone directly on the show. Currently, all the film crew, production staff, and contestants are in the process of getting home.
There has not been a new production date set for season 33. The outlet had not publicly confirmed they were even filming for the upcoming season. Only three episodes had been filmed to date with the contestants visiting England and Scotland. Fans of the show can breathe a small sigh of relief as season 32, which was the upcoming season, had already been completed but as of now does now have an official release date.
The Amazing Race is the first United States television show to be ambushed by the coronavirus outbreak. But many other productions which are also produced in other parts of the world had also been held up. The foreign film world is reeling from haled projects and canceled premiers. Mulan was announced it had been canceled in China, while films set to be premiere in Italy have been revoked. The next major world event is set to be the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Athletes are questioning whether they should risk their health and compete, but no official decision has been made at this time. While governments are pleading with the public not to panic, television show viewers will have to come to terms that more of their favorite shows may be over before they ever started.
Source: Variety