What makes Race Across the World such a popular show?

Race Across the World's popularity stems from its captivating blend of adventure, culture, and human connection. Contestants embark on a thrilling journey, navigating diverse landscapes and confronting challenges. The show's focus on authentic experiences and the forging of deep bonds resonates with audiences globally. Through this exhilarating quest for victory, Race Across the World creates an unmissable viewing experience that has captivated viewers and made it a worldwide sensation.

As the finale of Race Across the World draws near, several courageous participants share their perspectives on why they believe the show has achieved such remarkable success. They describe it as relatable, inspirational, and predictably, physically taxing. For those unfamiliar with this Bafta-winning BBC One program, it offers a unique vantage point, showcasing five pairs racing across the globe in pursuit of a £20,000 prize.

Devoid of their smartphones, bank cards, or internet access, this season's teams must traverse 15,000 kilometers from Japan to Indonesia, armed with only £1,390 to cover expenses across nine countries. Along the way, they have the opportunity to supplement their funds through local employment and seize moments for sightseeing whenever possible.

Eugenie, aged 60, racing alongside her 25-year-old daughter Isabel, shared with the BBC her belief that the show resonates with audiences because they see reflections of themselves in the contestants. She mentioned receiving numerous comments from people who identify with their dynamic as a mother-daughter duo. Eugenie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and create lasting memories, a journey viewers can vicariously partake in. Throughout the series, viewers witnessed moments of conflict and growth in Eugenie and Isabel's relationship, as they navigated challenges and deepened their understanding of each other.

Television critic Scott Bryan highlighted one of the show's strengths, emphasizing its authenticity. He praised the autonomy of each team, allowing viewers to witness their decisions, mistakes, and subsequent growth, all skillfully portrayed by the cast. Produced by Studio Lambert, known for BBC One's The Traitors, the show meticulously selects its participants. Bryan noted that Race Across the World not only showcases diverse landscapes but also captures the personal transformation of its contestants. In contrast to reality shows like Love Island, this series celebrates individuals from various backgrounds and regions, offering a refreshing perspective.

As teams journey, they often encounter the kindness of strangers, who offer lifts, hospitality, and even work opportunities like waxing surfboards or herding ducks. Stephen and Viv's experience harvesting cinnamon in Sumatra, where Viv also shared a candid moment improvising without a toilet, provided viewers with insights into both cinnamon production and the lives of those involved. Viv emphasized the value of staying with locals, offering a perspective rarely seen in typical holidays. She believes the series could inspire backpacking adventures, demonstrating that travel is achievable even without a big budget or reliance on technology.

Bryan concurred, noting that the show unveils magnificent and often remote destinations, offering viewers a glimpse of places seldom showcased on television. Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian hailed Race Across the World as a multifaceted experience, blending travel, history, psychology, and thrilling competition. She praised its capacity to instill hope, particularly in challenging times, and its humanitarian aspect, which contrasts with prevailing pessimism. Carol Midgley of The Times echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the show's portrayal of humans relying on resourcefulness over modern technology and highlighting its uplifting message about the inherent friendliness of the world, a contrast to the often grim portrayal in the news.

Bryan emphasized that the challenges faced by the teams push them beyond their comfort zones, resulting in more engaging television. He also highlighted the stark realization of how much harder traveling is without the conveniences of the internet. Sean O'Grady of The Independent observed that the absence of smartphones enriches the travel experience for the participants, leading them to explore not only the landscapes but also their relationships with their travel partners. Viv and Stephen appreciated how the show offers viewers an intimate look into the contestants' personalities and dynamics, describing it as a deeply personal and feel-good experience.

The series delves deeply into its contestants' personal stories, alongside the race and travel adventures, leading to profoundly moving moments that resonate with the audience. In a poignant scene in Hoi An, Vietnam, Alfie shared his emotional journey, reflecting on the loss of his mother at a young age. Lighting a floating lantern in her memory, he expressed a longing to reconnect with her. His vulnerability struck a chord with viewers, with one expressing a collective desire to offer him comfort and support.

Viewers were deeply moved by a poignant moment featuring Betty, 25, who bravely shared her diagnosis of Mayer Rokitansky Küster Hauser syndrome (MRKH). Tearfully, she revealed her condition, born without a uterus and with just one kidney, expressing the heartache of being unable to conceive. MRKH, affecting 1 in every 5,000 women according to the NHS, primarily impacts the reproductive system. Betty's openness aimed to offer solace to others facing similar diagnoses, fostering understanding and support. Her candid conversation with her brother James not only strengthened their bond but also prompted an emotional response from him, seeking comfort from the production team, who are typically behind the scenes. The heartfelt exchange resonated with viewers, prompting messages of gratitude and empathy for both Betty and James.

Reflecting on the aftermath of his sister's revelation, James expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received after the episode aired. He acknowledged the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal experiences on a public platform, but was moved by the immense support and motivation they received on social media. Stephen and Viv, having undergone the intense experience of being filmed throughout by two production crew members, found it draining. Both having faced health challenges in the past - Stephen with a heart attack in 2006 and Viv with a stroke in 2011 - they were inspired to embrace a positive outlook and live in the present moment.

Viv had shared with Yahoo News that their health challenges motivated them to embrace every opportunity that crosses their path. Stephen jokingly mentioned to the BBC that they needed six months to recover after the show, spending much of December catching up on sleep. Despite the exhaustion, they remain undeterred and still find the prospect of long coach rides exciting. Their next adventure takes them to Canada, with plans already brewing for bus trips around Europe. Additional reporting by Mark Savage.

Catch the conclusion of Race Across the World on BBC One, Wednesday 29 May at 21:00 BST.

Source: bbc‍