The Amazing Race 8 Format Change

cdru · 02-09-05, 11:17 AM

USA Today has a small blurp buried on page 3D regarding a format change for TAR8 to be filmed later this summer. It will now be a family affair with a smaller number of larger teams.

Quote:

[t]he show wiull pit fewer, but larger, four-member teams of relatives. But not just Mom, Dad, and two kids: Applicant teams can consist of siblings, three-generation families, even engaged couples with one set of parents

"'We're really looking for strong back stories,' such as an estranged but newly reunited family, host Phil Koeghan says.

The new format also means that the application rules will change. Racers use to have to be 21 years old or older, now that has been lowered to 12 or older. At least one racer must be 21 or older for each group.

The article also mentions that the 9th season, scheduled for early 2006, is suppose to return to the regular format.

I can hardly wait for 12 Legs of "Are we there yet", "I have to go to the bathroom", and "Sally/Billy touched me again."

Danny R · 02-09-05, 01:18 PM

I sent out an email to my family members to see if any of them want to play. Probably not.

Mark Holtz · 02-09-05, 01:41 PM

From the Zap2It article:

CBS picked up Amazing Race 8 and 9 for next season.
Amazing Race 8 is using the family format with teams of 4 instead of 2.
Amazing Race 9 will have the familiar format.

And, from this Zap2It article:Through its first 11 airings, "Amazing Race" has averaged 11.33 million viewers, putting it at a solid No. 37 for the season.

compubit · 02-09-05, 04:37 PM

It's gonna be tougher getting teams of 4 on crowded flights...

It could also be very interesting... Too bad I won't be able to apply - no way anyone in my family would go through the torture (besides me!).

cdru · 02-09-05, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compubit

It's gonna be tougher getting teams of 4 on crowded flights...

Flights might create a little more of a challenge, but they already have to deal with finding flights with 4 open seats not just two. Contestants always fly with a camera man and sound man.

I think other forums of transportation will be more challenging. Just think of the commonly used taxi. Depending on the type of vehicle, you might be able to fit 3 people across the back, but not 4 (at least legally depending on laws). So someone has to sit up front...but now there is no room for the camera and sound man. Unless they switch to multiple vehicles or mini-van taxis, things will definitely be different.

compubit · 02-14-05, 08:13 PM

I have a hunch, that the producers are well aware of the available flights and pre-book a series of flights for the video/sound guys.

Do the sound guys travel on the same planes - I've noticed they rarely (I can't recall seeing it) have on-board audio during the commercial flights - just tape of people sleeping, watching movies, etc.

Jim
(hooked on the show, but haven't hunted down all of the rules and nuances...)

cdru · 02-15-05, 07:30 AM

I was under the impression that the sound and video guy for each team was pretty much assigned to that team. They followed them around everywhere they go. If that is indeed the case, I'd imagine that they would both go on the flight as well even if they both aren't used during the flight. I would think it would be hard for them to always have to catch up every flight by taking a different later flight.

Danny R · 02-15-05, 07:45 AM

I have a hunch, that the producers are well aware of the available flights and pre-book a series of flights for the video/sound guys.

Very likely. After all, the producers know exactly where the teams are heading.

It would however be interesting to find out how often teams have surprised the production crew and gone routes they didn't discover or think of.

Tusk · 02-15-05, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdru

I was under the impression that the sound and video guy for each team was pretty much assigned to that team. They followed them around everywhere they go. If that is indeed the case, I'd imagine that they would both go on the flight as well even if they both aren't used during the flight. I would think it would be hard for them to always have to catch up every flight by taking a different later flight.

The only problem with this is explaining to a team why there are two empty seats left but they can't take the flight because there is no room for the sound and video guys.

compubit · 02-16-05, 06:36 PM

I'd think that even if you did have a video and sound guy assigned to each team, you'd have backups (not necessarily a full complement) in each receiving city, just in case there was a slight change of plans.

Of course this may explain why folks on that last leg weren't being allowed to change flights, even though there were people still getting on the planes and some seats left...

Jim