Amazing Race Suomi season 1

Last updated

Contents

Amazing Race Suomi
Season 1
Amazing Race Suomi, season 1 logo.png
Presented by Heikki Paasonen
No. of days24
No. of teams12
Winner Kaisa Mäkäräinen & Mari Eder
No. of legs12
Distance traveled26,000 km (16,000 mi)
No. of episodes12
Release
Original network Nelonen
Original release30 September (2023-09-30) 
16 December 2023 (2023-12-16)
Additional information
Filming dates24 July 
16 August 2023
Season chronology
Next 
Season 2

This is the first season of Amazing Race Suomi (English: Amazing Race Finland), a Finnish reality competition show based on the American series The Amazing Race . Hosted by Heikki Paasonen, it featured twelve teams of two, each with a pre-existing relationship and including at least one celebrity contestant, competing in a race around Southeast Asia to win 30,000. [1] This season visited two continents and seven countries and travelled over 26,000 kilometres (16,000 mi) during twelve legs. Starting in Helsinki, racers travelled through Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore before returning to Finland and finishing in Helsinki. The season premiered on 30 September 2023 on Nelonen and concluded on 16 December.

Friends and biathletes Kaisa Mäkäräinen and Mari Eder won this season, while father-son duo Tuukka & Sami Ritokoski finished in second place, and friends and work partners Janne Lehtonen and Robin Hendry finished in third place. [2]

Production

Development and filming

The first-ever Amazing Race Suomi
began from Toolonlahti, a neighbourhood in Helsinki. Toolonlahti park in Kluuvi, Helsinki, Finland, 2019 September.jpg
The first-ever Amazing RaceSuomi began from Töölönlahti, a neighbourhood in Helsinki.

Finnish television network Nelonen held talks with Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri for years on how they could make The Amazing Race format in Finland. After the rights were secured, Moskito Television obtained Jesse McDonald, a producer who had travelled internationally for almost 20 years with the original show, as an executive producer. [3]

The casting for the celebrity teams of the first season finished in early 2023. On 12 April 2023, it was announced that filming would occur during the summer with contestants traveling around the world. [1] On 25 May 2023, it was announced that Heikki Paasonen would host the show, filming of which would start in late July. [4] [5] On 24 July 2023, the teams were announced as the race began from Töölönlahti. [6] Filming lasted for roughly four weeks and concluded on 16 August 2023 back in Helsinki, Finland. [7]

Release

Broadcast

The first trailer of the first season was released on 29 August, which featured a sneak peek about the season, some tasks and locations. [8]

Marketing

Sponsors for this season include CamelBak, Fjällräven, Free bug repellent, HAI Group, Jack Wolfskin, Makia, Rela tablets and Superdry. [9] The participants' backpacks advert OP Pohjola, a Finnish bank service.

Cast

Each team is composed of two individuals who have some type of relationship to each other. In the first season, there are 12 Finnish celebrity teams competing. [6] [10] [11] Green League MP Fatim Diarra was asked to participate but declined. [12]

ContestantsNotabilityAgeRelationshipStatus
Anna Perho Author52Mother & SonEliminated 1st
(in Bangkok, Thailand)
Atte Lehtiniittu22
Aino-Kaisa Pekonen Member of Parliament 44Work PartnersEliminated 2nd
(in Phuket, Thailand)
Silvia Modig Member of the European Parliament 46
Lotta Hintsa Miss Finland 201334SistersMedically removed
(in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Noora Hintsa32
Katariina Kaitue Actress56Mother & SonEliminated 4th
(in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Benjamin Harima29
Jukka Rasila Donald Duck voice actor53Cohabiting CoupleEliminated 5th
(in Manila, Philippines)
Mirva Nieminen45
Ilmari Nurminen Member of Parliament 32CoupleEliminated 6th
(in Pampanga, Philippines)
Aapo Hettula30
Peter Vesterbacka Developer of Angry Birds 55Mentor & MenteeEliminated 7th
(in Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Thy "Anna" Nguyen18
Marcus Grönholm WRC drivers' champion55FriendsEliminated 8th
(in Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Timo Rautiainen WRC co-drivers' champion58
Bakari Diarra Entrepreneur, Vitunleija 25FriendsEliminated 9th
(in George Town, Malaysia)
Samuel ChimeSocial media personality24
Janne Lehtonen Head Instructor on Erikoisjoukot 40FriendsThird place
Robin HendryInstructor on Erikoisjoukot37
Tuukka Ritokoski Radio presenter on Radio Suomipop 28Father & SonRunners-up
Sami Ritokoski58
Kaisa Mäkäräinen Biathlete40FriendsWinners
Mari Eder Biathlete & Cross-country skier35

Results

The following teams are listed with their placements in each leg. Placements are listed in finishing order.

Team placement (by leg)
Team 1 2 3 4 [a] 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Kaisa & Mari3rd2nd4th4th3rd3rd2nd3rd3rd4th2nd1st
Tuukka & Sami2nd3rd3rd6th6th2nd3rd2nd2nd3rd3rd2nd
Janne & Robin9th7th6th2nd4th1st1st1st1st2nd1st3rd
Bakari & Samuel1st1st1st1st2nd4th4th4th4th1st4th
Marcus & Timo4th4th2nd3rd1st6th5th5th5th
Peter & Anna6th6th5th5th7th5th6th6th
Ilmari & Aapo10th10th8th8th5th7th
Jukka & Mirva8th8th7th7th8th
Katariina & Benjamin11th9th9th
Lotta & Noora5th5th [b]
Aino-Kaisa & Silvia7th11th
Anna & Atte12th
Notes
  1. The third and fourth legs were combined to a "Super Leg", whereby all of the remaining teams were instructed to continue racing immediately after the third leg without a rest period.
  2. Noora & Lotta left the competition at the start of the third leg after they both exhibited health difficulties.

Race summary

Destinations Legenda lotnisko.svg Air travel    Legenda kolej.svg Rail travel    BSicon BOOT.svg Water travel    Bus-logo.svg Bus travel
Maki-heliport-15.svg Helicopter travel    Maki-bicycle-15.svg Bicycle travel    Maki-aerialway-15.svg Gondola travel
Route Markers Detour icon.svg Kiertotie (Detour)    Roadblock icon.svg Tiesulku (Roadblock)    Speed Bump icon.svg Hidaste (Speed Bump)    TAR-Finland-pitstop-icon.png Etapin päätepiste (Pit Stop)

Leg 1 (Finland → Thailand)

Benchakitti Park in Bangkok served as the first Pit Stop of the season. Benchakitti park 2017.jpg
Benchakitti Park in Bangkok served as the first Pit Stop of the season.
Locations
Episode summary
CountryFlagCurrency
Czech Republic Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Koruna
Malaysia Flag of Malaysia.svg Ringgit
Mexico Flag of Mexico.svg Peso
Thailand Flag of Thailand.svg Baht
Tunisia Flag of Tunisia.svg Dinar

Leg 2 (Thailand)

Teams visited the beaches of Phuket, including Layan Beach for the Detour, during the second leg. haadlaayanyaamphlbkham.jpg
Teams visited the beaches of Phuket, including Layan Beach for the Detour, during the second leg.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 3 (Thailand → Vietnam)

This leg's Detour on Thanh Da Island was set in Binh Quoi Village. Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1.jpg
This leg's Detour on Thanh Đa Island was set in Bình Quới Village.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Leg 4 (Vietnam)

In the Old Saigon area of Ho Chi Minh City, teams visited the Saigon Central Post Office. Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh-Central Post Office (41963857284).jpg
In the Old Saigon area of Ho Chi Minh City, teams visited the Saigon Central Post Office.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 5 (Vietnam → Philippines)

In Manila, teams visited the Manila Zoo, where they faced this leg's Roadblock. Manila Zoo DOLE 2022.jpg
In Manila, teams visited the Manila Zoo, where they faced this leg's Roadblock.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 6 (Philippines)

Much of the sixth leg was set in Pampanga in the region surrounding Mount Arayat. JfCambaHiway0001PostArayat,Pampangafvf 11.JPG
Much of the sixth leg was set in Pampanga in the region surrounding Mount Arayat.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 7 (Philippines → Indonesia)

Racers performed a Balinese dance for the Roadblock in Bali. Folk dance of Bali.jpg
Racers performed a Balinese dance for the Roadblock in Bali.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 8 (Indonesia)

This leg visited Prambanan Temple in the Special Region of Yogyakarta for the Detour. Prambanan 2022.jpg
This leg visited Prambanan Temple in the Special Region of Yogyakarta for the Detour.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 9 (Indonesia)

In this leg's first Roadblock, one team member had to traverse a tightrope over the Goa Jomblang. Pintu Goa Jomblang.jpg
In this leg's first Roadblock, one team member had to traverse a tightrope over the Goa Jomblang.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 10 (Indonesia → Malaysia)

Racers had to ascend the stairs of Batu Caves and deliver an offering while in Kuala Lumpur. 20190821 Batu Caves entrance and statue-2.jpg
Racers had to ascend the stairs of Batu Caves and deliver an offering while in Kuala Lumpur.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 11 (Malaysia)

In Penang, teams visited the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple and performed a Chinese opera fight routine. Han Jiang Ancestral Temple 3.jpg
In Penang, teams visited the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple and performed a Chinese opera fight routine.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 12 (Malaysia → Singapore → Finland)

The first season of Amazing Race Suomi concluded at the Helsinki Velodrome. Helsingin velodromi 2020-08-13.jpg
The first season of Amazing Race Suomi concluded at the Helsinki Velodrome.
Locations
Episode summary
LegCity/stateCurrencyLandmarkObjectEliminated team
1 Bangkok Baht Wat Saket BellAnna & Atte
2 Phuket Baht Wat Sri SunthonCoinsAino-Kaisa & Silvia
3 Ho Chi Minh City Dong Thanh ĐaPotteryKatariina & Benjamin
4 Ho Chi Minh City Dong Thao Cam Vien ScorpionNo elimination
5 Manila Peso Fort Santiago SnakeJukka & Mirva
6 Pampanga Peso PandacaquiMicrophoneIlmari & Aapo
7 Bali Rupiah Sari Wisata BudayaPanjat PinangNo elimination
8 Yogyakarta Rupiah Prambanan BowPeter & Anna
9 Yogyakarta Rupiah Benteng Vredeburg Kebo-keboanMarcus & Timo
10 Kuala Lumpur Ringgit Saloma Bridge BookNo elimination
11 Penang Ringgit Hean Boo TheanBlowpipeBakari & Samuel

Reception

Critical reception

The Finnish season drew criticism for including Left Alliance politicians (Nurminen, Pekonen and Modig), who have advocated for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, on a show that includes air travel. [14] Filming of the show also began after the 2023 Greece wildfires on Rhodes, leading to more vocal criticism. [15] [16] Prior to the start of filming, producer Pauliina Koutala from Moskito Television stated that the show was made with climate change in mind and that they would be offsetting emissions used for filming, which included having teams fly on airlines that use sustainable aviation fuel and rainforest reclamation at the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve on Borneo. [3] In addition, the production team planned a route in such a way to minimise air travel with alternative forms of transportation on land. [17] In total, all the contestants who reached the final leg travelled about 26,000 kilometres (16,000 mi) by airplanes, roughly corresponding to approximately two round trip flights from Helsinki to New York City. [18] On 14 September 2023, Nurminen, Pekonen and Modig stated at a press event that they understood the criticism and agreed to compete after learning about the flight compensations. [19]

Despite the negative social feedback, many Finnish television consumers were positive towards the first season's contestants with many praising the new and varied faces that have not been on reality television programs before. [20] The fast-paced action and comedic elements of the show were praised, and the Finnish version was very similar and relatable to its original American counterpart. [21] Even though the first season took place almost entirely in Southeast Asia and did not feature "flight drama", consumers were overall positive about how this huge format was made in Finland and expressed interest for another season. [22]

According to Nelonen, the first season got a very respectful reception, with the program reach of the whole season reached the total of 2.9 million viewers from 4+ age group, if included all the streaming services and platforms. The average viewership for the season reached 429,000, [2] with season finale picking up the highest average figures of the season for a single episode: 580,000. [23] Prior to the season finale, the season was nominated for a Golden Venla Award in the category of "Competition Reality" and the Best Director (Jussi Korva & Olli Horttana). [24]

Television ratings

The following ratings are taken from Finnpanel. [25]

No.Air dateEpisodeWeekly rankViewersRef
130 September 2023In the Heart of the Big City1375,000 [26]
27 October 2023An Impossible Challenge3305,000 [27]
314 October 2023Local Fun3305,000 [28]
421 October 2023Shivering Lunch1362,000 [29]
528 October 2023Buzzing Market2328,000 [30]
64 November 2023The Worst Nightmare2357,000 [31]
711 November 2023Magic of Dance1403,000 [32]
818 November 2023Bull's Eye1359,000 [33]
925 November 2023On the Wire1362,000 [34]
102 December 2023The Temple Gift1457,000 [35]
119 December 2023Street Art and Stick Fighting2408,000 [36]
1216 December 2023The Final Squeeze1580,000 [23]

References

  1. 1 2 "IL paljastaa: Tällainen on Suomen The Amazing Racesta on tulossa – Luvassa julkkiskausi". Iltalehti (in Finnish).
  2. 1 2 "Kaisa Mäkäräinen ja Mari Eder ovat Suomen ensimmäiset Amazing Race -voittajat!". nelonen (in Finnish). 17 December 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Onko tässä Suomen suurin tv-tuotanto? Amazing Race -ohjelman kuvaukset alkavat tänään". iltalehti (in Finnish).
  4. "Amazing Race saapuu vihdoin Suomeen – juontajana Heikki Paasonen!". Nelonen (in Finnish). 25 May 2023.
  5. @heikkipaasonen (July 20, 2023). "Sinne se meni, viimeinen lomapäivä Maanantaina alkaa elämäni duunireissu, kun päästään vihdoin tekemään kotimaista versiota Amazing Racesta" [There it went, the last day of vacation. On Monday the work trip of my life begins when I finally get to make a Finnish version of Amazing Race.] (in Finnish). Retrieved July 21, 2023 via Instagram.
  6. 1 2 "Nämä 12 paria lähtevät elämänsä seikkailuun – Amazing Race Suomi starttaa tänään Helsingistä". Nelonen (in Finnish). 18 July 2023.
  7. "Salailu sai nyt päättyä – ampumahiihtolegenda Mari Eder astui esiin". Suomiurheilu (in Finnish). 18 August 2023.
  8. "Tältä näyttää Amazing Race Suomi – Ensimmäinen traileri julki" (in Finnish). Iltalehti.
  9. "Amazing Race Suomi - Episode 1". Ruutu (in Finnish).
  10. "IL: The Amazing Racen Suomi-versio on julkkiskisa". Seiska (in Finnish). 13 April 2023.
  11. "Suosikkiohjelma Amazing Race tulee viimein Suomeen! Mukana 12 julkkistiimiä". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). 25 May 2023.
  12. ""Kaikki lentomatkat tullaan kompensoimaan", Amazing Race -tiimi vakuutti – Selvitimme, miten lentojen kompensoiminen toimii". Iltalehti (in Finnish).
  13. "Yllätyskäänne! Yksi Amazing Race -pareista jättää kisan kesken". iltalehti (in Finnish).
  14. "Finnish left-wing politicians face criticism for flying around world for TV". Helsinki Times . 26 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  15. "Kolme rajuja ilmastotoimia vaatinutta kansanedustajaa lentää TV-ohjelmassa ympäri maailmaa – Someraivo heräsi". iltalehti (in Finnish).
  16. "Tästä syystä kolmen poliitikon tosi-tv-kisailu laukaisi somemyräkän "Ei kyllä herätä positiivisia ajatuksia"". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). 24 July 2023.
  17. "Amazing Race sai aikaan someraivon – näin kanava vastaa kritiikkiin". ilta-sanomat (in Finnish). 26 July 2023.
  18. "Amazing Race Suomi 2023 ja lentojen ympäristövaikutukset". nelonen. 14 September 2023.
  19. "Poliitikot vastaavat kritiikkiin lentelystä tosi-tv-ohjelmassa". Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). 14 September 2023.
  20. "Somessa ylistetään Amazing Race Suomi -osallistujia – Yhtä asiaa kritisoidaan ylitse muiden". iltalehti (in Finnish).
  21. "Amazing Race Suomi ei kalpene amerikkalaisen alkuperäisversion rinnalla". Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). 30 September 2023.
  22. "Näkökulma: Näistä syistä Amazing Race Suomi ei täyttänyt odotuksia". Seiska (in Finnish). 18 December 2023.
  23. 1 2 "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 50/2023". Finnpanel.
  24. "Kultainen Venla 2023 -finalistit julkistettu". Golden Venla .
  25. "Finnpanel – TV Audience Measurement". Finnpanel .
  26. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 39/2023". Finnpanel.
  27. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 40/2023". Finnpanel.
  28. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 41/2023". Finnpanel.
  29. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 42/2023". Finnpanel.
  30. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 43/2023". Finnpanel.
  31. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 44/2023". Finnpanel.
  32. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 45/2023". Finnpanel.
  33. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 46/2023". Finnpanel.
  34. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 47/2023". Finnpanel.
  35. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 48/2023". Finnpanel.
  36. "Weekly Top Programs By Channel Nelonen, Week 49/2023". Finnpanel.