The Amazing Race 2

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The Amazing Race 2
Season 2
Amazing Race Season Two Region 1 DVD.png
Region 1 DVD cover
Presented by Phil Keoghan
No. of teams11
WinnerChris Luca & Alex Boylan
No. of legs13
Distance traveled52,000 mi (84,000 km)
No. of episodes11
Release
Original network CBS
Original releaseMarch 11 (2002-03-11) 
May 15, 2002 (2002-05-15)
Additional information
Filming datesJanuary 7 (2002-01-07) 
February 3, 2002 (2002-02-03)
Season chronology
 Previous
Season 1
Next 
Season 3
List of episodes

The Amazing Race 2 is the second season of the American reality competition show The Amazing Race . Hosted by Phil Keoghan, it featured eleven teams of two, each with a pre-existing relationship, competing in a race around the world to win US$1,000,000. This season visited five continents and eight countries and traveled over 52,000 miles (84,000 km) during thirteen legs. Starting in Pahrump, Nevada, racers traveled through Brazil, South Africa, Namibia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand before returning to the United States, traveling through Hawaii and Alaska, and finishing in the San Francisco Bay Area. The season premiered on CBS on March 11, 2002, and ended on May 15, 2002.

Lifelong friends Chris Luca and Alex Boylan were the winners of this season, while estranged couple Wil Steger and Tara Lynch finished in second place, and siblings Blake Mycoskie and Paige Mycoskie finished in third place.

Production

Development and filming

The overview of Pahrump, Nevada, from Pahrump Valley was the starting line of The Amazing Race 2. Pahrump from Carpenter Canyon Road 2.jpg
The overview of Pahrump, Nevada, from Pahrump Valley was the starting line of The Amazing Race 2.

The second season of The Amazing Race traveled 52,000 miles in 28 days, spanning five continents and eight countries. Location scouting took place during September 2001 but was paused for a month and a half following the September 11 attacks. [1] The Amazing Race 2 featured first-time visits to Brazil, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, and was the first season to travel to the continents of South America and Oceania. [2] During pre-production, producers had planned a leg in Argentina, but cancelled it due to Argentina's political instability after its economy failed. [2] Argentina was eventually visited in The Amazing Race 5 .

The edition marked the debut of several show traditions. The color scheme for all route markers and flags was changed to yellow and red after the previous season's yellow and white. [3] In addition, host Phil Keoghan and a local greeter welcomed all teams arriving at the Pit Stops at the end of each leg. Previously, Keoghan had appeared only to greet the last-place teams. [4] Teams were also required to read their clues out loud on camera; this was optional for teams in the previous season.

Casting

Casting for the second season began during the summer of 2001 before the first season premiered. [5] Casting finals were taking place in Los Angeles in September during the September 11 attacks. [1] [6]

Cast

Oswald Mendez and Danny Jimenez Oswald and Danny.png
Oswald Mendez and Danny Jimenez
Blake Mycoskie Blake Mycoskie at SXSW 2011.jpg
Blake Mycoskie

Eleven teams participated in the second season of The Amazing Race. The cast featured twins, a mother/daughter duo, siblings, grandmothers, pastors, and childhood friends. [7]

ContestantsAgeRelationshipHometownStatus
Deidre Washington51Mother & Daughter Miami, Florida Eliminated 1st
(in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Hillary Washington23 Brooklyn, New York
Hope Davis38Married Parents Clinton, Tennessee Eliminated 2nd
(in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil)
Norm Davis39
Peggy Kuhn63Grandmothers Truckee, California Eliminated 3rd
(in Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Claire Jinks65 Los Gatos, California
Shola Richards27Twins Albany, New York Eliminated 4th
(in Khomas Region, Namibia)
Doyin Richards27
Cyndi Kalenberg45Pastors & Married Parents Brainerd, Minnesota Eliminated 5th
(in Amphawa, Thailand)
Russell Kalenberg46
Mary Lenig38Sisters Sunbury, Pennsylvania Eliminated 6th
(in Hong Kong)
Peach Krebs33 Paxinos, Pennsylvania
Gary Rosen33Former Roommates New York City, New York Eliminated 7th
(in Breakaways National Park, Australia)
Dave Lepeska28 Brooklyn, New York
Oswald Mendez31Best Friends Miami, Florida Eliminated 8th
(in Auckland, New Zealand)
Danny Jimenez36
Blake Mycoskie 25Brother & Sister Nashville, Tennessee Third place
Paige Mycoskie 21 Arlington, Texas
Tara Lynch31Separated Couple Los Angeles, California Runners-up
Wil Steger37
Chris Luca25Lifelong Friends Boston, Massachusetts Winners
Alex Boylan 24
Future appearances

Oswald & Danny were selected to race in The Amazing Race: All-Stars . [8]

Alex Boylan went on to create and host the first season of the WGN America online reality show Around the World for Free , in which he journeyed around the world with no money, relying on the generosity and hospitality of locals. [9] Blake Mycoskie appeared as a guest shark during the twelfth season of Shark Tank . [10]

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 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Chris & Alex6th2nd7th7th1st6th2nd2nd1stƒ [a] 3rd3rd3rd1st
Tara & Wil1st3rd2nd2nd3rd5th3rd4th3rd2nd1stƒ [a] 1st [b] 2nd
Blake & Paige4th [c] 9th5th [d] 4th4th3rd5th5th2nd1stƒ [a] 2nd1st3rd
Oswald & Danny8th7th1st1stƒ [a] 6th4th4th1st4th4th4th
Gary & Dave9th5th3rd3rd [e] 5th2nd1stƒ [a] 3rd5th
Mary & Peach7th4th4th5th2nd1st6th
Cyndi & Russell2nd6th8th6th7th
Shola & Doyin3rd1stƒ [a] 5th [d] 8th
Peggy & Claire10th8th9th
Hope & Norm4th [c] 10th
Deidre & Hillary11th
Notes
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 This team won the Fast Forward on this leg.
  2. Tara & Wil initially arrived 2nd, but were given a 1-minute credit due to a minor production difficulty. This allowed them to tie for 1st with Blake & Paige.
  3. 1 2 Blake & Paige and Hope & Norm tied for 4th place after both teams stepped on the Pit Stop mat at the same time.
  4. 1 2 Blake & Paige and Shola & Doyin tied for 5th place after both teams stepped on the Pit Stop mat at the same time.
  5. Gary & Dave initially arrived 2nd, but were issued a 42-minute penalty for speeding. As a result, Gary & Dave departed 3rd on the next leg.

Race summary

The route of The Amazing Race 2. The Amazing Race 2 map.png
The route of The Amazing Race 2.
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 Detour    Roadblock icon.svg Roadblock    Fast Forward icon.svg Fast Forward    TAR-pitstop-icon.png Pit Stop

Leg 1 (United States → Brazil)

In Rio de Janeiro, teams traveled to Sugarloaf Mountain where they found the season's first Detour. PaodeAcucar.JPG
In Rio de Janeiro, teams traveled to Sugarloaf Mountain where they found the season's first Detour.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 2 (Brazil)

Teams visited Iguacu Falls in Brazil during the second half of this leg. Iguazu Decembre 2007 - Panorama 8.2.JPG
Teams visited Iguaçu Falls in Brazil during the second half of this leg.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 3 (Brazil → South Africa)

In Cape Town, teams traveled to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. SafrikaIMG 8414.JPG
In Cape Town, teams traveled to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 4 (South Africa → Namibia)

Teams found the Fast Forward clue at the Swakopmund Lighthouse in Namibia. Leuchtturm Swakopmund.jpg
Teams found the Fast Forward clue at the Swakopmund Lighthouse in Namibia.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 5 (Namibia → Thailand)

After arriving in Bangkok, teams traveled to the Erawan Shrine, where they had to perform a Detour. Erawan Shrine from pedestrian walkway.JPG
After arriving in Bangkok, teams traveled to the Erawan Shrine, where they had to perform a Detour.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 6 (Thailand)

The Asian elephants of Northern Thailand were featured on this leg. Elephant nature park elephants.jpg
The Asian elephants of Northern Thailand were featured on this leg.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 7 (Thailand → Hong Kong)

In Hong Kong, teams traveled to Central Plaza, where they had to search the skyline for the Star Ferry. HK Central Plaza 2009.jpg
In Hong Kong, teams traveled to Central Plaza, where they had to search the skyline for the Star Ferry.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Leg 8 (Hong Kong → Australia)

While in Sydney, teams visited the Sydney Opera House for the start of the Roadblock. Sydney Opera House.JPG
While in Sydney, teams visited the Sydney Opera House for the start of the Roadblock.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Leg 9 (Australia)

Teams began this leg by climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney (AU), Harbour Bridge -- 2019 -- 2179.jpg
Teams began this leg by climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 10 (Australia → New Zealand)

In the Quick Jump Detour task, teams had to bungee jump 450 feet (140 m) off the Nevis Highwire Platform. Nevis bungee platform.jpg
In the Quick Jump Detour task, teams had to bungee jump 450 feet (140 m) off the Nevis Highwire Platform.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 11 (New Zealand)

The Fast Forward in this leg required one team to do a scree run down Mount Tarawera, New Zealand's North Island dormant volcano. Okataina.jpg
The Fast Forward in this leg required one team to do a scree run down Mount Tarawera, New Zealand's North Island dormant volcano.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 12 (New Zealand → United States)

Teams traveled to the island of Molokini in Hawaii to perform a Roadblock. Molokini.jpg
Teams traveled to the island of Molokini in Hawaii to perform a Roadblock.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 13 (United States)

Fort Baker in Sausalito, California, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, hosted the finish line of The Amazing Race 2. Fort-Baker-Sausalito-Florin-WLM-49.jpg
Fort Baker in Sausalito, California, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, hosted the finish line of The Amazing Race 2.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Reception

Critical response

The Amazing Race 2 received positive reviews with the final footrace to the finish often regarded as one of the show's best moments. [14] [15] [16] Linda Holmes of Television Without Pity wrote that "the teams weren't as compelling as personalities this go-round" compared to the previous season but it was "still just a really good show." [17] In 2016, this season was ranked 11th out of the first 27 seasons by the Rob Has a Podcast Amazing Race correspondents. [18] Kareem Gantt of Screen Rant wrote that this season was "where the show finally gained its sea legs. This season went bold with its Roadblocks, and it also contained a good amount of drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats all season long." [19] In 2021, Jane Andrews of Gossip Cop ranked this season as the show's overall best season. [20] In 2022, Jason Shomer of Collider ranked this season among the show's top seven seasons. [21] In 2022, Rhenn Taguiam of Game Rant ranked this season as the ninth-best season. [22] In 2024, Taguiam's ranking was updated with this season ranked 14th out of 36. [23]

References

  1. 1 2 Andy Dehnart (September 3, 2021). "Amazing Race behind the scenes: an oral history of CBS's first race around the world". reality blurred. Archived from the original on September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Keveney, Bill (March 10, 2002). "New travel realities add tension to 'Amazing Race'". USA Today . Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  3. Holland, Roger (November 1, 2005). "THE AMAZING RACE – THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON". PopMatters . Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  4. Grossbart, Sarah (September 5, 2021). "What a Trip: The Complete Oral History of The Amazing Race". E! . Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  5. Adalian, Josef (November 7, 2001). "CBS prepping for Race redux". Yahoo! . Archived from the original on December 1, 2001. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  6. Hannah Shapiro (July 6, 2021). "Just My Archetype! | As A Mom". Rob Has a Podcast (Podcast). Event occurs at 16:18. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  7. "CBS Announces 'Amazing Race 2' Cast". Reality TV World. February 13, 2002. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  8. Rogers, Steve (January 16, 2007). "CBS unveils 'The Amazing Race: All-Stars' cast, show to debut Feb. 18". Reality TV World. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  9. The Early Show (September 13, 2007). "Alex Boylan Is Taking The Trip of A Lifetime: He's Traveling Across The Globe Without A Penney In His Pocket". CBS News. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
  10. Snierson, Dan (September 21, 2020). "First look at the new socially distanced Shark Tank". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  11. Vogel, Scott (August 10, 2008). "A cruise to meet the muse of "Girl From Ipanema"". The Seattle Times . Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  12. CBS.com. "Please Let Us Be First". CBS . Archived from the original on May 20, 2002.
  13. Hitchings, Anna (September 21, 2016). "Sydney town crier calls in Moore's return". Yahoo! News . Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  14. Stillman, Cory (November 20, 2020). "The Amazing Race: All-Time Best Moments From The Seasons". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on October 22, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  15. "13 Outrageous 'Amazing Race' Moments in GIFs". Yahoo! . November 20, 2020. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  16. "Phil Keoghan Shares His Favorite Amazing Race Moments". CBS Watch . Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  17. Holmes, Linda (February 24, 2002). "Can you buy a neck for a million bucks?". Television Without Pity . Archived from the original on May 25, 2017.
  18. Mike Bloom; Jessica Liese; Dan Heaton (February 5, 2016). "Amazing Race | Ranking the Season". Rob Has a Podcast (Podcast). Event occurs at 1:14:32. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  19. Gantt, Kareem (November 30, 2020). "Amazing Race: 10 Must-Watch Seasons, Ranked According To IMDb". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  20. Andrews, Jane (January 2, 2021). "The Best Seasons Of The Amazing Race, Ranked". Gossip Cop . Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  21. Shomers, Jason (January 24, 2022). "The 7 Best Seasons of 'The Amazing Race'". Collider . Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  22. Taguiam, Rhenn (November 7, 2022). "10 Best Seasons Of The Amazing Race". Game Rant. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  23. Taguiam, Rhenn (September 24, 2024). "23 Best Seasons Of The Amazing Race". Game Rant. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2024.