The Amazing Race 8

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The Amazing Race 8
Season 8
Amazing Race Eighth Season Family Edition Region 1 DVD.png
Region 1 DVD cover
Presented by Phil Keoghan
No. of teams10
WinnersNick, Alex, Megan & Tommy Linz
No. of legs11
Distance traveled11,000 mi (18,000 km)
No. of episodes11
Release
Original network CBS
Original releaseSeptember 27 (2005-09-27) 
December 13, 2005 (2005-12-13)
Additional information
Filming datesJuly 7 (2005-07-07) 
July 31, 2005 (2005-07-31)
Season chronology
 Previous
Season 7
Next 
Season 9
List of episodes

The Amazing Race 8 (also known as The Amazing Race: Family Edition) is the eighth season of the American reality competition show The Amazing Race . Hosted by Phil Keoghan, this season of the series, which normally features pairs of adults with a pre-existing relationship, featured ten families of four, including the participation of minors as young as eight years old, competing in a race across North America to win US$1,000,000. This season visited twelve states, one federal district, and three additional countries and traveled over 11,000 miles (18,000 km) during eleven legs. Starting in New York City, racers traveled through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Panama, Costa Rica, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Canada before finishing in Lewiston, New York. A new twist introduced in this season includes select Roadblocks performed by two team members. The season premiered on CBS on September 27, 2005, and concluded on December 13, 2005.

Siblings Nick, Alex, Megan, and Tommy Linz were the winners of this season; while father Wally Branson and his three daughters, Beth, Lauren, and Lindsay, finished in second place; and widow Linda Weaver and her three children, Rebecca, Rachel, and Rolly, finished in third place.

Production

Development and filming

The Starting Line of The Amazing Race: Family Edition was at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park close to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. E-FFerry St Pk BB jeh.jpg
The Starting Line of The Amazing Race: Family Edition was at Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park close to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

The eighth season of The Amazing Race spanned 11,000 miles (18,000 km). This season placed much less emphasis on international travel as numerous legs were contained within the continental United States, and all locations were in North America, with Panama and Costa Rica visited for the first time. Filming began on July 7, 2005, with reports of the show at Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey. [1] From July 12 to July 13, teams were in Alabama. [2] Filming concluded after 25 days on July 31. [3]

Route Markers were colored yellow and white with black lining in contrast to the yellow and red markers used in all other seasons. As with The Amazing Race 7 , the winners of this season were revealed in an online betting scandal just before the finale aired. [4]

For this season, the supplied credit card covered not only airfare, but also gasoline, which otherwise would have had to be purchased with cash. This rule change was made necessary by the fact that most of the transportation took place in automobiles rather than airplanes.

The limits on individual Roadblock attempts, introduced in season six, did not apply for this season. Furthermore, some Roadblocks in this edition required the participation of two team members.

During the first leg, Renee Rogers fell at the starting line and suffered a concussion. She did not realize the severity of the injury until she went to a hospital after being eliminated during the next leg. [5]

This season featured a visit to New Orleans in the fourth and fifth legs, where filming occurred about a month before Hurricane Katrina struck the region. The episodes aired after the hurricane had devastated the region. A special message was inserted at the beginning of the episodes, including one spoken by Phil Keoghan, dedicating them to the victims and to those helping with the recovery. The Schroeder family, who were from New Orleans, had befriended the Rogers family from Shreveport in the northern part of Louisiana during the season. As Hurricane Katrina neared landfall, the Rogers family offered the Schroeders safety at their home. Hurricane Katrina wiped out the Schroeders' home and most of their possessions, and after staying with the Rogerses for about two weeks, they were able to find more permanent housing in Baton Rouge, and most of the other teams from this season chipped in to help the family. [6]

According to an interview with Wally Bransen on RFF Radio, producers had originally planned a leg in Belize, but had to cancel it due to Hurricane Emily. [7]

Casting

Casting for this season took place in early 2005 with team members as young as eight allowed to apply. Casting closed on March 11, 2005. [8]

Cast

Stassi Schroeder Stassi Schroeder 2019 by Glenn Francis.jpg
Stassi Schroeder
Tony and Marion Paolo Anthony and Marion Paolo.jpg
Tony and Marion Paolo

This season's cast consisted of ten teams of four family members each.

ContestantsAgeRelationshipHometownStatus
Reggie Black42Dad, Mom & Kids Woodbridge, Virginia Eliminated 1st
(in Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Kimberly Black40
Kenneth Black11
Austin Black8
Denny Rogers46Dad, Mom & Kids Shreveport, Louisiana Eliminated 2nd
(in Middleburg, Virginia)
Renee Rogers42
Brittney Rogers22
Brock Rogers19
Tony Aiello57Father and Sons-in-Law Mansfield, Massachusetts Eliminated 3rd
(in Huntsville, Alabama)
Kevin Kempskie31
Matt Hanson31
David Alverson26
Mark Schroeder40Dad, Stepmom & Kids New Orleans, Louisiana Eliminated 4th
(in New Orleans, Louisiana)
Char Schroeder39
Stassi Schroeder 17
Hunter Schroeder15
Bill Gaghan40Dad, Mom & Kids Glastonbury, Connecticut Eliminated 5th
(in Quepos, Costa Rica)
Tammy Gaghan42
Billy Gaghan, Jr.12
Carissa Gaghan9
Tony Paolo52Dad, Mom & Kids Carmel, New York Eliminated 6th
(in Page, Arizona)
Marion Paolo52
D.J. Paolo24
Brian Paolo16
Michelle Godlewski42Sisters Des Plaines, Illinois Eliminated 7th
(in Absarokee, Montana)
Sharon Godlewski39
Christine Godlewski37
Tricia Godlewski26
Linda Weaver46Widow & Kids Ormond Beach, Florida Third place
Rebecca Weaver19
Rachel Weaver16
Rolly Weaver IV14
Wally Bransen51Dad and Daughters Park Ridge, Illinois Runners-up
Beth Bransen25
Lauren Bransen22
Lindsay Bransen20
Nick Linz24Siblings Cincinnati, Ohio Winners
Alex Linz22
Megan Linz21
Tommy Linz19
Future appearances

Stassi Schroeder later appeared in the Oxygen reality series Queen Bees . [9] Schroeder later appeared on the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules as a part of that cast for eight seasons. [10] In 2011, Brian and Marion Paolo appeared on the HGTV reality show House Hunters . [11] Billy and Carissa Gaghan wrote introductions for My Ox Is Broken, a book about The Amazing Race. [12]

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 10a [a] 10b 11a [b] 11b
Linz Family9th2nd2nd3rd4th2nd3rd2nd1st> [c] 3rd2nd2nd1st
Bransen Family7th6th1st1st3rd3rd5th4th2nd1st1st1st2nd
Weaver Family3rd1st5th5th2nd5th< [d] 2nd3rd4th< [c] 2nd3rd3rd3rd
Godlewski Family1st3rd4th4th6th4th1st1st3rd4th4th
Paolo Family6th8th6th2nd1stƒ [e] 1st> [d] 4th5th
Gaghan Family2nd7th7th6th5th6th
Schroeder Family5th4th3rd7th
Aiello Family8th5th8th
Rogers Family4th9th
Black Family10th
Notes
  1. This was a double leg with two Detours and two Roadblocks shown over two episodes. The placements listed for the first half are the order of the teams' arrival at the halfway point in Wyoming.
  2. This was a double leg with two Detours and two Roadblocks shown over two episodes. The placements listed for the first half are the order of the teams' arrival at the Stade Olympique in Montreal.
  3. 1 2 The Linz Family chose to Yield the Weaver Family.
  4. 1 2 The Paolo Family chose to Yield the Weaver Family.
  5. This team won the Fast Forward on this leg.

Race summary

The route of The Amazing Race 8. The Amazing Race 8 map.png
The route of The Amazing Race 8.
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    Yield icon.svg Yield    TAR-pitstop-icon.png Pit Stop

Leg 1 (New York → Pennsylvania & New Jersey)

In Pennsylvania, teams had to re-create George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, MMA-NYC, 1851.jpg
In Pennsylvania, teams had to re-create George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 2 (Pennsylvania → District of Columbia → Virginia)

The Detour on this leg featured tasks about the American Civil War. Battle of Saltville reenactment, firing cannon.jpg
The Detour on this leg featured tasks about the American Civil War.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 3 (Virginia → South Carolina → Alabama)

Once in Huntsville, Alabama, teams visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Rockets in Huntsville Alabama.JPG
Once in Huntsville, Alabama, teams visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 4 (Alabama → Mississippi → Louisiana)

Teams ended this leg at the historic Preservation Hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans. PreservationHall 2008.jpg
Teams ended this leg at the historic Preservation Hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Locations
Episode summary

Leg 5 (Louisiana → Panama)

The Pit Stop for this leg was located at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Miraflores Locks, Panama - 10.jpg
The Pit Stop for this leg was located at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 6 (Panama → Costa Rica)

Teams visited Poas Volcano National Park in Costa Rica in this leg. Poas crater.jpg
Teams visited Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica in this leg.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 7 (Costa Rica → Arizona)

At the Iglesia de Metal in Grecia, Costa Rica, teams found their Detour clue. Iglesia de La Merced. Grecia.jpg
At the Iglesia de Metal in Grecia, Costa Rica, teams found their Detour clue.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 8 (Arizona)

In Page, Arizona, teams visited Glen Canyon Dam. Glencanyondam.jpg
In Page, Arizona, teams visited Glen Canyon Dam.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional note

Leg 9 (Arizona → Utah)

While in Utah, teams encountered a Roadblock involving a pool ski jump at the Utah Olympic Park. 0404 Utah Oly Park aerials practice ramps.jpg
While in Utah, teams encountered a Roadblock involving a pool ski jump at the Utah Olympic Park.
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Leg 10 (Utah → Wyoming → Montana)

Old Faithfull-pdPhoto.jpg
Tipis.JPG
At Yellowstone National Park, teams had to wait for the eruption of Old Faithful (above) before receiving their next clue, and one side of the Detour involved teams building a teepee (below).
Locations
Episode summary (Episode 10)
Episode summary (Episode 11)
Additional note

Leg 11 (Montana → Canada → New York)

Biosphere Montreal.jpg
CN Tower.jpg
Teams spent this double-length leg in Canada, where they visited the Montreal Biosphere (above), and continued on to the CN Tower in Toronto (below).
Locations
Episode summary
Additional notes

Reception

Critical response

Fans, critics, and racers were negative over the format changes implemented in this edition of The Amazing Race. The main issues were the lack of international travel and watered-down challenges tailored to families, and the expanded cast also made it more difficult to develop individual story lines. Dalton Ross of Entertainment Weekly commented that "Half the fun of The Amazing Race has always been watching the inter- and intra-couple bickering that goes with being chronically late and lost in a foreign land. Seeing parents yell at their children in exotic New Jersey? Not so fun". [13] Robert Bianco of USA Today shared similar opinions, adding that "the idea of being trapped in the back seat for a forced cross-country family drive comes closer to a nightmare relived than a dream come true." [14] Linda Holmes of Television Without Pity called the decision to have 40 contestants "baffling" and was disappointed with the tasks and locations on this season. [15] Scott Pierce of Deseret News wrote "this 'Family Edition' of 'Amazing Race' is by far my least favorite. None of the families really seemed worth rooting for and the competition has been watered down to something less than scintillating to accommodate the family element." [16] In 2016, this season was ranked last out of the first 27 seasons by the Rob Has a Podcast Amazing Race correspondents. [17] In 2024, Rhenn Taguiam of Game Rant placed this season within the bottom 13 out of 36. [18] Conversely in 2021, Val Barone of TheThings ranked the Family Edition as the show's 10th best season. [19] Racers were also disappointed that they did not have a chance to travel to more exotic locations; in one episode Marion Paolo commented "What are we going to Phoenix, Arizona for? I want to go to New Zealand!" – a statement that also summed up the general opinion of the season.

In hindsight, the production team has admitted that the concept of a Family Edition "looked good on paper" but failed in execution, since child racers limited foreign travel for that season. Producers Bertram van Munster and Jonathan Littman doubt that the family format will be revived in the future. [20]

Ratings

Canadian ratings
OrderEpisodeViewers (millions)Rank
1"Go, Mommy, Go! We Can Beat Them!"2.62#5 [21]
2"How Do We Know We Arent Going to Get Shot?"2.34#4
3"I Dont Kiss, I Make Out"2.30#4
4"Think Like an Office Chair"2.65#5
5"Were Getting Out of the Country, Girls"2.14#5
6"Im Sick of Doing Stuff I Can't Do"2.14#5
7"You Look Ridiculous"2.12#8
8"How's That Face Feel?"2.20#7
9"Dont Talk to Me Like I Was an Animal or Something"1.97#9
10"The Family Christmas Card"2.25#5
11"25 Days, 50 Cities, And More Than 600 Consecutive Hours Together as a Family"2.66#1

References

  1. Andy Dehnart (July 8, 2005). "Amazing Race filmed yesterday in New Jersey". reality blurred. Archived from the original on December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  2. Andy Dehnart (July 13, 2005). "Amazing Race 8 was in Alabama Monday". reality blurred. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  3. Andy Dehnart (July 28, 2005). "Rumor suggests "softened," North America-contained Amazing Race 8 may get "canned"". reality blurred. Archived from the original on December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  4. "'The Amazing Race Family Edition' winners leaked via online betting?". Reality TV World. September 25, 2005. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  5. "Rogerses Over and Out of the Race". TV Guide. October 10, 2005. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  6. Thomas, Rochell (October 25, 2005). "Family's Race Was Calm Before the Storm". TV Guide . Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  7. "Reality TV Podcast #30 - Interview with Wally Bransen". RFF Radio. December 20, 2005. Archived from the original on October 24, 2006. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  8. Andy Dehnart (March 4, 2005). "minimum age for Amazing Race 8 family edition lowered from 12 to 8 years old". reality blurred. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  9. Hesse, Monica (July 11, 2008). "Queen Bees: Do You Catch More Eyes With Honey?". Washington Post . Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  10. Kate Aurthur; Elizabeth Wagmeister (June 9, 2020). "'Vanderpump Rules' Fires Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute For Racist Actions". Washington Post . Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  11. "FYoung Homebuyer in St. Louis". HGTV . Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  12. "Amazon.com – My Ox is Broken!". Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2006.
  13. Ross, Dalton (October 14, 2005). "What's wrong with The Amazing Race?". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on November 10, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2005.
  14. Bianco, Robert (October 25, 2005). "Amazing Race is not family friendly". USA Today . Archived from the original on August 27, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2005.
  15. Linda Holmes (November 18, 2005). "CANADA, DRY". Television Without Pity . Archived from the original on January 9, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  16. Pierce, Scott (November 29, 2005). "It's 'Amazing': They hate Utah". Deseret News . Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  17. Mike Bloom; Jessica Liese; Dan Heaton (February 5, 2016). "Amazing Race | Ranking the Season". Rob Has a Podcast (Podcast). Event occurs at 7:02. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  18. 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.
  19. Barone, Val (June 5, 2021). "The Top 10 Best 'Amazing Race' Seasons Ranked". TheThings. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  20. "Amazing Race 10 Teams Announced". Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved July 15, 2006.
  21. "Top Programs – Total Canada (English): September 26 – October 2, 2005" (PDF).[ dead link ]