Watch The Amazing Race Online - Full Episodes

The Amazing Race on CBS is one of the most successful reality shows on television, and there are plenty of reasons why. The combination of personalities put under stress while they race around the world coupled with the chance for viewers to experience another culture through the competitors is hard to resist.

When The Amazing Race first came on the air in September 2001, it was a breath of fresh air in television programming. The first few episodes were eye-popping visually and that high standard has been maintained throughout the series run.

The sheer variety of locations visited helps to make the race amazing. Add in the personal interplay, and there's a winning formula. Admittedly, some of the cast members chosen are a bit irritating, but that's part of the draw of the Amazing Race.

How cast members interact with the locals is sometimes a case study in cultural differences. Contestants range from the archetype of the "ugly American" to people who are able to seemingly melt into each culture for the short time they are there.

Those are the ones who are fun to root for, the contestants who are in it for the experience along with the money. Everyone would love to win $1 million dollars, but the players who are able to be competitive while learning more about the world around them are the biggest winners.

From the viewer's standpoint, the show allows us to vicariously experience the places and obstacles teams see. Every episode delves into a different part of the particular destination. The producers stay away from making each show just about who is faster at racing. Teams must use their minds almost as much as their physical ability.

The unknown always awaits. A team can be sailing along out in front and get set back to the end just by getting in the wrong taxi. They could choose the wrong task and see their fortune disappear while they try to wrangle a camel or the like.

The Amazing Race has been a television success story because the show works to stay fresh. They win by choosing unique destinations and obstacles, trying different cast combinations, and staying true to the format. Hopefully, The Amazing Race will be around for many more seasons.