Amazing Race Is a Reality

¶ … Amazing Race is a reality TV series or game show

Over the last several years, reality TV has become a popular genre. This is because it mirrors events that are occurring in real life. Yet, they also have the elements of drama and competition. This is causing the line between these programs and game shows to become blurry. ("The Difference between Reality") (Murray)

To fully understand these differences requires comparing each type with one other. This will be accomplished by looking at an episode of the Amazing Race. It is at this point when specific insights will be provided which are highlighting if the Amazing Race is a game show or reality TV series. Moreover, the findings will illustrate the influence of the series on society and way these programs are produced. ("The Difference between Reality") (Murray)

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The biggest differences between reality TV and game shows is the voyeur element. This is when the viewer will feel as if they are a part of the events. That are unfolding by looking at what is happening from a neutral perspective. This means that the show will develop naturally with little to no influence from the writers. The basic idea is to capture the way everyone is interacting with each other in a natural setting. ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

However, there is another format which has evolved in the last few years called the reality game show. This is a hybrid of both genres where there are select amounts of voyeurism combined with an actual pre-scripted format. As a result, the line between the two has become ambiguous. ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

In the case of the Amazing Race, it is considered to be a reality game show. This is because it is using elements of reality TV that are augmented with a scripted format (at select points). The use of these elements is designed to provide viewers with a sense of excitement and realism. This mirrors many of the experiences that everyone will go through on a game show. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

Evidence of this can be seen in the episode titled Not a Well Rounded Athlete. In this program, four teams are traveling to Mallorca, Spain. This is the hometown of Rafael Nadal. During the show Natalie & Nadiya are having car troubles. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

This is slowing them feeling sad from their inability to be the first ones to the location. Their objectives are to see the traditional Moroccan show of devils and demons. It is at this point where they will receive their next clue. This will place them further along towards winning the cash prize. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

At the same time, the twins, Chippendales and Trey & Lexi all find the Moroccan devils and demons simultaneously. This is when the three teams begin chasing them around. After conducting these activities, everyone decides to work together in order to reach the larger objectives. They locate their next clue which is telling everybody to go to Centro de Alto Rendimento. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

These factors are showing how the Amazing Race is incorporating key elements from reality TV and game shows together. As far as reality TV is concerned, this is taking place by illustrating the tension and drama that everyone is experiencing. This gives the show an unscripted element. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

A good example of this can be seen with Natalie and Nadiya having car trouble while in the process of reaching their objectives. This is similar to the everyday experiences many people have. The fact that viewers were able to ride along with them adds a sense of realism to the program. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)

Yet, at the same time, there are elements of a game show which are included. This is taking place through the rivalries the different teams are having with each other. These factors enhance the sense of competition and excitement with a team being eliminated each weak. ("Not a Well Rounded Athlete") ("The Difference between Reality")

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Boelcke (2012) who said, "One of the main types of reality television shows are competition-based shows. According to the Writer's Guild of America, talent competition programs are classified as reality television and game shows." This is illustrating how the Amazing Race is a combination of a reality TV series and a game show. These two elements help to add a sense of excitement and drama that is often occurring in these programs. (Boelcke) ("The Difference between Reality") (Gunkee)