“We would describe it as a season of big surprises, becauseAmazing Raceis about surprises.
That’s part of the enjoyment,” Keoghan says of the new season.
Phil Keoghan Talks What Makes ‘The Amazing Race’
COLLIDER: Phil Keoghan!
Image by Nimesh, CBS
Congratulations on another season ofThe Amazing Race.
How do you feel coming back for more?
PHIL KEOGHAN:Always excited.
Image via CBS
It really has been one of the most impactful series in the entire genre.
What has made the series have such a fruitful longevity?
PHIL: It’s unique.
It really is unique.
It’s got a special quality to it that as resonated and is still part of the Zeitgeist.
We’re seeing more of the world in content.
Image via CBS
We’re seeing it in our travels.
Why is that so important for you and the show to showcase?
I think we’ve prided ourselves from day one and always having a diverse cast.
You’ve been nearly everywhere.
Is there a location that’s still on the bucket list as a dream destination?
PHIL: Yes, as a matter of fact.
Antarctica has been on my list for almost 40 years, goodness me.
I had a trip planned there in my very first job in television.
I was a film camera assistant, and I was meant to go, and the trip was canceled.
You’ve watched hundreds of teams race around the world.
What makes a good team forThe Amazing Race?
Some have got their with sometimes with poor communication.
So I don’t know if it’s possible for you to sort of pinpoint any specific things.
Certainly luck plays a major role inThe Amazing Race.
Every time you get in a cab, is the driver any good?
Yeah, I don’t know if I can answer that question precisely.
No, I love that answer.
I think the important trait is also adaptability.
PHIL: Yes, you gotta be adaptable.
I think teams that are also out to have fun, I think that spirit definitely helps.
Like if they’re focus is on really immersing themselves and enjoying the experience.
I definitely think that helps.
The better time you’re having, I think, the more likely you are to be relaxed.
The more relaxed you are, the better decisions I think you’re likely to make.
Listening to your partner.
And seeing them as an equal.
I think those are all good things.
Stress does not necessarily play that well.
Sometimes people, when they get stressed, they literally stop thinking straight.
Phil Keoghan Teases ‘The Amazing Race 37’
Let’s talk about this new season.
14 teams, and it is the “Season of Surprises.”
What do we have in store for Season 37?
they’re going to Slovenia!
They’re gonna be working with bees!"
Like, “They’re going to Bulgaria, and they’re gonna be milking a goat?”
Like, “Wait what?”
Let’s put in some more airport drama, as they say, you know cause people love that.
Let’s do a bit more self-driving.
I think it’s super, super important.
I really am so excited for this Fork in the Road twist.
it really does sound brilliant and anything that throws in strategy, I am always here for.
This itinerary, pretty exciting.
This season is the first time in Bulgaria.
What it was not like getting to film there?
It looks so different from something that they would see in America.
Where you really get the sense that they feel like they’re a fish out of water.
They’re doing something they never imagined themselves doing.
They might as well be on another planet.
It’s like what is going on right now?
I believe is the oldest country in Europe.
I had to put earplugs in when I was there.
I was introducing what it was they were doing.
It was so loud as they came past.
And that’s the stuff I love.
And then by us being able to share that with the viewers.
And with the viewers being able to vicariously experience it with the cast.
Many reality stars took a trip around the world.
Phil Keoghan Looks To the Future
Absolutely.
Now listen, lot of people keep talking aboutMike WhiteandSurvivor, but Mike White didThe Amazing Racefirst.
PHIL: I am so proud of Mike.
I ran into him at the airport in New York on my way to Europe.
When he was on his way to scout locations for the latestThe White Lotus.
And he is such a genuinely nice guy, like you wanna see him do well.
So I couldn’t be more proud of him.
It’s a groundbreaking series, and ’m so happy to see him do well.
Let’s say Mike calls you andJeff Probstfor a cameo onThe White Lotus.
What kind of characters do you wanna play?
I like disappearing into a darker character.
So I’d wanna play somebody pretty shady.
And just you know to juxtapose what I hope is my normal personality.
That’s really the antithesis of how I live my life.
It would be kind of fun to escape in a character like that.
I love disappearing into a character when I have done acting, and so that would be fun.
Just likeSurvivor,The Amazing Raceis coming up close to a milestone anniversary.
PHIL: I would leave that to the fans.
With favorites, I’m a firm believer in the fans telling us what they want.
If you’re gonna bring people back.
Great teams this season, I love Nick and Mike.
They deserve to get what they want.
I am super-super-excited for this season.
Now you are a professional traveler.
What travel tips do you have for us all if you’re going on a leisure trip?
PHIL: Baby aspirin before you get on the flight.
Good for the circulation.
ensure you’re hydrated before you get on the plane.
If you’re gonna have a drink, don’t go crazy.
You know limit the amount of alcohol you have on the plane, but do stay hydrated.
Earplugs and eye mask are a must.
ensure that you’ve got the option to entertain yourself.
Maybe some podcast to listen to.
Obviously you wanna never leave home without your sunscreen.
Where have you heard that before?
Yeah, the things that make you happy, I guess, but that are super light.
Well, I’m actually traveling this week.
So expect a tape from the Block Brothers.
PHIL: Well, I like that!
And just remember to be yourself.
Don’t have a go at be anybody else.
And you’re gonna see that this season.
Each of the teams, each of the characters we’ve got, they’re all very unique.
They’re not like anything we’ve had before.
So yeah, have fun and yourself.
Thank you so much.
This really is a bucket list conversation.
I’ve admired you and the show for so long.
Thank you so much for chatting with me.
