The pandemic actually helped The Amazing Race by forcing it to go back to basics

reality blurred

"Was this a flawless season? No, not that that’s even possible," says Andy Dehnart of the pandemic-delayed Season 33. "But especially under these circumstances, what made it to TV was pretty wonderful. For the most part, I was engaged and entertained—as evidence of that, I haven’t recapped the race regularly in years, but I was inspired to do so by this season. The more I’ve thought about the season since watching the two-hour finale, the more I appreciate The Amazing Race 33, and the more I think it should be a model for future seasons. In many ways, TAR 33 accidentally became the 'back to basics' season that fans of long-running shows (Survivor, cough cough) so desperately want. The changes that were made, small and large, made the season better."