Jessica Liese and Mike Bloom break down the TAR39 cast preview, diving into this season's most talked-about twist, its most compelling team dynamics, and what the return to an all-new cast means after last season's Big Brother-heavy edition.
For the first time in the show's history (in the US), every team receives an Express Pass at the starting line, forcing strategic decisions from day one. The race spans five continents, nine countries, and 13 cities, including the show's first-ever stop in Albania, covering more than 25,000 miles. Jess and Mike dig into how the all-team Express Pass twist changes the early game, whether teams will burn their passes quickly or hold on, and how that pressure ripples through the competition.
The cast brings strong personalities and built-in storylines. Pro soccer players Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman bring World Cup and Olympic pedigree, while grandfather-grandson duo Doug and Dylan Matter represent the season's widest age gap, Doug at 73 and Dylan at just 19, the oldest and youngest racers of the season. Family teams like mother-daughter duo Ann-Marie and Riley Tejcek add emotional stakes, while teams like best friends Jody Rebhun and Jenn Naso bring a different dynamic entirely.
Key discussion points include:
The all-Express-Pass twist and the deadline to use it by leg six: strategic gamble or gift?
Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman's athletic backgrounds and how physical strength translates to race performance
Doug and Dylan Matter's grandfather-grandson bond and whether the age gap helps or hurts
Family and sibling teams and the built-in trust (and tension) that comes with pre-existing close relationships
The Albania leg and what the show's first-ever visit there might bring in terms of challenge design
With 13 teams, a game-changing twist, and a global route packed with firsts, which teams will thrive under pressure and who will burn out early?
Tune in for the full cast breakdown and everything you need to know before TAR39's two-night premiere event.
00:00 Amazing Race 39 coverage returns
06:05 Express Passes shake up the race
09:03 Express Pass drama in Canada
12:31 Classic twists promised this season
16:22 Amazing Race 39 global route preview
19:31 Albania joins Amazing Race cities
22:28 Meet the new Amazing Race teams
39:09 Oldest-ever contestant joins Amazing Race
52:15 Family bonds dominate Amazing Race cast
53:39 Final thoughts on Season 39 teams
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