BBC's Race Across the World

I love this programme. There is also a celebrity version that is just as good and you wouldn’t recognise any of the celebs anyway! The latest celeb one was South America and before that they did a trip across Europe.

That sounds wonderful, Andrea! I saw that BritBox has seasons 3 and 4, but not 1 and 2. Amazon Prime has 1 and 2 but it can't be watched in the US (maybe Canada though?). And I don't think the Celebrity version is available to stream anywhere outside the UK.

Drat those restrictions!

Found seasons 1-3 on Amazon Prime/Britbox, so far watched the first episode of the Canadian series. Interesting viewing one’s own country from outsiders’ viewpoint and of course somewhat whitewashed in terms of some of the less salubrious parts of Vancouver, etc., and yes it rains a lot on Vancouver Island - I think it was filmed in the spring.

The only full episode I can find on You Tube is this one from the South America series.

I can’t help but think that these programmes are rather contrived in order to give a flavour of the different lands that they pass through. It is also rather odd how every episode seems to result in a mad dash to the finish line with dramatic music - which all leads me to think it is rigged to be like this. Anyway, still worth watching to see different lands and get a flavour of their transportation systems.

Apparently, the BBC asked for permission to cross China and it was refused. An own goal by the Chinese Government as these programmes would surely attract tourists as well as teach the outside world about their country.

think it is rigged to be like this.

No - I don't think it is rigged. But it is cut to be like this.

At least in the Danish version ("Først til verdens ende") we saw couples running against each other to keep suspense high, but when they sign the book at arrival, you can often glimpse the arrival times and see there was more than an hours difference.

Presently on a sort of binge watch with Britbox. A free week through my Amazon Prime. Watching the cross Canada race. I used to watch Amazing Race until it degenerated into gimmicky tasks and the travel part of it had been reduced to planes, then jump in a taxi sort of thing.
It exponentially would make it harder to travel with no cell phone. That means no maps and all info gleaned in tedious ways. Like I used to do, but can’t imagine now.
Someone mentioned them not showing the less than scenic parts of Vancouver. That’s a regular feature of any travel TV. They never show the bad parts, of Rome, of London, of Paris. So disparaging the show based on that is not fair.
After watching the first three episodes, I am thinking of a trip up to a Canada for the scenery. And I live in Colorado where we already have scenery.

Found seasons 1-3 on Amazon Prime/Britbox, so far watched the first episode of the Canadian series.

Unfortunately, those episodes are restricted in the US. Sigh.

At least in the Danish version ("Først til verdens ende") we saw couples running against each other to keep suspense high, but when they sign the book at arrival, you can often glimpse the arrival times and see there was more than an hours difference.

That reminds me of the Great British Bake-off, as they do the same thing, I'm sure. They are counting down the times, and everyone is frantically trying to finish their baked item. And at the magic moment, miraculously everyone finishes exactly on the dot. I know that's not what is happening, but it makes for good theatrics. :-)

The oldest and still the best is the Michael Palin, 80 days around the world.

Shows a slice of life of pre-internet Earth and the always affable Michael Palin. who I may or may not have a slight crush on.

Couldn't be done today but it is just so British in feel and filming. Nowadays BBC is a lot more international looking.