Question: The Amazing Race is FINALLY back, but it was missed last fall. Is it on the chopping block? And what about Undercover Boss? —Gene
Matt Roush: It seems clear that CBS is dialing back on its Race fervor, with only one cycle of the around-the-world competition scheduled for this season. Its long absence has had me fielding questions all season about whether The Amazing Race has been canceled. So far: No. But it’s not included in the list of 18 shows CBS gave early renewals to, and a 30th running hasn’t been commissioned yet, from all reports. If viewers respond well to this season’s new twist, in which the teams are comprised of complete strangers, and if the Thursday scheduling pays off (though in a later time period than usual), there might be more life yet in this Emmy-winning franchise. I hope so. 30 is a nice round number, just saying. As for Undercover Boss, it will continue its eighth season with four new episodes, airing Fridays starting April 28 after MacGyver finishes its first season. (The success of that reboot, improving on Race’s number in that Friday time slot, may have further imperiled the reality show’s status.) Boss hasn’t received an early pickup for another season, either, so we might not know about either show’s future until May, when CBS announces its lineup for next fall and beyond.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com
