HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

All the teams of 'The Amazing Race' Season 31 in reality TV's first-ever showdown

'The Amazing Race' season 31 kicks off on its 25000-mile journey from Hermosa Beach, California. Host Phil Keoghan described the new season in three words: 'Fast, furious and feisty'

With just a day left for the much-awaited premiere of 'The Amazing Race' Season 31, excitement levels are running high, and contestants are all prepared to take home the $1 million grand prize. The season, which will begin airing on April 17 on CBS, will see the first-ever reality TV showdown between Racers from previous seasons, Castaways from 'Survivor' and Houseguests from 'Big Brother'.

The Race's host Phil Keoghan told MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) in an exclusive interview that this reality mashup has been something that the fanbase has been demanding for a while now. He also said that considering the unpredictability of the Race, neither the past Racers nor the contestants from the other two shows would have a leg up this season. 

Fans are rooting for their favorite teams from the three reality shows, and this season, contestants have more than just the fat cash prize at stake as they also get bragging rights to their own shows. There are five teams from TAR, apart from three teams from both 'Survivor' and 'Big Brother'. So, will the Houseguests from 'Big Brother', with their efficiency to handle pressure, outwit the Racers' travel experience? Or will the Castaways from 'Survivor' last till the end with their outdoor sustenance skills? Or will the Racers with their past experience on the show prove to have their ultimate upper hand?

Take a look at the diverse teams going up against each other on Season 31 of the Race and place your best bets!

1. Janelle Pierzina and Britney Haynes

Friends Janelle Pierzina and Britney Haynes were previously seen on 'Big Brother' 6, 7, and 14, and 'Big Brother' 12 and 14 respectively. The team has a strong fanbase and is expected to go a long way on the new season. Keoghan himself is of the same opinion, and said that the mothers being "used to bringing up kids, in itself is a great qualification for being adaptable and flexible in dealing with new challenges".

2. Art Velez and John James "JJ" Carrell

The coworkers and friends from 'The Amazing Race' season 20 have been fan-favorites from long back. The Border Patrol agents will be back for the new season, and fans are expecting the best! The 49-year-olds' age factor makes them all the more relatable and lovable to most viewers, though this may hinder their performance (we really hope not, though).

3. Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl

YouTuber and LGBTQI+ Tyler Oakley has a massive fanbase in his favor and his team with friend, YouTuber and fellow podcaster Korey Kuhl, whom he co-hosts 'Psychobabble' with, is one of the most followed ones on TAR. The team did not look too excited on the teasing video the Race dropped on Tuesday on their social media. but that doesn't mean this popular team from 'The Amazing Race 28' will be stopped short in their tracks.

4. Rachel Reilly and Elissa Slater

Sisters Rachel Reilly and Elissa Slater, who have been part of both 'Survivor' as well as 'The Amazing Race', will be another strong team to watch out for. Rachel has been on seasons 12 and 13 of 'Big Brother' and seasons 20 and 24 of 'The Amazing Race', while Elissa featured on season 15 of 'Big Brother'.

5. Rupert and Laura Boneham

Rupert Boneham became the face of 'Survivor' after he first appeared on 'Survivor: Pearl Islands'. He gained immense popularity with his team spirit and survival skills. His wife Laura appeared on season 27 of 'Survivor' and the couple has a strong game going with their 'Survivor' skill set and solid fanbase. "I like them... the two of them together are a very sweet couple," said Keoghan about the team.

6. Chris Hammons and Bret Labelle

This friend duo from season 33 of 'Survivor' has an amazing dynamic and they had finished 11th and 5th respectively. Keoghan said that "Chris has got this intensity to him that is palpable," and he would describe Bret as "a big teddy bear. He looks tough, but you can’t help but like him."

7. Leo Temory and Jamal Zadran

The brothers, who appeared on 'The Amazing Race' seasons 23 and 24 are fan favorites, are known for their loud and often abrasive remarks. The two have a strong fanbase and will be a fun team to watch on the next season.

8. Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo

Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo were previously seen on 'Big Brother' 16 and 18, and 'Big Brother 18' and 'The Challenge 31' respectively. The now married couple is again a fan favorite and Keoghan said that "they complement each other very well, like a yin and yang." The team has coordination and teamwork going for them.

9. Colin Guinn and Christie Woods

Life-partners Colin Guinn and Christie Woods were dating in Season 5 of TAR, when they finished second. They are coming back as parents, older and more mature, on season 31 of the Race. 

10. Becca Droz and Floyd Pierce

Becca Droz and Floyd Pierce, friends from Boulder, Colorado, had appeared on 'The Amazing Race' season 29. They're loved for their enthusiasm and energy and were eliminated from season 29 when Floyd lost his passport in Zanzibar.

11. Corinne Kaplan and Eliza Orlins

Corinne Kaplan and Eliza Orlins are friends who were on 'Survivor'. Corinne finished 7th on Gabon and 12th on Caramoan and Eliza finished 4th on Vanuatu and 10th on Micronesia.

TAR season 31 kicks off on its 25000-mile journey from Hermosa Beach, California, on April 17 at 9 pm on CBS. Host Phil Keoghan described the new season in three words: "Fast, furious and feisty".