Bombshell Announcement: Iconic 90s Aussie Show ‘Race Around the World’ to Make Shocking Return to Screens After 27 Years
- The ABC’s hit show, cancelled after just two seasons, will revive its signature format of sending backpacking contestants around the world to create short films.
- Despite initial scepticism from the original host and judges, the show will return next year with a call-out for new talent to apply.
- The revamped series promises to “reignite that sense of creative adventure” and champion a new generation of storytellers.
In an unprecedented move, the ABC has announced the surprise return of its iconic 90s show ‘Race Around the World’, which was abruptly axed after just two seasons in 1998. The show’s original format, which saw eight “racers” selected from thousands of applicants to embark on a global filmmaking adventure, captured the hearts of audiences nationwide.
The show’s success was reignited recently when a March episode of Australian Story reunited contestants from the first season, sparking renewed interest in the program. Despite initial doubts from the original host Richard Fidler and judges, including David Caesar, the ABC has greenlit the revival, citing a desire to “champion a new generation of storytellers”.
In a heartfelt reflection, John Safran, the breakout star of the show’s first season, recalled: “I was just thrown into this thing and had to work it out… I just knew I wanted to do something odd or funny, but I hadn’t worked it out yet.”
The show’s original host, Richard Fidler, attributed the show’s initial success to “one of those really happy accidents in TV history”. However, he expressed reservations about a reboot, fearing that “identity politics would be lathered over the whole thing” and stifle creativity.
Undeterred, the ABC is calling on “the next big filmmakers, content creators and storytellers from across Australia” to apply for the revamped series. The call-out promises a “chance to captivate audiences with your imagination, voice and vision on a national scale”.
ABC Head of Entertainment, Rachel Millar, said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to bring back this iconic series to Australian audiences – to reignite that sense of creative adventure and champion a new generation of storytellers is really exciting.”
Get ready for the return of ‘Race Around the World’ on the ABC next year!