Overview
ABC is bringing back a fan-favorite global challenge with Race Around the World, and the call is out for a new squad of fearless content creators. Set to premiere in 2026, the hit series will send a diverse team across continents to document immersive experiences, unexpected encounters, and high-stakes storytelling in real time. If you thrive under pressure, love travel, and excel at shaping compelling narratives on the fly, this is your chance to turn travel content into television gold.
What the show is looking for
The network is searching for individuals who can think fast, communicate clearly, and craft engaging stories with limited resources. Ideal applicants may come from journalism, documentary filmmaking, social media influencing, or independent video production—but the common thread is a knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary entertainment. Competitors should be comfortable navigating diverse cultures, managing tight schedules, and collaborating with a small, dynamic team while keeping safety and ethics front and center.
Qualities that stand out
- Demonstrated travel experience and a willingness to venture off the beaten path
- Strong visual storytelling: composition, pacing, and voice that can translate across platforms
- Technical skills with cameras, audio, and editing, plus improvisational problem-solving
- Resilience under stress, adaptability, and excellent teamwork
- Curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and a respect for local communities
What contestants will do
Competitors will navigate a series of global challenges that test their endurance, creativity, and resourcefulness. They must document processes, create compelling diary-style updates, and deliver audience-ready content that fits the show’s storytelling arc. The format rewards originality and honesty—viewers want authentic voices and fresh perspectives from every corner of the map. The chosen team will receive training and support from seasoned producers, but the core effort depends on each creator’s ability to capture compelling moments on the ground.
Judging criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on bandwidth for travel, storytelling clarity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Key factors include originality of perspective, consistency in posting, ethical sourcing of stories, and the skill to adapt content for multiple platforms while maintaining a strong narrative thread. The competition favors candid, human-centered storytelling over glossy production value, though technical competence remains important.
Benefits and opportunity
Participants aren’t just contestants; they become part of a global storytelling journey. Benefits include professional exposure on a major network, access to a global audience, mentorship from industry veterans, and a transformative experience that could redefine a creator’s career. Along the way, contestants will build a network of collaborators, gain new cultural insights, and sharpen their creative chops through high-pressure storytelling workflows.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a compelling reel or portfolio that demonstrates travel-driven storytelling and audience engagement. Include a short application video (two minutes or less) outlining your travel philosophy, your approach to documentary storytelling, and why you’re uniquely suited for Race Around the World. Provide a brief resume of relevant experience and a snapshot of your social channels, including examples of past work that show your voice and versatility. Finalists will be contacted for interviews and follow-up materials, including travel logistics considerations and safety planning.
Safety and support
Safety is a top priority for Race Around the World. The production team will pair contestants with travel and production professionals, provide risk assessments, and establish clear safety protocols for all destinations. Creators will also receive guidance on cultural sensitivity, consent, and ethical storytelling to ensure respectful engagement with communities around the globe.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be a professional videographer?
A: Not necessarily, but you should have strong storytelling skills and technical competence. Q: Can I apply as a duo or team?
A: The show accepts individual applicants as well as teams; check the application details for current format options. Q: Where could we travel?
Race Around the World 2026 promises a thrilling, unfiltered look at global life through the eyes of those who tell the stories. If you’re ready to pack your bags and your camera, this could be the doorway to your next great adventure in television.
