- The Amazing Race Season 39 where to watch: New episodes air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ the next day.
- Live TV alternatives: Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV Stream all carry CBS.
- Season 39 hook: All 13 teams started the race with an Express Pass for the first time in show history.
- Key storyline: A new alliance formed in Madrid, Spain during episode 2, shifting the race dynamics.
- Notable cast: Former USWNT stars Ali Krieger and Johanna Lomax headline a 13-team field.
The Amazing Race Season 39 Where to Watch: Overview
If you are searching for The Amazing Race Season 39 where to watch, you have several reliable options in 2026. The season airs on CBS in the United States, with episodes available to stream on Paramount+ shortly after broadcast. Cable-replacement services that include local CBS affiliates give you live access even if you have cut the cord.
The video below breaks down one of the season's most pivotal early episodes and explains why Season 39's twists make it worth watching live.
Video Highlights:
- Episode 2, "Are Tomatoes Good for Skin Care?", sends racers to Madrid, Spain
- Every team received an Express Pass at the start, usable before the end of leg six
- One team's early Express Pass play comes with instant regret
- A new alliance emerges and shakes up the field in Madrid
Check your local CBS listing before episode night. Broadcast times can shift when NFL doubleheader games run long, and Paramount+ upload times follow the West Coast feed.
Streaming Platforms Compared
Here is a breakdown of the main ways to watch, so you can pick the option that fits your setup and budget.
| Platform | Access Type | Live CBS | On-Demand Episodes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBS (antenna) | Free over-the-air | Yes | No | Local viewers, zero cost |
| Paramount+ | Subscription | Yes (Premium tier) | Yes, next day | Cord-cutters and binge viewers |
| Hulu + Live TV | Subscription | Yes | Limited | Households combining Hulu content |
| FuboTV | Subscription | Yes | Yes | Sports-first viewers |
| YouTube TV | Subscription | Yes | Yes, via DVR | Unlimited DVR users |
Antenna (Free)
- Free over-the-air CBS
- Requires a digital antenna
- Live viewing only, no rewinding
Paramount+
- Next-day episode streaming
- Full season library access
- Essential tier for on-demand fans
Live TV Services
- FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
- Watch episodes as they air
- Cloud DVR for catch-up viewing
Streaming availability varies by country. If you are outside the United States, verify which service holds The Amazing Race rights in your region before subscribing.
Step-by-Step: Start Watching Season 39 Today
Follow these steps and you will be caught up on Season 39 within an evening.
Confirm Your CBS Local Channel
Check whether CBS is available free over-the-air in your area using an antenna, or through your existing cable package. This is the simplest way to watch live.
Choose a Streaming Option
If you have cut the cord, subscribe to Paramount+ for next-day episodes, or pick a live TV service like FuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV that carries your local CBS affiliate.
Catch Up on Early Episodes
Stream from episode 1, "Sorry Guys, We Used Our Express Pass," onward. The Express Pass twist in episode 1 directly sets up the regret storyline in episode 2, so watch in order.
Track the Season's Key Storylines
Pay attention to the Express Pass deadline at the end of leg six, the Madrid alliance, and teams like Ali Krieger and Johanna Lomax as the field narrows.
Once your platform is chosen and you are caught up through the Madrid leg, you can follow the rest of Season 39 weekly without spoilers.
Season 39 Teams and Twists at a Glance
Season 39 features 13 two-person teams racing around the world for a one-million-dollar prize. The casting and the rule changes have given this season a distinct strategic flavor.
| Team | Background | Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Krieger & Johanna Lomax | Former USWNT teammates | Elite competitiveness, athletic edge |
| Michelle & Matthew | Married parents | Steady, communication-driven racing |
| Doug & Dylan | Grandfather-grandson duo | Multi-generational dynamic, fan favorites |
| Remaining 10 teams | Mixed backgrounds | Express Pass timing and alliance politics |
The defining twist is the Express Pass rule: every team started with one, and each team must use it before the end of leg six. That single change turned the early legs into a psychological battle.
Episode 2, titled "Are Tomatoes Good for Skin Care?", is the season's early turning point. The Madrid leg introduces the first major alliance and delivers the consequences of a poorly timed Express Pass.
Season 39 Viewing Checklist:
- Watch episode 1 to understand the Express Pass twist
- Catch the Madrid leg and the new alliance forming
- Track which teams burn their Express Pass before leg six
- Follow Ali Krieger and Johanna Lomax's race
- Note the grandfather-grandson duo, Doug and Dylan
Viewing Tips and Common Pitfalls
Because episodes land on Paramount+ the day after broadcast, social media recaps appear within hours. Mute related keywords and avoid result pages if you plan to watch on delay.
A few habits will improve your Season 39 experience:
- Watch in order. The Express Pass regret storyline only lands if you see episode 1 first.
- Set recordings. If you watch via DVR or cloud DVR, pad your recording by 15 minutes in case of sports overruns.
- Verify episode counts. Confirm how many episodes Paramount+ has posted before a weekend binge, since uploads follow the broadcast schedule.
- Compare free trials carefully. Live TV services frequently offer trial periods, but terms change often, so read current offers before committing.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch The Amazing Race Season 39?
The Amazing Race Season 39 airs on CBS in the United States, with episodes streaming on Paramount+ the next day. Live TV services such as FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV Stream also carry CBS for live viewing.
Q: Is The Amazing Race Season 39 available on Netflix or Hulu?
No. Current-season episodes are tied to CBS and Paramount+, not Netflix. Hulu's on-demand library does not carry the current season, though Hulu + Live TV includes the CBS broadcast channel in many markets.
Q: What is the big twist in Season 39?
For the first time in show history, all 13 teams received an Express Pass at the start of the race. Each team must decide when to use it before the end of leg six, which creates immediate strategic drama, including one team's regret in episode 2.
Q: Who are the most notable teams in Season 39?
The cast includes former USWNT teammates Ali Krieger and Johanna Lomax, married parents Michelle and Matthew, and grandfather-grandson duo Doug and Dylan, along with ten other two-person teams racing for one million dollars.