The Amazing Race Season 39: your two-night premiere plan
The first two episodes air on consecutive nights. Here is the exact CBS schedule, when each Paramount+ plan can stream it, and who is racing.
The Amazing Race Season 39 premieres Wednesday, September 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Episode 2 follows just 24 hours later—Thursday, October 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT—before the show settles into its regular Wednesday slot on October 7.
Program wordmark used only to identify the show. Public-domain text logo from Wikimedia Commons; The Amazing Race name and mark remain trademarks of their respective owner. This site is independent and unaffiliated.
The Season 39 schedule at a glance
| Episode | Date | CBS time | What is confirmed | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Wednesday, Sep 30 | 9:30–11:00 p.m. ET/PT | Season premiere; starts in Vancouver | Premium live; Essential next day |
| Episode 2 | Thursday, Oct 1 | 9:30–11:00 p.m. ET/PT | Part two; racers travel to Madrid | Premium live; Essential next day |
| Episode 3 onward | Wednesday, Oct 7 | 9:30–11:00 p.m. ET/PT | Regular Wednesday time period begins | Same plan rules stated by CBS |
CBS lists its schedule as ET/PT. Local station timing can vary outside those feeds, so use your local CBS listing rather than converting the East Coast clock time yourself.
How to watch without missing episode 2
Watch on your local station
Both premiere episodes air on the CBS Television Network. The second night is a one-time Thursday placement; the regular schedule returns to Wednesday on October 7.
Check the official CBS lineup ↗Live local CBS feed + on demand
CBS says Premium subscribers can stream through the live feed of their local CBS affiliate and also watch on demand. Local CBS live-feed availability is the relevant check before airtime.
On demand the next day
Essential does not include this live CBS option. CBS says the episode becomes available on demand the day after it airs: October 1 for episode 1 and October 2 for episode 2.
Set two reminders, then replace the Thursday one
Create reminders for Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1. After the premiere event, switch the second reminder to Wednesdays beginning October 7. That avoids assuming the Thursday slot continues every week.
A spoiler-light preview of the route
CBS has revealed the scale of the season without disclosing results. The race starts in Vancouver, episode 2 moves to Madrid, and the wider route includes a first visit to Albania. CBS also teases challenges in Morocco and Laos.
Season 39 by the numbers
Meet the 13 Season 39 teams
The cast is built around existing relationships rather than a single celebrity theme. The pairings range from pro athletes and siblings to a grandfather-grandson team.
The rule change that matters from episode 1
Express Passes begin in play
For the first time in the show’s history, CBS says every team receives an Express Pass at the start. That creates an immediate strategy decision rather than making one pass a rare prize.
Leg-six deadline
Each team must use its pass by the end of leg six. The pass can help a team bypass a task, but holding it too long risks losing the advantage before the deadline.
The first-place team still wins the announced $1 million prize. This guide does not include elimination rumors, leaked placements or route outcomes.
Quick answers
What time does The Amazing Race Season 39 start?
The premiere begins Wednesday, September 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and runs until 11:00 p.m. CBS uses the same 9:30–11:00 p.m. ET/PT window for episode 2 on Thursday, October 1.
Why is The Amazing Race on Thursday, October 1?
October 1 is the second half of a special two-night premiere event. It is a one-time Thursday placement after the Big Brother Season 28 finale. The Amazing Race returns to Wednesdays on October 7.
Can Paramount+ Essential subscribers watch live?
Not through the live local CBS feed described by CBS. Paramount+ says Premium subscribers get that live option; Essential subscribers can watch on demand the day after each episode airs.
How long are Season 39 episodes?
CBS has scheduled the premiere, episode 2 and the regular Wednesday time period in 90-minute windows, from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.
How many teams are on The Amazing Race Season 39?
Thirteen teams of two are competing. CBS says each team begins with an Express Pass that must be used by the end of leg six.
Official sources
- Paramount Press Express — Season 39 cast, premiere schedule, route and streaming details
- Paramount Press Express — October 1 episode details
- Paramount — CBS fall 2026 premiere schedule
- Paramount Press Express — official show page and episode listings
Checked September 28, 2026. Times and streaming access are quoted from CBS/Paramount’s U.S. announcements. Local station schedules and availability can change.
