The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Uzbekistan episodes featured challenges such as performing the “Andijan Polka,” playing the karnay (traditional trumpet), washing handmade carpets, sorting dried fruits, making pomegranate juice, planting potatoes in the tourist village of Tersak, and other cultural activities. This marked the very first appearance of Uzbekistan in the show’s more than 20-year history.

The first week of the broadcast drew an audience of 1.2 million viewers in Australia and around the world. The Amazing Race franchise continues to hold a prestigious reputation — the American version has won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and, in 2025, was again nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Competition Program.

The Uzbekistan episodes featured well-known Australian personalities, including Aisha Scott — star of Below Deck — and her fiancé, extreme sportsman Scott Dobson; rugby legend Brendan Fevola with his daughter Leni; Red Bull freerunner Dom Di Tommaso with his teammate Marx Marsters; TV presenter Gretel Killeen — host of the first seasons of Big Brother Australia — with her daughter and media producer Epiphany; singer and Australian Idol finalist Rob Mills with his fiancée, journalist Georgie Tunny; food critic Melissa Leong with her friend Leah; influencer brothers and podcasters Luke and Sassy Scott; Indonesian-Australian model and entrepreneur Lindy Rama-Ellis with her daughter Stella; and comedian and actress Steph Tisdell with her brother Ben, an emergency physician.

Participants spoke highly of their experience filming in Uzbekistan. Comedian Steph Tisdell described the country as “a unique experience,” highlighting “incredible people” and the “visually stunning” locations. Other contestants praised the hospitality and comfort of filming in Samarkand. These impressions echoed the reactions of viewers, for whom the Uzbekistan episodes became key highlights of the season.

Filming for the season took place from March 18 to 25, 2025, in Samarkand and the village of Tersak in Urgut district of the Samarkand region, with the support of the Tourism Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and the Samarkand regional khokimiyat (administration). Production was organized by the American television company Next Field International.

“The show has been an incredible success, and Uzbekistan’s participation opened a new path for promoting the country abroad. Many international producers are now showing interest in filming in Uzbekistan,” said Stanislav Solovkin, CEO of Next Field International.

In addition to Uzbekistan, this season of The Amazing Race Australia also featured Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Indonesia.