Things were bigger than ever on The Amazing Race season 35. Not only were the episodes longer, each week clocking in at 90 minutes, but for the first time the race started with 13 teams competing (there are usually 12).
The 13 teams of two featured husbands and wives, best friends, siblings, fathers and daughters and partners heading off on a 23,800-mile trek that ranged from Los Angeles to Thailand, India, Germany, Sweden, Ireland and, for the first time on The Amazing Race, Slovenia, before they end up back in the US. However, when all was said and done, only one of these teams crossed the finish line first and won the $1 million grand prize.
Side note, Phil Keoghan, as always, hosted The Amazing Race.
The Amazing Race season 45 finale aired on December 13, so which team took home the grand prize?
Winners: Greg Franklin and John Franklin
Brothers Greg and John had been at or near the top of the standings for almost the entire season, but none of that would matter if they didn't finish in first. Thankfully for them, they played a great game and managed to beat their fellow competitors in an exciting finish to win the $1 million prize.
2nd: Joel Strasser and Garrett Smith
After wanting to be on The Amazing Race since the beginning, long-time friend Joel and Garrett had a great showing, finishing in second.
Third: Rob McArthur and Corey McArthur
This father and son duo were tight with the competitors until the very end, but just fell a little short. However, they still made Amazing Race history as Rob was one of the first deaf competitors on the show, which clearly did not slow him and Corey down.
Who's been eliminated on The Amazing Race season 35?
Alexandra Lichtor and Sheridan Lichtor
Siblings Alexandra and Sheridan Lichtor, we hardly knew you, as they were the first team to be eliminated in season 35. They struggled to master the sword play task and could not make up the time to avoid coming in last place.
Elizabeth Rivera and Iliana Rivera
Already with the disadvantage of being in last place to start the episode, Elizabeth and Illiana were not able to make up any ground during the challenging Roadblock or the shopping detour and are officially eliminated from the competition.
Jocelyn Chao & Victor Limary
After being in the lead in the first two stages of The Amazing Race season 35, Jocelyn and Victor ran into some problems in Vietnam and ended up finishing last at the end of the show's two-episode leg, giving them a final finish of 11th place.
Joe Moskowtiz and Ian Todd
After entering episode 5 in fourth place, Joe and Ian were not able to keep their edge over other teams in Jaipur, India, even getting passed on their way to the pit stop by Morgan and Lena taking a shortcut. That means they arrived in last place and were sadly eliminated.
Liam Hykel and Yeremi Hykel
Brothers Liam and Yeremi got a bad rickshaw ride, which ultimately cost them and saw them finish last and eliminated from the race in Jarupi, officially in ninth place.
Malania Hatcher and Andrea Simpson
Malania and Andrea got all turned around in Germany, unable to find the correct ferry to take them to their tasks and falling so far behind Phil actually had to meet them up at one of the midway points to tell them that they came in last in this leg and would be going home.
Morgan and Lena Franklin
It really came down to the home stretch for Morgan and Lena, who were in a safe position until they had to track down a skyscrapper in Slovenia that had a clue to lead them to the leg's pit stop. Missing that allowed for Steve & Anna Leigh to pass them and it was ultimately the sisters who finished last and were sent home.
Robbin Tomich and Chelsea Day
Best friends Robbin and Chelsea just missed out on making the final five in the race. They could sense it coming to, as they actually chose to enjoy their final task swimming before Phil gave them the official news.
Ashlie Martin and Todd Martin
Despite a valiant effort, Ashlie and Todd could not manage to overcome their last place start in the Sweden leg and were sent home in the final leg of the race before things got down to the final four teams.
Steve Cargile and Anna Leigh Wilson
Steven and Anna Leigh made it to the final four and we're swapping places with Joel and Garrett for much of the penultimate episode in Ireland, but when it came down to the wire they could not get to the pit stop in time and were eliminated.
The Amazing Race season 35 airs Wednesdays at 9:30 pm ET/PT on CBS, immediately after Survivor season 45. You can catch up with episodes on-demand on Paramount Plus.
