It is not only Jody bringing in the higher viewings... We do have very famous eaters, very famous car drivers, NBA all-stars, well BB legends, and X-Game champions. There r truly contestants that every audience should know!
People were bickering about recruits but if there r good recruits, views go up!
Ok so I see people continue to repeat this fallacy that it’s the time slot.. or it’s the other racers who are more widely known. Let me break this down for you folks simply..
1. Time Slot: Amazing Race would not have this time slot of not for Jess and Cody. It’s obvious enough from comments Phil and Cody have made, as well as the slotting of TAR after Celeb B.B. once it starts. Jess and Cody had maybe the biggest % of the fan base since Dr Will and Janelle way back over a decade ago, so it’s not crazy that they’re trying to capture this audience.
2. This leads to the next point, yes Shawn Marion, Joey Chestnut, or even Alex Rossi are more nationally/globally known... and that means nothing. Why? Because their fans aren’t necessarily 1. Hyper obsessed with following their every move 2. The target market of tv viewers who would watch this type of show.
To further prove this point... if you take a look at the intro videos on Amazing Race’s YouTube channel you will see Jess and Cody’s has over 10x the views of any other team, which destroys the argument that the others who are more known are why people are watching... to go further, Jess and Cody’s video is the most watched video on TAR’a YouTube channel... EVER. 3 times more views than the nearest which was 4 years ago.
So. I hope that settles this petty debate and we can now enjoy the show and the fabulous ratings, and likely renewal thanks to Jess and Cody and their fan base. #yourewelcome