ITV's beloved teatime quiz, The Chase, is embarking on its most ambitious adventure yet with the announcement of a brand new travel-themed spin-off series. Titled 'The Chase Around the World', the show promises to combine intense general knowledge battles with a high-stakes global race, creating a must-watch format for fans of both quizzing and adventure competition shows like Race Across the World.
A Global Hunt for the Chasers
Hosted by the inimitable Bradley Walsh, who has fronted the main show since its 2009 launch, the new iteration will feature six pairs of contestants. Their mission is to track down all six of the iconic Chasers, who will be waiting in secret locations scattered across the planet. This global hunt will push contestants to their limits, testing not just their quiz knowledge but also their intellect, observational skills, and puzzle-solving prowess.
As the pairs traverse the globe, they will uncover famous landmarks and culturally significant sites on their route. To progress, they must tackle conundrums and puzzles designed to reveal clues pointing them towards the quiz titans. The format introduces a punishing time penalty: incorrect answers will cost valuable time, allowing smarter, faster contestants to move ahead more quickly.
High-Stakes Battles and a Life-Changing Prize
The competition features a brutal elimination mechanic. The last duo to arrive at a Chaser's location must face them in a direct head-to-head battle to remain in the game. Victory allows them to continue their journey to the next destination, while defeat sends them straight home. The adventure culminates in a final destination where the remaining contestants will compete in a ultimate general knowledge showdown against the Chasers for a life-changing cash prize.
Speaking about the innovative new format, Bradley Walsh expressed his excitement, stating: 'This bold new take on The Chase combines quizzing with travelling and will test contestants' knowledge like never before. The Chasers are already famous around the world, so fans can look forward to seeing them ply their trade in some superb secret locations.'
Executive Excitement for the New Format
ITV commissioners are equally enthusiastic. Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment Commissioning, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development & Commissioning Editor, jointly said: 'The Chase Around The World is a really exciting new format taking the DNA of Britain's most iconic quiz into epic real-world locations, in a high-stakes battle of knowledge. The show is full of surprises, problem-solving, and fantastic play-along for viewers.'
Lily Wilson, Managing Director of producers Bright Entertainment, added: 'This reimagining of The Chase is a testament to the strength of feeling towards the show, The Chasers and Bradley. Viewers can expect the play-along and quizzing they know and love, set within a nail-biting, exciting adventure across the globe.'
The Chase Around the World is scheduled to launch on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player later this year. It follows the successful debut of the primetime spin-off Beat the Chasers in 2020, where contestants face multiple Chasers for larger prizes. The core The Chase format has also seen international adaptations in countries including Australia, the United States, and Germany, cementing its status as a global quiz phenomenon.
