The Chase Around the World made its debut on ITV on Thursday, July 16, 2026, with Bradley Walsh at the helm. The new format takes the beloved quiz show on a global road trip, featuring six pairs of contestants competing in stunning cities. The first episode was set in Rome, where teams answered questions and solved puzzles at iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
Fans quickly took to social media to share their thoughts. One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) described it as "different, fun and still nail-biting! Really enjoyed that!!" Another wrote, "I know it's just started but I'm already loving it," while a third pleaded, "Can there be a second series please?" However, not all feedback was positive. Some viewers found the show lacking compared to the original. One person said, "It's a no from me," and another commented, "This is so slow and as soon as the woman started crying over the first wrong answer then that's me out... had high hopes too but it just doesn't work!" Others noted similarities to BBC's Race Across the World and Destination X, with one viewer admitting they were "bored" minutes in.
Format and Contestants
The show features six pairs: mother and daughter Nicola and Maddie, sisters Kati and Amy, newly engaged couple Dilan and Emily, father and son David and Steven, friends Matt and Cerys, and father and daughter Ashwin and Nikita. In the first episode, Ashwin and Nikita arrived last at the Spanish Steps, forcing them to face Chasers Mark Labbett and Anne Hegerty in a head-to-head. They emerged victorious, securing a spot in the next round in Barcelona.
Bradley Walsh's Enthusiasm
Host Bradley Walsh expressed his excitement about the new series. "I would describe it as The Chase... but around the world! It's out and about. It was very different doing it on location, in these incredible places, instead of being in a studio. I've been locked in Elstree Studios for 17 years!" He added, "The locations were unbelievable. I loved it, I really did, but then again, I wasn't chasing around, literally chasing around, the cities we were in." Walsh highlighted Rome as a favorite, noting the opening scene with the Colosseum and driving a Fiat 1500. He also praised Barcelona's Sagrada Familia backdrop.
Where to Watch
The Chase Around the World is available to stream on ITVX. The series continues with episode two in Barcelona.
