The highly competitive February sweeps rating period rolls along tonight with the highly anticipated premieres of The Amazing Race on CBS and The Celebrity Apprentice on NBC. While the two reality TV series aren’t going head-to-head in the same time slots, both are hoping for strong premieres and ratings success.
Emmy Award winning The Amazing Race kicks off its 20th season tonight. Former Big Brother cast members Rachel Reilly and her fiancé Brendon Villegas, compete in the newest race around the world. The engaged couple will be following in the frequent flier footsteps of Big Brother’s Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd, Survivor’s Boston Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich (who played twice), Survivor’s Ethan John and Jenna Morasca, as well as Big Brother’s Alison Irwin (and her out of house boyfriend Donny Patrick).
Rachel and Brendon will compete against ten other teams, including married clowns, federal agents, border patrol agents, dating divorcees, and twins. Along the way, players will be forced to skydive, train with Massai warriors in Tanzania, and visit the German castle that served as the inspiration for the one in Sleeping Beauty. The show will also be traveling for the first time ever to Paraguay and Azerbaijan. The Amazing Race premieres season 20 at 8/7c on Sunday, February 19th on CBS.
The Celebrity Apprentice premieres tonight and features the biggest cast ever of celebrities seeking to win money for their chosen charities including:
- Clay Aiken: 2nd place American Idol finisher from season two.
- Michael Andretti: Retired Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series.
- Adam Carolla: Radio personality and TV host who competed with Julianne Hough on Dancing with the Stars.
- Tia Carrere: Actress best known for her role as Cassandra Wong in Wayne’s World.
- Lou Ferrigno: Bodybuilder and star of The Incredible Hulk.
- Debbie Gibson: Youngest artist ever to write, produce and perform a #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Teresa Giudice: Table-flipping star from The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
- Victoria Gotti: Daughter of the Gambino crime family Mafia boss, John Gotti.
- Arsenio Hall: Former talk show host and star of Coming to America.
- Penn Jillette: Talkative half of the magic team Penn & Teller.
- Lisa Lampanelli: Actress and stand-up comedienne known for insult comedy.
- Dayana Mendoza: Model and beauty pageant title holder of Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe.
- Aubrey O’Day: Singer, actress, fashion designer and TV personality.
- Dee Snider: Former frontman of rock band Twisted Sister.
- George Takei: Best known as Sulu from Star Trek.
- Paul Teutul, Sr.: Co-founder of Orange County Choppers and star of American Chopper.
- Cheryl Tiegs: Former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.
- Patricia Velasquez: Venezuelan actress and fashion model.
Past winners of The Celebrity Apprentice include:
- Piers Morgan
- Joan Rivers
- Bret Michaels
- John Rich
The new season of The Celebrity Apprentice premieres at 9/8c on Sunday, February 19th on NBC.
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