“It is a reality show” The Amazing Race’s Ana comes to Jonathan’s defense amidst backlash 

In a candid YouTube video posted May 14 on their channel, "The Road Less Traveled," The Amazing Race Season 37 contestant Ana addressed the growing viewer criticism of her husband Jonathan's behavior during Episode 10's French leg.

"It is a reality TV show. You're only fed certain content, and just keep an open mind and show a little bit of grace and understanding when it comes to watching these edits," Ana explained, urging viewers to consider the incomplete picture presented on screen.

The couple who dashed through Strasbourg under a cloud of dairy-fueled drama found themselves at the center of The Amazing Race controversy, thanks to a particularly pungent moment involving cheese and some choice words from Jonathan, as usual. Viewers watched in disbelief as he declared Ana a "terrible partner" mid-challenge and asked the heavens for patience with “this woman,” triggering a social media storm that came faster than a French train.

But Ana isn’t here for the internet’s hot takes. In her view, what aired was just a heavily sliced sample of their full journey. Turns out, running around the world for a million bucks while jet-lagged and lactose-stressed isn’t exactly a couple’s retreat.

What don’t we see on The Amazing Race?

Ana emphasized that the televised version of Jonathan differs drastically from the man she knows at home.

"It's not who we are as a couple. It's not who Jonathan is at home as a husband and as a father," she stated firmly.

According to the couple at the center of Amazing Race’s latest firestorm, what you saw on TV was just the tip of the meltdown iceberg. Ana says the edit skipped key moments that would've explained why Jonathan went full Shakespearean villain over a cheese challenge.

Turns out, his fury had less to do with dairy and more to do with a dramatic (and apparently unjust) rematch in a water jousting duel against fellow racer Josiah. Jonathan claims he clinched the original round fair and square, only for the judges to call a redo, sending his mood (and later, his marriage vibes) into a spiral.

So while fans saw a man losing it over Camembert, what they missed was the earlier splash of betrayal that set it all off.

In perhaps the most revealing moment of their explanation, Jonathan disclosed that being undiagnosed with autism while competing in "a high-stress environment" contributed significantly to his reactions on The Amazing Race.

"When you miss out on the really awesome, humanizing moments, it doesn't really paint a full picture of who we are as an individual, and it's just a bummer," Ana added, noting that other contestants privately shared similar experiences that never aired.

According to Ana, they weren't the only The Amazing Race team with "blowouts," just the only ones whose conflicts made the final edit.

The selective lens of reality TV

The Amazing Race couple suggested they felt "targeted" by production, with Ana claiming they were fighting against a system that seemed perpetually against them.

This experience highlights the age-old question about reality television: how much of the "reality" actually makes it to our screens?

While The Amazing Race audience can only clutch their pearls over what CBS decides to broadcast, Ana’s defense is a reminder that reality TV is more highlight reel than whole truth. When ratings are on the line, nuance often takes a backseat to drama, especially if a meltdown over cheese makes for better television than a boring old explanation.

Whether Ana’s behind-the-scenes intel will soften public opinion is anyone’s guess. But one thing’s clear: in the world of reality TV, the juiciest edits win, and contestants are often left cleaning up the mess long after the cameras stop rolling.

Trending

Every Wednesday, you can watch The Amazing Race Season 37 live on CBS, with episodes available for streaming on Paramount+ after airing.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback