BBC Race Across the World viewers say same thing as 'best thing on TV' returns

The BAFTA-winning series Race Across the World premiered its fifth outing tonight (April 23), instantly captivating audiences and triggering an overwhelming response within moments of the first episode's launch. Eager fans tuned in to see new teams embark on a gruelling adventure stretching over 14,000km from the impressive Great Wall of China to India's southernmost point, Kanniyakumari.

The teams were given just over £1,000 to make their journey, around £22 per day. This was the amount they'd be looking at paying for a flight covering the same distance. Without the aid of smartphones or bank cards, relying solely on cash, the pairs include young lovebirds Fin and Sioned, mother and son duo Caroline and Tom and sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, all competing for a juicy £20,000 prize.

Social media has been buzzing with conversation around the newest instalment with viewers united in their praise for the series, reports . One enthusiast hailed it as "the best thing on TV," while another echoed the praise, dubbing it: "Undoubtedly the best programme on TV."

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This enthusiasm was reiterated by yet another who expressed: "Race across the time! Taps into my competitive side as well feeding my love of travel! Some of the best tv!", as a separate fan rejoiced as "real TV is back."

Celebratory messages continued to flood in, with another viewer penning: "Happy Race Across the World day to all who celebrate. Knowing it's on got me through work." Another BBC fan added: "Wednesday nights are so back with Race Across the World."

"Dropping like a stone now that Race Across the World is back," wrote one viewer, hinting at their frustration with the simultaneous timing of BBC's Race Across the World and ITV's .

Meanwhile, another fan expressed dismay over the difficult choice they faced with the scheduling: "Having to choose Celebrity Big Brother over Race Across The World. I hate whoever has forced me to make this decision."

Race Across the World airs Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One with episodes available to stream via BBC iPlayer