GSN acquires rights to CBS's The Amazing Race

The Game Show Network announced Wednesday that it has won the rights to CBS's The Amazing Race from distributor King World. Although neither GSN nor King World would comment on the price, The Hollywood Reporter notes that GSN is said to have paid roughly $50,000 for each of the 110 episodes spanning the first eight seasons. GSN also acquired the option for the next two seasons. "A lot of people are recent fans and are going to be very curious about the early seasons of the show, while other longtime fans will come back and want to see it again," GSN president and CEO Rich Cronin told reporters. "We think the show, which has people traveling around the world in spectacular exotic locations with lots of action, has great potential in repeats." Advocate cover boys Chip Arndt and Reichen Lehmkuhl won the race, with its million-dollar prize, in season 4. Gay competitors have been consistently visible on Race: Last year West Hollywood, Calif., boyfriends Lynn and Alex made it to fifth place. Race is slated to air seven days a week starting July 11 at 9 p.m., with encore showings every night at midnight except Fridays.