Tonight is the debut of The Amazing Race, season 5. I think it’s my favourite reality show — I once wrote a whole column on why the show rocks, and why everyone should watch it. Even those that don’t like reality (I’m looking at you, ) might find it worthwhile.

I like it because you can take a virtual tour of the world, and see lots of cool stuff, without having to deal with annoying things like foreign food and light switches that work the opposite way. It’s definitely a vicarious adventure. Plus, there is plenty of personal drama that arises from the fact that each team of two people has a personal relationship — married, father/daughter, sisters, etc. I don’t find that the show exploits personal conflicts or incites people to turn on each other, but the stress of travelling often brings out any underlying tensions and it’s fascinating. My favourite teams, though, are always those that work together well — that find a way to help each other through the stress, and answer each other’s weaknesses with strengths of their own.

Check it out if you can, it’s on at 9:30 tonight for 1.5 hours.