the race.
an adventure production.
by studio flitz.

Imagine being dropped off somewhere in the world and having to reach a destination more than 3,000 kilometers away – without a cell phone, without money, without a plan. Without a team behind you, without instructions, without a route, without a script. There is only one goal: whoever reaches it first wins.

This is precisely the starting point in THE RACE, the German adventure series produced by studio flitz, which has become a streaming hit on YouTube and Joyn and captivates viewers from the first to the last moment.

This is what awaits you here:

race against time.
obstacles.
inner doubts.

In THE RACE, 5 creators compete against each other. Whether they hitchhike, use local transportation, negotiate with strangers, or embark on spontaneous paths – every decision influences the further course. Without external help, they rely on their own skills, their creativity, and the help of strangers to travel kilometers across countries and cultures.

What sounds like a race is much more. It’s about self-organization, mental strength, communication skills, and being able to cope in unpredictable situations. Each stage confronts the participants with new decisions – and there is not always a clear answer.

specific rules.
format conditions.

THE RACE follows a strict set of rules that provides orientation and leaves room for individual strategies:

  • All participants start with exactly the same basic equipment. Only the bare essentials are allowed, such as a map, water bottle, basic food, and camera equipment.
  • Selling, exchanging, or lending the equipment is prohibited.
  • Participants may ask strangers for help, but not make promises or give commitments that will only be fulfilled after the production – e.g., money via PayPal.
  • Help from strangers is allowed; however, not from family, team, or official bodies or authorities.
  • Vehicles may be used, but only one national border may be crossed per journey – unless someone buys their own means of transport.
  • Commercial flights are prohibited; private flights, however, are allowed.
  • Rule violations, e.g., repeated fare evasion, lead to disqualification.

These clear, game-defining rules set THE RACE clearly apart from other formats, as they create a framework structure and still allow the participants maximum freedom.

What sounds like a race is much more. It’s about self-organization, mental strength, communication skills, and being able to cope in unpredictable situations. Each stage confronts the participants with new decisions – and there is not always a clear answer.

storytelling. authenticity.
real challenges.

What distinguishes THE RACE from other formats is the mixture of authentic self-documentation by the participants and high-quality production. Every step of the journey is accompanied by the candidates themselves with their own cameras, real emotions, and without scripted moments.

In addition, you can expect in each episode:

  • intense competition moments that create tension
  • unexpected twists as soon as new opportunities or problems arise
  • interpersonal dynamics that lead to surprising alliances, conflicts, or twists
  • real-life adventures where every decision counts

unfiltered reality.
real closeness.
unpredictable twists.

THE RACE is not a show format that is staged for effect, but a real adventure, which is precisely why it is so captivating because it cannot be controlled. The participants film themselves, they decide when to turn on the camera, what they share – and what they don’t. This creates a closeness that is rarely seen in classic formats. Nothing seems smooth, nothing seems planned, and that’s exactly what makes every scene believable.

During the race, moments arise that one could not write: Encounters with people who help without asking for anything in return. Spontaneous alliances that arise from trust – and can break just as quickly. Decisions that are made under pressure and change everything.

In every episode, you can feel: Nothing is staged here, but everything is at stake. You never know how the stage will end, who will suddenly be in the lead, who will stumble – and who will outgrow themselves.

This series is a real adventure for everyone who loves storytelling, thrills, and personal stories. And that’s exactly why it is so passionately discussed and shared.

high-quality post-production.
streaming-first.

The first two seasons were conceived and produced by David “Dave” Henrichs – from the idea to the format development to the post-production. From season 3, studio flitz from Cologne takes over the production of THE RACE and develops the format further together with Dave. The goal remains to tell real adventure in high-quality streaming aesthetics – authentic, relatable, and without interfering in the events. The series was completely conceived and consistently implemented for YouTube and streaming.

  • Season 1 (2024):
    Concept introduction, five creators, three countries (Concept, development, and production by David “Dave” Henrichs)
  • Season 2 (2025):
    New route, wildcard participants, expanded game structure (Concept, development, and production by David “Dave” Henrichs)
  • Season 3 (announced for 2026): Get ready for a surprise! (Concept, development, and production by David “Dave” Henrichs in collaboration with studio flitz)

On YouTube, the episodes were released after the premiere on Joyn – often with millions of views per episode, which underlines the popularity of the format outside the streaming ecosystem. In addition, behind-the-scenes episodes, interviews with participants, and bonus material were released.

The second season was awarded the Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award 2025.

Ready for the toughest adventure in the world? Then start now with season 1 of THE RACE!

the facts.
at a glance.

What makes THE RACE unique?

It is an adventure without a budget and smartphone, where every step counts and every decision influences the course and speed of the race.

All previous seasons are available for free on YouTube and Joyn. Anytime and without subscription obligation.

So far, two seasons have been broadcast, a third season has been confirmed for 2026.

In season 1, five creators competed for the victory, in season 2 there were wildcard participants for the first time – including a woman who won the competition.

The length varies depending on the season. As a rule, a season consists of several episodes, each depicting a stage of the race. This creates a course that tells itself like a journey with highs, lows, and unexpected twists.

THE RACE is not scripted. The participants document their journey themselves. What they experience and what they film, they decide themselves. There are no staged scenes and no predetermined sequences.

There was a public application phase for season 3. We will communicate in good time whether and when there will be new opportunities to participate. Anyone who is interested should keep an eye on the social channels.

No one – except time. Whoever reaches the goal first wins. There is no jury, no points awarded, no interim evaluation. Only your own performance counts.

hello.
let's. flitz.

We look forward to hearing from you – whether you’re a creator, partner or someone with a strong idea.

Are you looking for a job, would you like to present a format or do you have questions about productions? Then get in touch at any time via the contact form.

Returns or inquiries about TheRaceShop are also welcome here – we will be happy to help you.

Note: If you write to us via the contact form, we will process your details to process your request. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.

Your contact person:
Björn Jochum
Project & Production Manager

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