The Amazing Race 37 Penultimate Episode: Teams Head to Portugal
Tonight’s episode of The Amazing Race 37 aired on CBS and sent the remaining teams to Porto, Portugal, for the penultimate leg. With the Final Three on the line, every choice and navigational decision carried enormous weight. The episode opened with the signature valet roulette at Porto airport, a twist that would determine whether teams drove automatic or manual transmission cars for the day’s challenges — a small advantage that could quickly become crucial under pressure.
Carson & Jack left the airport first and described themselves as underdogs, but competitive. Alyssa & Josiah reflected on how well they’d worked together so far and vowed to fight for a spot in the final leg. Jonathan & Ana admitted the leg would be one of the most stressful of the season, since it would likely determine who advanced. Han & Holden, veterans of tight moments, said they were prepared to push through and secure their place in the finale. All four teams boarded the same flight, ensuring they started the leg on relatively even footing.
After landing in Porto and collecting their cars, teams received directions to Granjao, Vila Marim. The valet roulette split the field: Carson & Jack and Alyssa & Josiah received automatic cars, while Jonathan & Ana and Han & Holden were handed manuals. The first clue directed teams to a winemaking estate where the next task awaited: rolling wine barrels to a winemaking house, but the teams also needed to paddle across water as part of the approach to the task.
Carson & Jack took an early lead, tackling the paddle and barrel task first. Their smooth execution allowed them to pull ahead while other teams struggled to locate the site. Han & Holden briefly got lost and paused to ask for directions. Alyssa & Josiah and Jonathan & Ana had their own navigation issues; Jonathan & Ana’s frustration bubbled into bickering, with Ana offering to drive and Jonathan refusing, claiming she was worse at navigation.
Once the barrel-rolling task was underway, Carson & Jack completed it first and earned a clue directing them to Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira. Han & Holden arrived next and began the task, followed by Alyssa & Josiah. Jonathan & Ana eventually located the challenge and started paddling amid continued tension between them.
Carson & Jack Are the First Team to Arrive
At Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira, the leading teams learned the next obstacle was a Roadblock: one team member had to complete an archery challenge. The shooter needed to hit the bullseye on three moving targets to receive the next clue. Alyssa chose to take on the Roadblock for her team; Holden volunteered for Han & Holden, while Carson stepped up for his team and hit the mark on his first attempt.
Alyssa succeeded on her second attempt and Josiah left the castle with her for the next stage. Holden also completed his shots on his second try, and although Jonathan ultimately took the Roadblock for his team, he approached it already fearing elimination — a mindset that hinted at mounting pressure and uncertainty.
Carson & Jack and Han & Holden caught the first train, gaining a clear advantage. Alyssa & Josiah struggled with parking near the station and were briefly delayed — an issue made worse when their vehicle was rear-ended by another car. Jonathan & Ana managed to finish the archery task and hurried to the station, where persistent bickering continued as they waited and boarded the train.
The next clue sent teams to a wine house where they faced a mosaic puzzle: assemble the pieces to reveal the Pit Stop location for the leg. Carson & Jack completed the mosaic first and were greeted by Phil Keoghan at the Pit Stop. They were declared Team #1 for the leg and rewarded with the benefit of flying business class on their return to the United States — a welcome perk after a long race.
Han & Holden finished the mosaic next and checked in as Team #2. Jonathan & Ana and Alyssa & Josiah arrived almost simultaneously and worked feverishly on their puzzles. For a tense moment it appeared Jonathan & Ana might edge ahead, but a critical mistake occurred when Jonathan dropped a tile and it shattered, disrupting their progress at a crucial stage.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger. With the mosaic puzzle in disarray and both teams scrambling, the screen cut to “To Be Continued,” leaving viewers uncertain which pair would be eliminated and which would advance to the season finale. The penultimate leg showcased the fine margins that define The Amazing Race: tight navigation, precise teamwork, and the high stakes of a Roadblock under pressure.
That wraps up tonight’s live recap of The Amazing Race 37. Return for the season finale recap to see which teams make the Final Three and who ultimately competes for the grand prize.