Season 1 was not particularly a ratings success ; the series premiered six days prior to the September 11 attacks , after which interest in foreign travel waned and viewership fell correspondingly . The show was further hindered by the lack of media coverage and promotion as networks focused on news stories and more patriotic programming . Additionally , the show premiered and competed in the same time slot as with NBC 's short-lived '' Lost '' , another reality show with a similar premise . The show did just well enough to earn a second season , which aired the following spring
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
The Amazing Race 1