ITV’s high-profile spin-off The Chase Around the World has encountered sharp criticism from viewers following its debut broadcast on July 23, 2026. Audiences voiced widespread frustration over the show’s sluggish pacing and structural departure from the original daytime format, while a post-credits disclosure revealing the use of artificial intelligence-generated imagery ignited a separate wave of pushback regarding broadcasting ethics and production transparency.
The new iteration takes host Bradley Walsh and six pairs of contestants out of the traditional studio environment and into major European cities, including Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, Paris, Zurich, and Athens. As contestants navigate international streets to reach checkpoints and answer trivia questions, they face established Chasers Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis. However, what broadcaster ITV framed as an ambitious expansion of a long-running franchise quickly sparked intense debate among loyal viewers and media analysts alike.
From Elstree Studios to European Streets
For nearly two decades, The Chase has been recorded inside Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Host Bradley Walsh expressed strong enthusiasm prior to the broadcast about moving the production into real-world locations after 17 years in a fixed studio setting. Walsh noted that filming on location in historic European cities altered contestant dynamics and introduced unpredictable street encounters, with opposing teams running into one another during checkpoint challenges.
According to Walsh, filming on location significantly heightened the competitive atmosphere, as pairs adapted their strategies while navigating unfamiliar urban environments. While Walsh praised the visual appeal of international settings, he acknowledged that he was not required to sprint through the cities himself, observing that the physical movement created distinct tactical pressure for contestants as leaders slipped back and trailing teams staged comebacks.
Viewer Backlash Over Pacing and Format Fatigue
Despite the high-budget concept and scenic backdrop, public reaction following the July 23 broadcast was overwhelmingly critical on social media platforms. Fans expressed disappointment with the episode’s slow development and drawn-out structure, arguing that the fast-paced, high-stakes tension of the original studio show had been lost in transition.
Critics on X (formerly Twitter) described the spin-off as an unnecessary stretch of the brand, with some questioning whether the move abroad was driven more by travel perks for production than compelling gameplay. Several viewers noted they remained tuned in solely out of long-standing loyalty to the franchise or to catch glimpses of landmark scenery like Barcelona, rather than out of engagement with the trivia competition. While a minority of viewers praised the program for offering “destination” television vibes and maintaining competitive tension near the finish, the prevailing consensus flagged notable pacing issues and franchise fatigue.
AI Disclosures and Transparency Debates
The controversy surrounding format changes was further compounded by disclosures appearing in the end credits. The statement revealed that generative artificial intelligence tools had been utilized to produce specific visual components, including stock drone imagery of Barcelona and artwork used in trial challenges. This disclosure quickly migrated to online forums, including Reddit, where viewers debated the broader implications of AI adoption in television production.
Audiences expressed growing concern over transparency, questioning how extensively synthetic imagery had replaced authentic camera work or human artistic design. Online discussions highlighted suspicions regarding whether city graffiti visuals, trial graphics, or even the show’s official logo had been generated by AI models. Several viewers called for explicit audio disclaimers during the broadcast rather than unobtrusive end credits, raising concerns that synthetic visual props could mislead viewers regarding real-world items and prospective show merchandise.
Production Pressures and Franchise Stakes
The reaction to The Chase Around the World reflects broader tensions across the television industry as production companies navigate rising costs and changing viewer expectations. While international location shooting offers visual novelty, the integration of generative AI tools highlights how networks are attempting to streamline visual effects and post-production budgets.
As ITV evaluates audience metrics and social feedback, the controversy underscores the delicate balance required when adapting established broadcast assets. Audiences continue to demand full transparency regarding artificial intelligence in broadcasting, forcing producers to reconcile technological cost-saving measures with viewer trust and core format appeal.