The Amazing Race Season 37: A Bittersweet Departure for Pops and Jeff
The latest episode of The Amazing Race Season 37, which aired on April 9, 2025, took the competition to the dazzling city of Dubai. As the excitement heightened among the eight remaining teams, one duo faced a heartbreaking elimination. Jeff “Pops”Bailey and his son, Jeff Bailey, found themselves unable to reach the Pit Stop in time due to missing a crucial train connection.
This father-son timberman team faced significant challenges in the recent leg of the race, which ultimately slowed their progress. Their difficulties were evident as they struggled with a food decorating task, failing to impress the pastry chef—a setback that put them at a disadvantage. Their struggles culminated in missing the train to the Pit Stop, allowing Nick and Mike to catch up and surpass them, leading to their exit from the competition.
Despite their efforts, the dynamic duo’s journey ended in disappointment. However, they remained optimistic about their overall experience on the show. Pops cherished the memory of skydiving, while Jeff took pride in his father’s performance and their shared adventures.
Fan Reactions to the Elimination
The announcement of Pops and Jeff’s elimination sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly X, where many fans expressed their discontent with the outcome.
“Pops & Jeff are the saddest elimination yet,”a fan wrote.
“That ending is so bittersweet! So happy to see Nick & Mike still racing but I’m so f**king sad to see Pops/Jeff get eliminated!”another fan commented.
“Sad to see Jeff and Pops get eliminated from #theamazingrace,”a netizen tweeted.
The departure of Pops and Jeff resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom expressed a desire to see them return in future seasons.
“Pops and Jeff were eliminated from the race. Which sucks because they were the only team I liked!”a user reacted.
“I hope Pops and Jeff come back one day on #theamazingrace so he can do his bungee jump. Love their relationship!!”a person commented.
“Aww…sad to see Jeff & Pops go. One of my favorite teams this season. I hope they come back in a future season,”another fan wrote.
“why am i crying over pops being eliminated,”one user posted.
Other fans reiterated this sentiment, calling for the return of non-elimination legs to the show.
“This is exactly why @AmazingRaceCBS needs to bring back non-elimination legs. Justice for Pops and Jeff!”a person reacted.
“Pops and Jeff gone, now idc who wins,”another netizen commented.
Challenges Faced by Pops and Jeff in Dubai
During the episode set in Dubai, teams spent the night at the luxurious Platinum Heritage Desert Gate. They began their next day riding camels to uncover their next clues, facing a Roadblock challenge where one member was required to skydive into the city. Pops eagerly took on this task, showcasing his adventurous spirit.
Upon reaching Atlantis the Royal, the teams were tasked with crafting an elaborate afternoon tea set. Unfortunately for Pops and Jeff, their initial effort faltered when one of their desserts fell, forcing them to redo their presentation. This setback delayed their progress significantly; they eventually completed the task on their second try.
The duo then encountered another Roadblock involving surfing on eFoil, adding another layer of difficulty. As Jeff worked to balance on the board, other teams surged ahead, leaving Pops and Jeff behind in the standings.
Upon arriving at the metro station for the final sprint to the Pit Stop, confusion cost them dearly. Although they reached the station before Nick and Mike, they hesitated on the platform regarding the correct train to board. This delay allowed their competitors to surpass them, setting the stage for a dramatic foot race to the finish line.
Despite their efforts, Pops struggled to keep pace, resulting in their elimination after they finished last. The emotional departure left a lasting impression on both fans and participants alike.
New episodes of The Amazing Race are available every Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET exclusively on CBS.