The Amazing Race is once again taking an interesting approach to the teams it is featuring on the upcoming 27th season, which kicked off filming in Venice Beach, Calif. June 22.  

'The Amazing Race' Kicks Off Season 27 In Venice Beach

According to an official press release from CBS, three of the teams are from the media, a new twist on the series which has also featured seasons of past teams seeking redemption, family only seasons, and their recent 26th, which was comprised solely of dating couples, with five set up on blind dates at the starting line.  

Outside of the three teams with a media focus to their relationships, the teams seem to have returned to a normal set-up, with couples who are involved romantically (four total), family members (three total), and friends and co-workers (5 totals).  

Phil Keoghan Calls Season 27 A 'Character' Season

The 11 Teams Are: 

1. Ernest Phillips & Jin Lao: Brothers from Boston, Mass

2.

Alex Manard & Adam Dingeman: Cousins from Chicago, Ill. and Des Moines, Iowa 

3. Denise Williams & James Early Corley: Mother & Son from Pratville, Ala. 

4.

Cindy & Rick Chac: Newlyweds from San Diego, Calif.  

5. Kelsey Gerckens & Joey Buttitta: Dating News Anchors from Santa Barbara, Calif.  

6.

Justin Scheman & DIana Bishop: Engaged Couple from Philadelphia 

7. Logan Fazio & Chris Gordon: Dating Paparazzi from Miami Beach, Fla.  

8. Jazmine Lewis & Danielle Littleton: Athletes from Los Angeles, Calif. 

9. Tanner Kloven & Josh Ahern: Best Friends from Dallas, Texas 

10. Kelly Berning & Shevonne Sullivan: TMZ Editor & Post-Production Supervisor from Los Angeles, Calif. 

11. Tiffany Chantell Torres & Krista DeBono: Friends from Hoboken, N.J. and Staten Island, N.Y. 

In addition, CBS did reveal that the teams started at the Graffiti Wall in Venice Beach, and encountered a first challenge including water bike racing, before they headed off to their first destination, Rio de Janeiro.  

Teams will be racing around the world the next few weeks, and season 27 is set to premiere on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS. 

Tags: The Amazing Race CBS Reality TV