After creating magic together on the first season of The White Lotus, actress Sydney Sweeney and show creator Mike White have set their sights on a new challenge: competing as a team on the reality competition show The Amazing Race. In a recent interview, both expressed strong enthusiasm for the idea, with Sweeney suggesting they would be a formidable pair.
The potential pairing brings together Sweeney’s competitive drive and White’s previous experience on the show. Mike White has already competed on The Amazing Race twice, both times with his father, Mel White. While his past runs ended in elimination, he is confident that teaming with Sweeney would lead to a different outcome.
Sydney Sweeney Proposes the Idea
The news came to light when Sydney Sweeney told Variety that she would love to participate in the CBS reality show and already has the perfect teammate in mind. She praised Mike White’s creativity and expressed confidence in their combined abilities.
“Honestly, Mike and I would be a killer team,” Sweeney stated.
Sweeney is no stranger to physical challenges. She has a background in MMA fighting and recently underwent intense physical training to play boxer Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy. Her personal hobbies also include activities like kitesurfing and cliff diving, which could give the pair an edge in the race’s demanding physical tasks.
Mike White Agrees They Could Win
Mike White, the creator of the award-winning series The White Lotus, fully agreed with Sweeney’s assessment. He highlighted her determination and focus as key qualities that would make them successful on the show.
“I would definitely win with her,” White said. “She’s the master at getting what she wants. And I mean that in an absolutely good way.”
White has personal experience with the difficulties of The Amazing Race. He and his father were eliminated during the sixth leg of Season 14 in Phuket, Thailand. They returned for Season 18, Unfinished Business, but were again eliminated early after both developed hypothermia during a challenge in Japan. Both eliminations stranded him on the island of Koh Samui, which he said created such unhappy memories that he was initially reluctant to film the third season of The White Lotus there.
Mike White’s History with Reality TV
Mike White is not just a reality television producer; he is also a seasoned contestant. In addition to his two appearances on The Amazing Race, he was a contestant on Survivor: David vs. Goliath, where he made it to the final day and finished as the runner-up.
In a past interview, White explained his fascination with reality TV, noting its value for a writer. “Part of my job and my way of life is studying people and analyzing motivation and character,” he said. “I still feel like, even on the most contrived reality show, the people are human and they’re more interesting than some of the most well-scripted drama.”
A White Lotus Reunion on the Race?
Fans hoping to see Sweeney reprise her role as Olivia Mossbacher on The White Lotus might be disappointed, as White has indicated it is unlikely. He expressed that he would love to have her back but doubts it is financially feasible given her rising stardom.
“I don’t know if we could afford her now,” White admitted. “As of now, it doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen.”
He did, however, have high praise for her natural screen presence. “My eyes kept going to her, no matter who’s in the scene with her,” White said. “That’s natural screen magnetism that is hard to quantify. She just has that. I don’t know what makes somebody a star, but there is something about her that just is.”
The Current Season of The Amazing Race
The interest from Sweeney and White comes as the 38th season of The Amazing Race is currently airing. This season, subtitled European Adventure, features teams composed of former Big Brother houseguests and their loved ones. The season premiered on September 25, 2025, and will run through December 2025.
Whether or not Sweeney and White will officially be cast in a future season remains unknown. There has been no announcement from CBS regarding casting for the next season. For now, their proposed team exists as an exciting possibility that has captured the imagination of their fans.
Also Read: Sydney Sweeney Fights Back Against Public Criticism and Labels
