WITH ONE TEAM ALREADY ELIMINATED, the extreme adventure of Pechino Express 2026 continues its journey through the Far East. Tonight’s episode marks the third leg of the competition, airing this Thursday, March 26th, exclusively on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW. The show is likewise available on demand and via Sky Travel.
The remaining teams will face a grueling 329-kilometer route designed by host Costantino della Gherardesca and season’s first envoy, Lillo. The landscape promises to be both stunning and challenging, featuring lunar-like scenery and active volcanoes on the island of Java, Indonesia. The journey stretches from Malang to Kota Madiun, with Mount Bromo serving as a pivotal point. Here, teams will need to sign the “Red Book,” a crucial step towards securing a spot in the next stage.
The fastest teams will compete in the first “Immunity Challenge” of the season, offering direct access to the subsequent leg and a well-deserved respite. This challenge is described as particularly demanding, testing both physical and mental fortitude.
Following the departure of Elisa Maino and Mattia Stanga (I Creators) last week, the teams still in contention are:
- Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni Gli Spassusi
- Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino I Raccomandati
- Jo Squillo and Michelle Masullo Le Dj
- Fiona May and Patrick Stevens I Veloci
- Dani Faiv and Tony 2Milli I Rapper
- Steven Basalari and Viviana Vizzini Gli Ex
- Tay Vines and Assane Diop I Comedians
- Candelaria and Camila Solórzano Le Albiceleste
- Gaia De Laurentiis and Agnese Catalani Le Biondine
Contestants will be navigating the course with a backpack and a mere 1 euro per day (in local currency) to cover their basic needs. The question on everyone’s mind: which teams will reach the Red Book atop the legendary Mount Bromo, a volcano steeped in local folklore? The first to arrive will earn the chance to compete in the Immunity Challenge and potentially skip ahead in the race.
Those who don’t secure a top spot will continue onward to Kota Madiun, the location of the “Red Carpet.” It’s here that Costantino will reveal the final standings of the third leg and identify the teams at risk of elimination. The fate of those teams will then be determined by the contents of the dreaded black envelope – one team will be heading home.
Pechino Express, the Italian adaptation of the Dutch-Belgian reality show Peking Express, originally created by Ludo Poppe, has become a staple of Italian television. The show first aired on Rai 2 in 2012 and moved to Sky Uno, Now and TV8 in 2022. The format challenges couples – comprised of both celebrities and everyday individuals – to race across various countries with limited resources, relying on local hospitality and ingenuity to survive.
This season’s journey through Indonesia, China, and Japan promises a unique set of challenges and breathtaking scenery. The show’s popularity continues to grow, captivating audiences with its blend of adventure, competition, and cultural immersion. The current season, the 13th, debuted on Sky Uno on March 12, 2026, achieving a 3.2% share, according to data from FormatBiz.
Tonight’s episode is expected to showcase the teams’ resilience and adaptability as they navigate the demanding terrain of Java. The Immunity Challenge will undoubtedly test their physical and mental limits, while the looming threat of elimination adds an extra layer of tension. Viewers can anticipate a dramatic and unpredictable episode as the race for the finish line intensifies.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Pechino Express 2026 is the fourth leg of the journey, following the elimination at the finish of tonight’s episode. Details regarding the location and challenges of the fourth leg have not yet been released, but fans can stay updated through Sky Uno’s official channels and NOW streaming platform.
Don’t miss the drama unfold tonight on Sky Uno and NOW. What challenges will the teams face? Which team will be eliminated? Share your predictions in the comments below!
