Race Across the World, by the BBC, is one of my favourite shows. From the casting of regular contestants with interesting stories to the incredible showcases of places and people, the production team do an amazing job of research, planning, filming and logistics.

Last year they started right here in Beijing, at the Great Wall, shining a great light on China, Nepal and India as the teams raced to Kanyakumari. The year before, they raced through Japan, Korea, and South-East Asia, finishing on the Gilis in Lombok. Both seasons, traveling through places close to our hearts, were excellent and we enjoyed seeing our various “homes” through the eyes of the racers.

This year’s race seems harder, as the teams start in Greece and are heading to Mongolia, through Turkey and numerous Stans. The scenery is breathtaking, the people they meet are wonderful and the journey is inspiring. But the real standout for us has been the perfect pairing of Jo and Kush; two young men from Liverpool with such a fantastic outlook on life that one can’t help but think of them as the best possible role models for young people – and teenage boys in particular.

At a time when the Manosphere dominates discourse about young men, Jo and Kush show that it is possible to be different. They are friendly, articulate, fit and open-minded. They have charmed their way across the world with humility, humour and what seems to be a genuine respect for and interest in the people they meet. They have been open about the struggles they’ve faced (some quite significant) in their younger lives, recognising how these have shaped them and how they never take anything for granted. They’re not afraid of hard work, they’re musical, funny and open-hearted. They regularly express their care for each other and take on any setback with adaptiveness and resilience.

Pretty much every episode of this show gets me welling up for whatever reason. Credit for that goes to the casting team, participants and editors who weave cohesive stories from the footage. More often that not, this season it has been these boys. They are proof, if it was ever needed, that teenagers are the best of us, if we just give them the opportunity to shine.

It’s the final episode next week. I hope they win. But either way, they’re winners to us and I’m sure what life brings them next will be “Boss“.

Catch up on Race Across the World on BBC iPlayer.