BBC's Top Gear, time to pull in or drive on

[squigg58]

Top Gear has a winning formula. It's viewed in over 200 territories around the world. The Top Gear website gets 6 million unique viewers per month. It's regularly one of the most popular shows on BBC iPlayer as many people now choose to watch it on that format. (Incidentally, that makes "live" viewing figures somewhat meaningless these days). It makes shed-loads of money for the BBC. The Top Gear YouTube channel has received well over 450 million video views. It's no coincidence that it's the backbone of channels like Dave as people still enjoy the repeats.

Why change it? Is it just change for change's sake?

As others have pointed out, the chemistry between the presenters is one of the keys to the show's success. Yes, it's cliched, but that's part of the appeal. You know what you're going to get and the show delivers.

As for a "hot blonde" presenter; 40% of the viewers are female, so why on earth would anyone want to alienate them?

For me, it's a bit of a curate's egg, but that's just personal taste. I rarely watch "Star in a reasonably priced car" as I've had more than enough "celebs" to last a lifetime, and certain cars just don't interest me. However, there's always something in every show which appeals to me. That, I believe, is one of the other keys to it's success ... a broad appeal.

It's the one motoring show which is watched by people who love cars, and by those who have no real interest in cars. My best friend's wife's mother is 89 years old. She's never driven a car in her life and probably wouldn't recognise a 458 if it bit her on the bum, but she loves the show! It's entertaining.

[Shauni]

It's a bit embarrassing when 50-year olds act like teenagers. Script writing is awful. It should just work with their natural chemistry. Like it did in the past.

Lose those horrible scripted jokes, dick jokes, horrible characters that they are trying to act. Otherwise let it die.

[pharoahegypt]

I've never liked Hammond; mostly as he isn't really a fan of motorsports, an essential part of a motoring programme for me; and would rather watch Fifth Gear with Sticky Vicki, Tiff Toff, and JP..... But in the absence of that show, I suppose TG is better than nothing.....

Still miss Quentin Wilson's unique way of describing cars, and his top advice on how to save money while motoring, but I guess that's just history too... though you'd think in this current climate, with fuel being so over taxed, it would be a worthwhile addition to the show..??

[otokonomidori]

The most despicable thing about Top Gear is the ghastly fawning studio audience. They all arrived in identikit Euro hatchbacks , wouldn't know a timing chain from a lavatory chain yet nod their heads like sheep when Clarkson et al pontificate about some piece of Italian exotica that they are as likely to drive as I am to go to the moon!!

They laugh like drains when the loathsome presenters smash up some nice old car - yes the Top Gear studio audience always make me wish I could call up the Pentagon for a drone strike.

[Oswald]

'Top Gear' is the most successful overseas export that BBC has ever had. It is hugely popular all over the world. Would, therefore, the BBC want to cancel it? They have tried to it before - but failed, wisely some would suggest.

The problem for the BBC executives is that the thoughts and comments (whether scripted or not) mainly do not concur with the BBC's PC agenda. We all remember the media instigated furore over numerous comments made by Clarkson. I personally wouldn't take seriously any comment made by Clarkson. Anyway, that's part of his "job" - playing Mr. Non-PC, ruffling the feathers of the BBC perceived views.

'Top Gear' is no long categorised by the BBC as a factual programme - it's now firmly in the light-entertainment category. That's why we laugh at their bickering, the ridiculous adventures in unsuitable cars, etc.

I think it's still the best show on the BBC - it's the only BBC show I watch via iPlayer. What I have noticed is that Captain Slow is starting to go the same way as Jezza, a beer-belly.

[rupertramjet]

Originally Posted by Oswald

What I have noticed is that Captain Slow is starting to go the same way as Jezza, a beer-belly.

He advertises the stuff in London, perhaps part of his deal is a couple of barrels, a chiller and a pump set up?

[40plus]

Originally Posted by rupertramjet

He advertises the stuff in London, perhaps part of his deal is a couple of kegs, a chiller and a pump set up?

Technical point - kegs are for lager, Mr Slow is a real ale man.

Sadder readers like myself who watched some of his boys own type series will be aware that they built a bar in their workshop (vague I know but the name of the programme has temporarily deserted me - I'll edit the post when I remember).

Anyway, back to Top Gear. Oswald is right in that it's basically comedy. There is little of factual information about the cars, but then the BBC can't be seen to be favouring one car over another for fear of upsetting the thought police. same goes for all their factual shows.

40+

[Oswald]

Originally Posted by 40plus

Sadder readers like myself who watched some of his boys own type series will be aware that they built a bar in their workshop (vague I know but the name of the programme has temporarily deserted me - I'll edit the post when I remember).

It's called 'James May Man Lab: Series 1'.

[richardoe]

It should really be renammed The Jeremy Clarkson show!

[Oswald]

Originally Posted by richardoe

It should really be renammed The Jeremy Clarkson show!

A tad unfair I think. Whilst Clarkson is the king of the clowns both Hammond and May do contribute more incisive material with their better understanding of mechanical engineering - although in recent years this aspect of the show has been in gradual decline.