My little off-topic section.
American "Top Gear"
Posted 31st January 2008 at 18:26 by Quebeker
Let me start by saying that the British "Top Gear" is, in my opinion, the BEST car show on television. EVER.
They are NOT afraid of telling you if a car sucks.
The photography is just plain gorgeous.
The "challenges" are funny/interesting.
I find the whole show interesting, funny, entertaining and informative.
Nothing on "Speed" comes even close.
So, to get a "Top Gear" made in the States, hosted by real car nuts, could be interesting, IF, they stay close to the original.
From Edmunds.com
They are NOT afraid of telling you if a car sucks.
The photography is just plain gorgeous.
The "challenges" are funny/interesting.
I find the whole show interesting, funny, entertaining and informative.
Nothing on "Speed" comes even close.
So, to get a "Top Gear" made in the States, hosted by real car nuts, could be interesting, IF, they stay close to the original.
From Edmunds.com
Quote:
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — We've known for quite some time that the hit BBC show Top Gear is coming to America. Producers of the show originally wanted to use the British hosts for the U.S. version, but decided the trans-Atlantic shooting schedule would be too demanding.
In mid-January, NBC announced the U.S. version of Top Gear would air on its network rather than a cable outlet like Speed or ESPN. At the same time, BBC producers were feverishly screening American automotive writers as potential hosts, hoping to give the new show "journalistic credibility."
NBC has since decided to tweak its original plan. Several on-camera automotive journalist candidates received phone calls this week from the BBC stating the network now wanted to take the new Top Gear in more of a "celebrity direction."
An existing NBC relationship with known automotive enthusiast Jay Leno, and the fact that his current Tonight Show contract expires in 2009 could make Leno a front-runner. Actor and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld also has a lasting NBC relationship as evidenced by his guest stint on NBC's 30 Rock and heavy rotation of Bee Movie promos that also aired on the network. We wouldn't "bee" surprised to see him in the running as well.
What this means to you: Expect American Top Gear to air without the old-school car magazine editor in a threadbare tweed jacket. — Carol Moody, Correspondent
In mid-January, NBC announced the U.S. version of Top Gear would air on its network rather than a cable outlet like Speed or ESPN. At the same time, BBC producers were feverishly screening American automotive writers as potential hosts, hoping to give the new show "journalistic credibility."
NBC has since decided to tweak its original plan. Several on-camera automotive journalist candidates received phone calls this week from the BBC stating the network now wanted to take the new Top Gear in more of a "celebrity direction."
An existing NBC relationship with known automotive enthusiast Jay Leno, and the fact that his current Tonight Show contract expires in 2009 could make Leno a front-runner. Actor and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld also has a lasting NBC relationship as evidenced by his guest stint on NBC's 30 Rock and heavy rotation of Bee Movie promos that also aired on the network. We wouldn't "bee" surprised to see him in the running as well.
What this means to you: Expect American Top Gear to air without the old-school car magazine editor in a threadbare tweed jacket. — Carol Moody, Correspondent
Total Comments 1
Comments
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Completely agree... Top Gear is the best show on the BBC/BBC America. I really dont think we (U.S.) will be able to produce anything close to that product though. The attitude and style of BBC's top gear cant be replicated IMO..Posted 13th August 2009 at 23:29 by BryanEOD 
