The Rumour Is That NBC Wants Its Own Top Gear

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/nbc-working-on-top-gear-remake-for-the-states/

For those too lazy to click:

 

I look forward to such a show I just hope they dont just concentrate on american made crap all the time.

 

Hey "The Office" and "American Idol" were UK shows adapted pretty well to our American tastes. I wish them luck!

 

The "Weakest Link"?

Well, they are America-phobic enough, from what I can see over the past few months...

 

wouldn't they have to pay a seriously pretty penny to the BBC to carbon-copy their show like that?

 

I wonder what it cost to do "The Office"? I would figure they would bring the same production team, so it would not cost that much for the rights, likely have to share the profits though.

 

Part of the appeal of Top Gear to me is the "Britishness" of the show. Clarkson, May, and Hammond have great chemistry together. My primary worry about a US version would be the loss of the hosts and unique character of the show overall.

I couldn't see the US version referring to a Crossfire as looking like a dog dropping his breakfast, although it is appropriate. I really can't think of a single American moto-journalist that would be able to fill their roles, much less three. The hosts would probably be a trio like Darrell Waltrip, Peter Egan, and Dennis Miller. Ugh.

 

There's a long list of shows that were adapted to the US market. Done the right way I'm sure it will get a following.

 

Well, now that you mention it, --- maybe I do see a cash opportunity here

 

I think you might have hit the nail, or a nail, on the head here. American car journalists are just too PC in their critiques, as they are worried that a bad review means they won't be supplied with the next new car to review. The last time I remember true honesty about a cars styling was the reviews of the Pontiac Aztec, and that was only after Bob Lutz expressed his displeasure.

 

Ewwwww..interviews with NASCAR drivers.

 

Yup - turns out my car was just all eat up with motor on Sunday.

PS - we could maybe get even by sending over the Orange County Choppers crew to London? Don't matter what side the steering wheel is on with a Harley...

 

I'll tune in.

 

< places envelope to forehead > . . . . . . . "Great Karnak" bit from Johnny Carson
"Updated Hee Haw characters, descibing their attempts to reenact Dukes Of Hazard heroics...."
< Ed McMahon guffaws >

 

If they got guys like Mythbusters has (Jamie and Adam, et. al.) to host, it could be a good show.

Ken

 

I think Jay Leno would work out well.

If I were producing the show I'd have them focus on cars and cool projects like twin turbo f430s and not carbon copying Jeremy, Hamster, and May.

 

Agreed. The real problem, however, is NBC. You will never find NBC allowing its shows to be as bareknuckled as the BBC can. Quite simply, you can't piss off sponsors like GM, Ford and Chrysler (although Chrysler is fading away daily...)

Believe it or not, I think public television would be the place for a Top Gear-like show.

 

I will watch. I am willing to be the big fat-ass, who is above the 95%, of common design goals, so the rest of us big guys don't waste our time and emotions, on vehicles, that there is no way in the world, we would ever fit comfortably without a chainsaw! Also size 13's will have to work on the gas-brakes-clutch, without fancy shoes or going barefoot. When visiting my relatives in Greece, my Uncle Spiro, had a dandy little 1969 FIAT 850 Coupe, that was the best small car, to this day, for ergonomics, for a big gythouri, like me! Jay Leno, NBC right? Would make a good host. -

Ciao...Paolo

 

It would be nice to have a shoe like Top Gear in the US however I dont think it would last to long if they dont get the right people to host it.

 

I totally agree with that 100%!!!

 

I'll watch.....but turning off, the 1st time I catch them kissing ass instead of kicking ass!
Top Gear is all about the praise and punishment when they test a car....

I hope I'm wrong.....but I don't think "PC" jokes will be funny.
Quote " the AC in the older Ferrairi is like an asthmatic blowing air at you through a plastic straw"

I just saw the "White Van challenge" last night.... they had to move a number of items including a illegal alien LOL

 

The presenters and writers will make or brake the series. Maybe if it were Leno, Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle... it could work. But it will be some wholesome crew-cut presenters from Arkansas talking about trucks and Mopar.

 

One of the funniest episodes ever.

 

If given some freedom, Jay Leno would be a fantastic host!

I'll give it a shot, but without the proper presenters, the show loses a lot of it's charm.

Also, would they be able to replicate some of the long distance "races"... Atlanta to Cleveland doesn't quite have the same ring as London to Monaco...

 

And it would never have been aired on NBC...