http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article3638037.ece
Makes perfect sense. Leno doesn't want to touch it with a ten-foot pole, knowing it will crash and Clarkson will bash it immediately. I'll actually be looking forward to Clarkson's comments.
Why would Clarkson bash it? They asked Clarkson/May/Hammond to do it first and they passed. Understandably, they didn't want to spend that much time away from home. But that said, while I'm sure they'd take a shot or two at it (that's just who they are), I seriously doubt they'll bash it.
I dont think I would like it. I think its great the way it is, I get to watch it on BBC America. Im not sure what the budget for the show is but I think the American version will get less, and I think Adam carolla will be like dennis miller doing MNF.
But really, why do we need a U.S. version? The original is international in scope and is broadcast around the world. And not to mention you get the personalities, British humor, and everything else that makes it special in the first place. IMO, Jay understands this. He wrote an article for the Times UK when there were rumors that the show might get canned because of Hammond's accident. ( http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article624664.ece ) Selected Excerpts: Top Gear is the best motoring programme in the world. Its classic British spirit with a healthy dose of civil disobedience, and that makes for a healthy atmosphere. Car shows in America are dull. I dont know if a show like Top Gear would work in prime time because Americans only seem to like car crashes or celebrity cars. I once had some cars on my show from a museum and one had belonged to Clark Gable. Somebody said: Oh, is this the one where Carole Lombard got laid? I said: I dont really know. And they said: Can we look at the seat? And I said: Yeah, that would be the seat where they probably did it. And Im thinking: Why dont I just shoot myself right now?
Leno comments about it in the article. If you've seen enough episodes, you'd know Clarkson will comment on it. And he'd be right more than likely. We'll just have to see.
Oh, he'd comment, no doubt. He wouldn't be JC if he didn't. I just don't think he'd really lay into the US version because at the end of the day it shares the same name as the show he, May and Hammond made great. Leno's comments about the guy putting the show together make me think this show is going to be an abortion of the UK version. I hope I'm wrong, but it's not sounding good.
Jeremy, May and the wee guy are unique - especially as a combination, I very much doubt that could be replicated and it is ultimately them that 'make' the show.
Agree, although I think Leno, Carolla and someone else could do nicely as well. Too bad Jay's passing. I can't say I blame him, but I think he would have been a great addition to the show. Jerry Seinfeld could be another. I'm holding out hope the show will be good, although in all likelihood it will make it 1/2 a season and get yanked for more reality tv BS.
Jay's article all makes perfect sense, the US and the way that they do television shows would kill the formula that makes Top Gear such an amazing show. It's like watching Nascar compared to F1. Every other word that comes out of Tony Stewart or Dale Jr's mouth has a sponsors name in it compared to F1 drivers who pretty much just talk about the racing. Maybe they can find a US formula to make Top Gear popular to the US masses, but I for one know that people who are in love with the British version would probably avoid the show at all costs.
as much as I enjoy Clarkson's antics and commentareis, i hope they dont pick a Clarkson-imitation to host it. They need to invent a new look and feel for the US version for it to succeed.
Down here in Florida they will have to use a redneck with a 3rd grade education, then he can talk about number 3, this pickup and his dog.
Half of what makes Top Gear so enjoyable is that it is European and the commentary is different than here is the states, if a US version is made they will kill it with DUBS and other crap!
I think Corolla would be a good pick - have you ever heard him go off on stuff he doesn't like (about every 5-10 mins of his radio show)? He would give that straight-up diagnosis of a car and the driving experience.
Im going to be the optimist here and say that this show will work out. I cant wait to see it. I love Top Gear dont get my wrong, I just would like a version where they review more cars that we can get over here.
That sounds boring. There's very little reviewing with Top Gear, which contrasts sharply with Fifth Gear which is almost all review and little car porn. That's really why I love Top Gear because if I cared what some middle aged man had to say about a certain car, I'd read Consumer Reports. But I don't.
I really hope the US version works. I love the British version but the American bashing and over done British pride thing has grown very old-at least with me. I think you guys are being a little Harsh on Adam Corolla- I think he'll surprise a few of you guys once this show starts airing. Just remember "The Office" guys- not all British redo's fail
It's not the actual "cars" that he has a problem with, but isn't it the dealerships and the way they treat people? A crazy shot in the dark, but what about a guy like Tim Allen?
Hey, forgot about him... not doing much these days (at least in front of camera), comedian, car lover.