GeneralLast Updated on 5 days by General
Top Gear, a beloved British television series dedicated to all things automotive, made its debut in 1977 and ran until 2001. After a brief hiatus, it was relaunched in 2002 with an entirely new format and a fresh set of presenters. The show quickly became renowned for its entertaining and comical approach to car reviews, while also featuring an array of challenges, races, and appearances by celebrity guests.
The original incarnation of Top Gear featured a panel of presenters who delved into various aspects of the automotive industry and conducted car reviews. The show was celebrated for its irreverent and sometimes contentious style, with the trio of presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, leading the charge.
In 2002, Top Gear underwent a renaissance with an updated format and the return of the previous trio as the primary hosts. This rejuvenated version propelled the show to even greater heights, amassing a global fan base. The revamped Top Gear introduced new segments and challenges, such as the popular “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment, where celebrities vied for the best lap time on the Top Gear test track.
Top Gear quickly rose to prominence as one of the most-watched factual TV programs worldwide, drawing in millions of viewers and cultivating a devoted following. The show was applauded for its engaging and often humorous content, in addition to its high production values. However, it also encountered its share of controversies, including incidents involving the presenters and criticisms for certain comments and stunts.
In 2015, Jeremy Clarkson’s suspension and subsequent dismissal from Top Gear due to a clash with a producer led to the departures of Richard Hammond and James May. Nonetheless, the BBC opted to continue the show with a new set of hosts, bringing in Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc for the next series. The new lineup received mixed reviews, and Chris Evans eventually left the show after one series.
In 2016, Top Gear was revamped once again, with Matt LeBlanc as the primary presenter, joined by Chris Harris and Rory Reid. Subsequent series introduced changes, including the addition of Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan. Despite these efforts, the new iteration of Top Gear failed to capture the same level of success and popularity as its predecessor.
In 2019, it was announced that the original presenting trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May would reunite for a new car show titled “The Grand Tour.” Available on Amazon Prime Video, this series follows a format similar to their time on Top Gear, featuring car reviews, challenges, and adventures in various global locations.