- Cast and production team from the first season will return.
- The order is for 10 new episodes.
- New shows will air in the second half of this year on the History cable channel.
HOLLYWOOD, California — The parents of Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood can breathe a little easier; their boys will be employed for at least 10 more episodes of the American version of Top Gear on the History cable channel.
In light of the middling ratings performance for the American Top Gear's first series of 10 episodes, there was much speculation as to whether the series would be renewed for a second season. However, while the sheer bulk of the series audience was underwhelming, the demographics of the series were pretty good. According to History, Top Gear attracted the youngest audience of any series to ever appear on that network. And after all the showings, repeats and re-showings, a cumulative audience of 60 million people did eventually tune in to the original episodes.
Rumors grew hot and heavy of the show's renewal on Thursday morning when Tanner Foust announced that he was giving up participation in the Formula D drifting series in light of his packed 2011 schedule. By late that morning, after a strategic news leak, Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily showbiz blog was announcing the renewal of the series.
Embedded in the official press release is this slightly stilted statement from Top Gear U.K.'s top conspirator Jeremy Clarkson. "Top Gear is our baby so you can understand why Hammond, May and I were anxious about passing it on to the presenters of the U.S. show. We needn't have worried, because Top Gear is clearly in safe hands, even if they do insist on speaking in those stupid accents. Watching an episode from series 1 with Richard and James, we found ourselves in a genuinely heated debate about which of the presenters' cars was best. We were just three ordinary chaps watching a car show and loving it, which is exactly what Top Gear should be. Bring on series 2."
The first season of America's Top Gear was far from perfect. We're still waiting for that one stunt in the series that leaves us gaping in wonderment at the audacity to do such a thing. We haven't yet busted a gut at any joke or antic. And not once have any of the presenters shown any knowledge of the world at large that puts cars in their proper perspective. But they all seem like nice, ready-for-TV guys who through sheer opportunity, are bound to come up with something good eventually.
As with the first season, History has ordered up 10 episodes. That's a relatively modest order in a business where 13 or 22 episodes is the expected run for a series. And History has made longer commitments to series like the runaway hit Pawn Stars. However, it's a relatively long commitment when compared to six or so episodes that often make up a season for the original British version.
Besides Ferrara, Foust and Wood, the creative team behind America's Top Gear will be returning intact. That means John Hesling is continuing as executive producer for BBC Worldwide Productions, while Russ McCarroll will have similar duties working from History's end.
Production on the new episodes is expected to start this spring. History hasn't announced when the episodes will air, only saying that it will be in the "second half" of 2011. So, we'll guess, October or November. It's just a guess, but we're pretty good guessers.
Inside Line says: This seems like a skin-of-their-teeth renewal. The Top Gear team should step up their game to attract more eyeballs if they want there to be a season three. — Lee Pray, Correspondent
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oldschool360 says:
03:38 AM, 02/13/2011
There have always been and always will be differences between car cultures of the US and Europe. Just because they are different doesn't mean that one is superior and the other is inferior.
What Top Gear US gets right is that they are offering a different type of car show. I hate those shows/informercials where the hosts pretend to be mechanics and install brand x's suspension kit without busting a knuckle.
Many in the US started driving in their teens in some inferior type of vehicle, but however crappy, that vehicle was theirs and will remain a part of their life memories. As we have aged, we have seen a whole range of US vehicles come and go. The hosts reflect those experiences.
We all have entertainment choices. If you don't like this one, just don't watch. My sons and I will enjoy another season, hopefully devoid of the attempts at homophobic humor and with a little less scripting.
ole57 says:
06:08 PM, 02/12/2011
If you have very low expectations, a juvenile interest in crappy cars and don't care if the hosts have any talent for entertainment, the Top Gear USA is for you. But if you want to watch a car show about cool cars that is directed at adults, then forget Top Gear USA.
Top Gear is a wasteland of lousey humor, poor driving and hosts with no chemistry. Hoped there would be a major shakeup if the show was renewed, but it looks like more of the same drivel.
oldschool360 says:
01:52 PM, 02/12/2011
I have watched several episodes of the UK Top Gear and enjoy that flavor of entertainment.
I have also watched all of the US Top Gear episodes with my two younger sons. I also enjoy it because it is a fun show. We loved the Alaska episode, especially when Tanner smashed Wood's house.
In terms of complaints, the homophobic humor is not funny. The show is also too scripted at times.
Overall, the show is Americana. I think it would be interesting for the group to try something like drag racing, extreme off-roading, or maybe visit a US auto plant and try to work on the line.
k55 says:
09:06 AM, 02/12/2011
just weak compared to the English original and adds nothing other than it being an American version.
qdp says:
12:18 AM, 02/12/2011
It is a jerkish show having no calibre
farvy says:
09:14 AM, 02/11/2011
I didn't think it was bad considering it was their first season. Sure, the hosts are annoying sometimes. And Clarkson, May, & Hammond aren't?
There were a few really good comedic moments. In the Moonshine episode, I about fell off the couch laughing when Ferrara almost broke the Caddy in half on that jump. And Rutledge's Buick wagon full of water was pretty funny too.
I'll be tuning in to Season 2.
bcools08 says:
08:04 AM, 02/11/2011
hahaha a human chia pet!! thats classic. i have trouble describing how much i hate that gelatinous tub of lard with a massive F-ing head. history channel please fire him. how have you not read about all the people who can't stand him?! get rid of him!!
bengal3200 says:
06:55 AM, 02/11/2011
I have to agree with BarHonda4Ever. Although it's obvious, and so easy to do, you really can't compare the American version with the British version. It's like saying a 2010 Ford Taurus is a better car than a 1910 Model T. One has a hundred years of engineering behind it and the other is in its infancy.
The U.S. Top Gear did improve as the season went on. The hosts - who did not know each other before the show began - got more comfortable with each other and were able to joke around more. And really, that's the best part of the British version. All three are so well aqauinted/familiar with each other that they're constantly poking fun at each other. I'm reminded of the "Bumper Dumper" incident when Jeremy and James drive to the North Pole.
Sure, the first season was a bit grueling with its forced jokes and awkward humor, but I really believe that now the nerves are gone and season two will be much better.
s197gt says:
06:51 AM, 02/11/2011
maybe roadkill wasn't the best description. he looks like a human chia pet and i can't stand it.
s197gt says:
06:49 AM, 02/11/2011
if rutledge stays he needs to get a real haircut. anyone who thinks he looks good with something that looks like roadkill on top of his head is completely out of touch w/reality. and loose the beard, too. really? what is he a carpenter in his day job?
just terrible...