Top Gear US.

[erocker]

Just watched the premeire episode and initial thought are.. not bad! I like that they follow the UK format. The Buzz Aldrin interview wasn't very good, but he's an old guy and seems pretty serious so there wasn't much entertainment value. I'm very happy they are actually using real songs from classic bands. The Lamborgini shootout was well done and the best part of this first show. The presenters showed character and overall it was well done. It seems like it was its first time airing based on the overall production, and I hope this improves. I can only hope that it is popular and they can put a bit of polish on it like the Brit show. All and all (I had somewhat low expectations), all of my expectations were exceeded.

[SK-1]

I think you summed it up pretty good E.
The first show was worth watching for sure. I likes the Viper vs Cobra XD...Fun.
The UK version always has the "artsy moody" shots(video wise) and a lot of hyperbole from the large loud arrogant one. This I do not miss. It should be interesting to watch grow the US version grow. The Stig was fast as usual.

[WhiteLotus]

oh by the way, BBC iPlayer is going worldwide, so you'll be able to watch UK topgear soon!

[FordGT90Concept]

There was very little comedy value in it compared to the BBC version. The hosts just aren't as animated or have very diverse personalities you can pick up on watching just 15 minutes of the BBC version. The hosts are 75% of the reason why Top Gear BBC is great so I'm quite disappointed with the History Channel version. I hoping the hosts come into their own throughout the first season but I have my doubts.

[Wile E]

I always like Tanner. I hope the show gets better tho. I wasn't too impressed. It's the hosts that make the British Top Gear so good.

[erocker]

There was very little comedy value in it compared to the BBC version. The hosts just aren't as animated or have very diverse personalities you can pick up on watching just 15 minutes of the BBC version. The hosts are 75% of the reason why Top Gear BBC is great so I'm quite disappointed with the History Channel version. I hoping the hosts come into their own throughout the first season but I have my doubts.

I always like Tanner. I hope the show gets better tho. I wasn't too impressed. It's the hosts that make the British Top Gear so good.

Totally agree. I they need a little more camaraderie between the hosts. I would think a few close to death moments together will solve that. I actually do like the "artsy" camera stuff. Like I said with a little more production polish and the hosts getting more comfortable together it could be a very good show.

[DaMulta]

My 8 year old gives the new show two thumbs down, but I have yet to see it yet.

[1Kurgan1]

I haven't watched it yet, but just think back to Top Gears 1st season, the guy who James replaced was pretty stale. Maybe they'll pull it together, or maybe they need to ditch someone and pick up someone to fill a Jeremy or James role.

[Wile E]

They are lacking a Jeremy for sure.

[erocker]

They are lacking a Jeremy for sure.

Who would be the American equivilent of a Clarkson? Leno? Jerry Seinfeld has a pretty good collection so I hear. Both are very unlikely though.

[Wile E]

Doesn't necessarily have to be a hardcore collector, just a car guy with a razor sharp wit. It's the wit that is sorely lacking.

[Triprift]

Sounds like the Australian version its getting better but just isnt the same.

[1Kurgan1]

Like said, someone with wit, but whos also a bit of an idiot, and someone who during challenges rather than buying something reliable and decent, buys something that has the possibility of being fast (maybe it was 30 years ago) and is broken to hell. Thats what makes the show, I mean you know what he's goign to do, he knows, everyone knows, but it's what happens after he buys something like a Lancia to drive 1,000 miles across Africa.

**EDIT**
And erocker, I just sat watching that gif for like 2 min, such a good scene, makes me want to go watch some, probably gonna watch that gif some more now, lol.

[DaveK]

Downloading it now, doubting it'll be good. However, it's almost time for the new season of Top Gear UK :)

[erocker]

Tonight was better.

[FordGT90Concept]

I have to admit, they are getting better with each episode. Last night's (with the Velociraptor) episode was almost on par with the BBC version. My only gripe now is that Foust doesn't add much comical value to the Stig's laps (all business except "Camera Man's Corner") and also, the introductions for the Stig aren't really funny at all.

[erocker]

I think that all that really needs to be done is replacing Ferrera with an older guy. The set needs work too. It almost looks like something out of the 80's, the backdrop/background needs to be darker.

[FordGT90Concept]

I'd say...
Ferrera = Clarkson - Introduces the Stig and tries a lot of one-liner jokes.
Wood = Hammond - Whom balances out the Clarkson character.
Foust = May - In the sense they are very specific about what they like. Foust likes rear wheel drive; May likes refined British cars.


I don't know if older is the key. The problem with Ferrera is that most of his jokes aren't very funny whereas most of Clarkson's are.

[MRCL]

I'd say...
Ferrera = Clarkson - Introduces the Stig and tries a lot of one-liner jokes.
Wood = Hammond - Whom balances out the Clarkson character.
Foust = May - In the sense they are very specific about what they like. Foust likes rear wheel drive; May likes refined British cars.


I don't know if older is the key. The problem with Ferrera is that most of his jokes aren't very funny whereas most of Clarkson's are.

Clarkson is also a columnist, I've read several of his books. His humor didn't come from nowhere. Also, British black humor plays a role, I mean if an American would ditch his friend in the middle of an African salt desert with a broken car and no water for comic relief, it would seem ...staged.

[SK-1]

I thought the latest show was a bit better. Kid Rock was good.The NASCAR guy still sucks.
But then I watched this special and realized just how far ahead the European version is. Just better chemistry.
WXLxszv9eCM

[CyberDruid]

How about Daniel Tosh as the arrogant prick?

[erocker]

How about Daniel Tosh as the arrogant prick?

He would be great, though I don't know if he knows much about cars. I'd give him a 10% chance that he knows how to drive stick.

[FordGT90Concept]

Heh, Danial Tosh would work but he comes across as the type that would drive a Prius. If he did drive a Prius, 1/6th of the show would be about mocking him and his Prius. XD

[amulyaa]

Ya i saw the season 1 of top gear and i like its second episode Blind Drift where Dominic Monaghan came as guest.

[TheMailMan]

I wish I were a Top Gear host. I would be the guy when I crashed everyone would cheer.