NBC is inching closer to finalizing the cast for the American version of the hit BBC series Top Gear, but it looks more and more like Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Tim Allen won't be part of the program. Reportedly to be called just "Gear", the show is anticipated to include four presenters instead of the BBC's three – although one could be assuming the role of The Stig as the show's test driver. Adam Carolla announced on his radio show that he'd be taking part in the program. Formula D driftmaster Tanner Faust is also tipped to be on the show (possibly in the aforementioned test driver role). However Dan Neil, the Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive journalist for the Los Angeles Times, revealed that despite having a signed contract with NBC, he would not be part of the line-up. Neil was suitably disappointed, but attributed the change of heart to a lack of on-air personality on his part, although last year he was part of the 10-episode WIRED Science show on PBS.
In a more discouraging sign, meanwhile, indications are that the scathing rhetoric that makes the BBC show such a hit will be severely curtailed by NBC, who fear a backlash from sponsors. According to Carolla, the program was set to begin filming at the El Toro Marine Air Base in California on March 20.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Allan @ Apr 10th 2008 2:40PM
"who fear a backlash from sponsors" = instant fail
John R @ Apr 10th 2008 2:47PM
+1. This ill-concieved adventure is DOA.
Seminole @ Apr 10th 2008 5:34PM
What they should do is run the BBC version over here, and just get Jezza and the gang to review some American market cars. We'll get a kick out of being able to watch their shenanigans and the Europeans will get a kick out of Jezza calling all our cars POS's and rubbish.
Maxima98 @ Apr 10th 2008 6:33PM
This really sux, Adam Carolla will F* up this show. He is not funny at all
Jeff Banks @ Apr 10th 2008 9:04PM
"This really sux, Adam Carolla will F* up this show. He is not funny at all"
+1
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 10th 2008 2:41PM
Neutered for the American audiences with uninteresting hosts. Why bother.
Mr. Oak @ Apr 10th 2008 4:02PM
The only person who can make this worth watching, is George W. Bush. Besides, he will soon be out of a job. Could you imagine......?
James @ Apr 10th 2008 2:42PM
If "Gear" cannot be honest --or biased and proud of it, like Top Gear-- then what's the point?
PJ @ Apr 10th 2008 3:17PM
Infomercials?
Corey W. @ Apr 10th 2008 2:42PM
"In a more discouraging sign, meanwhile, indications are that the scathing rhetoric that makes the BBC show such a hit will be severely curtailed by NBC, who fear a backlash from sponsors"
I can't wait for this show to crash and burn.... LOL!!
Pete @ Apr 10th 2008 2:45PM
These idiots at NBC should be fired. I know I could make this show work.
Kunikos @ Apr 10th 2008 3:54PM
Do tell!
edonut @ Apr 10th 2008 9:54PM
Have anybody whose remotely a good host for the show ( Adam Corolla included), petition NBC to sell its right to another network, say HBO. HBO will be perfect for the show. Maybe retry Jerry, Jay, and Tim will give it a shot.
Who else think Top Gear on HBO has a better shot?
Pat @ Apr 10th 2008 2:46PM
If NBC is going to worry about sponsers, they might as well cut their losses now.
My guess is they'll throw "Gear" on right before or after "Knight Rider" - making it a night of great potential and great letdowns.
dpb! @ Apr 10th 2008 2:47PM
I understand that TV is not made to just entertain, but made to make money. And I understand that car companies will want to buy a lot of ad space on this show since it will be their target audience.
However, mess with the formula too much and it isn't going to work. This has a great chance to work here in America. It seems most car magazines can make it work, I hope that TV can too.
BAMF @ Apr 10th 2008 5:45PM
Speaking of which, the commercials on BBC America's edited version of Top Gear kinda ruin it for me. The thing I love about the uncut version is the way it flows so naturally. I never get bored. Sigh.... damn, this isn't going to turn out well is it?
tuna @ Apr 10th 2008 2:47PM
If Tanner Faust is part of the show, it will definitely suck elephant balls. Anyone who has seen his "Supercars Exposed" on Speed knows what I'm talking about.
Pass.
Dave B @ Apr 10th 2008 2:54PM
i've watched supercars exposed but never again. The guy has no personality, the show is bland and just sucks. One episode he went on a date with some blonde and drove around in some amg benz.
I don't see why they don't just get a contract with bbc to air top gear over here. If anything PBS should do it since they don't have to worry about sponsors.
racer01 @ Apr 10th 2008 3:53PM
They do!! It's on BBC America mondays at 7pm.
Agent47 @ Apr 10th 2008 4:19PM
Tanner faust will certainly make this show completely un-watchable. If this show keeps going in this direction they won't need to worry about sponsors. Who want's to sponsor a show that sucks donkey dong? Like take another NBC show knight rider for example... oh... wait... what? .... Ford? ... oh... nevermind.