This past weekend, I binge-watched all six episodes of the hotly anticipated reboot of Amazon’s hit car show, The Grand Tour. With new hosts Thomas Holland, James Engelsman, and Francis Bourgeois taking over from the iconic trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, not only would I be watching each episode for entertainment, but also to search for chinks in the new presenters’ armor. With my girlfriend also watching along as a gauge for the show’s appeal to the non-hardcore, it was time to get critical.
In this piece, I’m going to discuss what I liked, what I didn’t, and whether I think a second season is deserved. And don’t worry, I won’t be referencing any specifics that might spoil the show for those who haven’t watched all six films yet; I won’t mention the cars or events seen in the show – this review is all about my opinion of the format, the presenters, and the overall feel of the show.
Thomas Is Not Jeremy, And That’s a Good Thing
Amazon
We’ll start with Thomas Holland, and immediately, it must be pointed out that none of the presenters try to ape their predecessors, nor do they need to. However, since Thomas is the powerslide king for Throttle House, the immensely successful YouTube channel he runs with James, he fits into Clarkson’s mold to a certain degree. He and Jeremy also share an enduring love for Alfa Romeo, so as with any pair of car enthusiasts, there are always loose comparisons to be made. But as a Canadian, Holland is a different presenter entirely. Instead of dryly weaving conservative British views about the world into a sarcastic analogy that you may feel half embarrassed to laugh at, Holland’s brand of humor is more self-deprecating than self-confident, albeit no less playful and no less insightful. His experience in grassroots motorsport means he’s suffered the pains of trying to be an enthusiast on a budget; his years building Throttle House have made him comfortable (not conceited) in front of the camera, and his experience as a teacher has clearly aided him in the concise, memorable delivery of information and the fun of wordplay. It’s also clear that while he appreciates the privilege of driving some of these cars, he doesn’t just fawn over them without pointing out their foibles. He says what he likes and what he doesn’t, and you believe what he has to say. If I had to split hairs and grasp at straws, the only negative comment I can scrape together is that Thomas sometimes laughs too quickly and too enthusiastically at things that my funny bone thinks may only deserve a sharp exhalation, but that’s how he is and always has been on Throttle House, and it’s nice to see he hasn’t changed just because he’s on TV.
James Tends to Crash a Lot, But He’s Not Richard Hammond Either
Amazon
Regular viewers of Throttle House will know that James Engelsman, a British expat living in Canada, has spun a Ford GT at high speed and had “incidents” with others at lower speeds. He’s also the shortest of the trio and has been known to have a mild (but fun-to-watch) temper, but again, he’s not a new Richard Hammond. While he does occasionally pretend to be stupid for a laugh, and while one of his vehicle choices on The Grand Tour hints at an appreciation for American cars, James is the collision of two worlds. He’s British, so he knows what fun, efficient, small cars look and feel like, but living in North America has given him a porthole into U.S. tastes, and that means a well-balanced view, sometimes infused with tongue-in-cheek jabs at political policies. He’s also the best narrator of the three, and while there may be a small part of him that whispers about his driving inadequacies compared to his co-hosts, he’s no slouch behind the wheel, and his spirit for competition is as fierce as the best of them. Like Thomas, he shares the spotlight with his co-hosts well, and as with each of them, he makes compelling arguments for why his opinion is best. You can also tell that he has spent many years in front of the camera and many more behind a desk, writing and exercising mastery of the English language and metaphorical language. You can’t imagine James without Thomas, nor Thomas without James, and yet, they are both perfectly comfortable deferring to Francis, the final addition to the trio.
Francis Bourgeois: If the Stig and James May Had a Child
Amazon
The softspokenness, old-school dress sense, and sheer vastness of niche knowledge that characterize Francis Bourgeois again mean some may draw parallels with James May. But not only is Francis the best driver of the three and a man with a keen sense of direction, but he’s also more radiantly enthusiastic about his true passions, in a way that is literally enchanting. Of course, there is a moment where Thomas and James reference their predecessors and their boredom with James May’s extremely detailed, nerdy explanations, but in general, when Francis waxes lyrical, he’s probably going to say something insightful that you won’t want to miss. He’s a mechanical encyclopaedia, a keen wit, and he’s unapologetic about it, just as he is about being a purist in many ways. These traits may make him an outsider in some respects, but don’t be fooled – this is a red-blooded car enthusiast who could just as easily have become TikTok famous for his automotive endearments as his penchant for locomotives. Americans accustomed to a booming, overly excited “personality” may find Francis’ reservedness unsettling, but to me, it comes across as genuine, refreshing, and endearing. Without Francis, Thomas and James’ particular individual energy would have no counterpoint, and the show would not be as well-rounded. Don’t think he’s incapable of elation, though, as Francis is as passionate as his demeanor is reserved. He’s charmingly funny, too. In a nutshell, Francis is the perfect man for an oddly specific job.
Final Thoughts: The Grand Tour Is Back with a Bang
I loved the entire season, and so did my girlfriend, who forbade me from watching ahead after she got tired on Friday night at the end of episode 3. Each episode felt distinct, memorable, and more exciting than the last, with outstanding storytelling. There’s real chemistry between the hosts, and each film tackled a totally different sort of vehicle and problem, with appearances from Swedish, British, German, Japanese, Italian, and American cars across price spectrums. It’s also worth mentioning that the format felt much more believable and real than the last days of the old Grand Tour, when missions from the producers were announced with feigned indignation and surprise, seeming like a joke the audience wasn’t supposed to be in on but could clearly see through. In the new Grand Tour, mention of the producers is natural and woven into the overall theme of the corresponding film with slick nonchalance. The choices of cars and stunts were impeccable, and as usual with a big-budget production, the cinematography, sound, and lighting were outstanding. Most importantly, it’s clear that the presenters’ reactions, comments, and vehicle choices were their own. What more can I say besides this: The Grand Tour deserves not just another season but another decade of raw automotive madness, hopefully creating a whole new generation of car enthusiasts, just as Clarkson, Hammond, and May achieved with the first six seasons and Top Gear before that. Thomas, James, and Francis have a huge responsibility in shaping the opinions and feelings of car enthusiasts, and they’re doing a great job so far. Let’s hope Amazon executives agree – bring on season 2! (Or is that season 8? Whatever.)
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog