NBC Bringing Top Gear Pilot to U.S.(Leno or Seinfeld could host NBC Top Gear)
01-16-08, 07:04 AM
#1
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NBC Bringing Top Gear Pilot to U.S.(Leno or Seinfeld could host NBC Top Gear)
The popular British TV series Top Gear will follow in the footsteps of The Office and be adapted for American TV audiences.
The Top Gear show is part test-driving seriousness and part male-appeal stunt programming.
Product-placement heaven: NBC calls the Top Gear program an "innovative way to partner with our advertisers."
BURBANK, Calif. — NBC has ordered a pilot for an American version of the U.K. smash sensation Top Gear. Although the show apparently will feature a completely new cast, producers say it will still feature "the irreverent spirit of Top Gear."
With the Writers Guild of America still striking in full force, networks have been scrambling for non-scripted content. In practice, this has led to helpings of The Biggest Loser 5 and Celebrity Apprentice — and to NBC's decision to bring Top Gear to the United States.
The Office is the most recent example of a BBC program that has done well in a U.S. adaptation, and Top Gear is NBC's shot at repeating that success. The British show features the expected test-drives of supercars — but also more lighthearted segments such as a giant game of soccer with a bunch of tiny VWs, or a contest to see which host can build the best amphibious car to drive across a lake.
Ben Silverman, NBC co-chairman, seems to think it's a brilliant move. "Top Gear is a proven international hit which fits perfectly into NBC's lineup of programming with male appeal, including Sunday Night Football and American Gladiators," he said in a statement. "We're always looking for innovative ways to partner with our advertisers, and this show offers a great platform for the latest in car culture."
What this means to you: If NBC is using the show as "an innovative way to partner with their advertisers," will that stop the hosts from trashing vehicles, even if they're made by an NBC sponsor? Let's hope not. — Paul Tassi, Correspondent
With the Writers Guild of America still striking in full force, networks have been scrambling for non-scripted content. In practice, this has led to helpings of The Biggest Loser 5 and Celebrity Apprentice — and to NBC's decision to bring Top Gear to the United States.
The Office is the most recent example of a BBC program that has done well in a U.S. adaptation, and Top Gear is NBC's shot at repeating that success. The British show features the expected test-drives of supercars — but also more lighthearted segments such as a giant game of soccer with a bunch of tiny VWs, or a contest to see which host can build the best amphibious car to drive across a lake.
Ben Silverman, NBC co-chairman, seems to think it's a brilliant move. "Top Gear is a proven international hit which fits perfectly into NBC's lineup of programming with male appeal, including Sunday Night Football and American Gladiators," he said in a statement. "We're always looking for innovative ways to partner with our advertisers, and this show offers a great platform for the latest in car culture."
What this means to you: If NBC is using the show as "an innovative way to partner with their advertisers," will that stop the hosts from trashing vehicles, even if they're made by an NBC sponsor? Let's hope not. — Paul Tassi, Correspondent
I know this has been on and off in the past, but it looks like a go this time.
01-16-08, 07:46 AM
#2
Main thing NBC needs to do:
Remember that the British show is all about bashing most cars out on the road, especially American made cars. An American show needs to bash all types and makes of cars appropriately, and glorify the few and rare cars that make a difference in the industry.
If GM or Ford sponsors NBC, they better not call the shots regarding the reviews of cars...
Remember that the British show is all about bashing most cars out on the road, especially American made cars. An American show needs to bash all types and makes of cars appropriately, and glorify the few and rare cars that make a difference in the industry.
If GM or Ford sponsors NBC, they better not call the shots regarding the reviews of cars...
01-16-08, 08:04 AM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
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I'm struggling to imagine who could be good hosts for this in the U.S. 
Jeremy Clarkson's role:
Tim Allen
Jay Leno (YEESSS!)
??
Richard Hammond's role
??
James May's role
??
Jeremy Clarkson's role:
Tim Allen
Jay Leno (YEESSS!)
??
Richard Hammond's role
??
James May's role
??
01-16-08, 08:07 AM
#4
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I Think the british version is a great show (heck, even my G/F enjoys it to see what kind of crazy/wittiy things they will do next)
I dunno, I think they might mess up a good thing.!!
I dunno, I think they might mess up a good thing.!!
01-16-08, 08:53 AM
#6
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Im excited, but I wouldnt want them to completely emulate the show. They should have their own style to it. But this is a show that I would most definately watch.
01-16-08, 09:06 AM
#9
I have no faith in an American version of the show.
The show appeals to car nuts and auto manufacturers advertising targets car nuts. Considering Clarkson bashes the majority of cars they drive (not to mention every American car made), will the manufacturers go for it? I doubt it.
Plus, the British market has a pretty eclectic mix of vehicles for sale. Americans buy SUVs and family sedans and tend not to stray from that formula.
The show appeals to car nuts and auto manufacturers advertising targets car nuts. Considering Clarkson bashes the majority of cars they drive (not to mention every American car made), will the manufacturers go for it? I doubt it.
Plus, the British market has a pretty eclectic mix of vehicles for sale. Americans buy SUVs and family sedans and tend not to stray from that formula.
Last edited by shern; 01-16-08 at 09:10 AM.
01-16-08, 09:13 AM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
01-16-08, 09:48 AM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Ive watched Top Gear for a long time now. An american version to me wouldnt be as good. The show is scripted, but most of the humor done is improvised on the spot (from seeing the uncut versions of news and some car presentations). PhilipMSPT is right as well, Top Gear does bash a lot on the American cars (Lexus as well lol). I could only imagine what Jeremy will say when he hears there will be an American Version top gear. "Petrol drinking, cheese eating, 300lb man who tries to resemble testing a car?! Thats absolutely bonkers!
01-16-08, 09:49 AM
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jerry seinfeld would be perfect for the show... a comedian and porsche fan. not too sure about jay leno. i saw him review an audi r8 and i wasn't too impressed.
here's a vid of a funny seinfeld clip http://youtube.com/watch?v=RC_N5x_glIo "black saab rules! soo long jacka$$!"
here's a vid of a funny seinfeld clip http://youtube.com/watch?v=RC_N5x_glIo "black saab rules! soo long jacka$$!"
Last edited by flipspeed; 01-16-08 at 10:05 AM.