It Lives! Top Gear U.S. Headed for Production
Just when you thought it was safe not to watch an American bastardization of the UK's famously infamous Top Gear TV show, NBC and the BBC are proud to announce that they've put the defanged version into production. What's more (or significantly less), they've also revealed the final lineup: radio funny guy Adam Carolla, drift king Tanner Foust and TV construction guru Eric Stromer [pictured]. While we understand that Stromer has better abs than the nets' first choice, ace auto scribe Dan Neil, calling the failed soap opera star a car guy is like calling Vlad the Impaler a genial party host. To wit: "He’s a regular on Adam Carolla’s nationally-syndicated radio show giving out construction advice, and also appears on TLC’s “Clean Sweep,” NBC’s “Three Wishes” and is a special correspondent for “The Insider.” Stromer prefers his Camry hybrid." To… what? No, don't answer that. Please. But don't worry: there won't be any "real" car reviews. The press release says the hosts will simply "drive the world’s most amazing cars, go on incredible road trips and blow stuff up." We can hardly wait. Oh wait; we can. [Fair disclosure: I applied for the job– and fell down.]
More by Robert Farago
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tom - very true. there is plenty of people that would love to get in on it. the show is a hit already and its not even really televised here. NBC has a chance to score a gigantic bulls-eye with this show. i think the idea that they need to understand is...dont try and copy the UK-TG. keep the ideals in mind but do there own thing.
In my mind, the American show Gear looks to have all the hallmarks of Top Gear series 8 and 9 in which the boys were more worried about being on the "cutting edge of cocking about" than actual cars. Of course, this was a deliberate grab at ratings. And they hated it. So series 10 saw a return to roots as it were. In this view, I'm sure Gear will be a commercial success despite being a betrayal to the essence of Top Gear.
Why do I think this is going to end being 'Jackass' meets 'UK Top Gear'.
What a joke this is going to be. Can't wait to see who's gonna play The Stig. Morons.