Top Gear USA Season 1 thoughts

[absintheisfun]

Well, as apprehensive as I was about the American rehash, after watching all but the finale (next week), I have to say I have truly enjoyed it.

I know that many (if not all) of the bits were direct copies of their UK originals, but after 10 shows, I think that the relationships between the hosts came into their own and the comedy was becoming pretty well delivered.

What are your thoughts on how season 1 has been? I really hope it is brought back next year.

[skigoose]

Nothing can be liek the UK version, I wish they were a little fresher on their ideas, I think the choice of Hosts are a bit suspect, but over all not bad for a first try

[19,69camaro]

I still say they should have used Adam Carolla. He's hilarious and actually loves cars

[justasquid]

I think different hosts would have been better. Thats really what made the UK show so great. I really don't like the fact they copied everything that was already done almost exactly, but different people may have made it better.

I feel a bit differently, I think the show lost substance as it went on. The hosts seemed even more drab and just reciting their lines. I didn't see the comedy at all. I saw the attempts at comedy, but it was so rehersed feeling, I didnt like it.

I really like the fact that the US has another show dedicated to cars, but honestly, I hope they cancel it and put their effort back into the UK one.

If they do bring it back to the US, get rid of adam and rutledge. Put in some real car loving people who get excited about and actually understand cars.

So, I vote get rid of it and return the uk version. if its the only version we can have, keep it, but change it up.

[fbody_mike]

I still say they should have used Adam Carolla. He's hilarious and actually loves cars

Look for a new show soon on Speed starring the Ace-man. From what he has revealed on his podcast, they have started shooting and it sounds kinda like a competitor to Top Gear USA.

Nothing can compete with Top Gear UK.

[rogue]

horrendous show compared to the BBC one. Sadly the BBC one is finished.

[claytonisbob]

The chemistry between Clarkson, Hammond and May is what makes the UK version so great to watch. Probably even more than it just being a car show. This US version tried to mimic the same chemistry, but it is so blatantly fake that it's kinda painful for me to watch. Also, if you've ever seen any other shows with Tanner Faust.... ok, I just dislike the guy. I watched one episode and I was done.

I have seen every episode of Top Gear (UK) right after it premiered in the UK. I think what they show on BBC America is edited a bit and it's always behind the real season in the UK.

horrendous show compared to the BBC one. Sadly the BBC one is finished.

Unless this is the last season (which I haven't heard), this is not true. First Episode of Top Gear season 16 is going to be on Jan 23rd.

[68sixspeed]

I think they did a pretty decent job (Say a "B-" grade), sure the story lines, camera work, scripts were copied from the brits, and the hosts are never as good as the original, but it made for good entertainment after a few shows. The alaska run was pretty cool, I'd love to do the same thing.

I just wish they used a real track for a test track, not a bunch of cones on an old airfield that is a lot dirtier, dusty compared to even what the brits use. (and the copy of the stig was just lame, mix it up please!)

[406 Q-ship]

I think they did a pretty decent job (Say a "B-" grade), sure the story lines, camera work, scripts were copied from the brits, and the hosts are never as good as the original, but it made for good entertainment after a few shows. The alaska run was pretty cool, I'd love to do the same thing.

I just wish they used a real track for a test track, not a bunch of cones on an old airfield that is a lot dirtier, dusty compared to even what the brits use. (and the copy of the stig was just lame, mix it up please!)

You know that dirty dusty airfield with a bunch of cones is the same place and way that RTTC is....right?

[68sixspeed]

You know that dirty dusty airfield with a bunch of cones is the same place and way that RTTC is....right?

serious? Come east for the RTTS - we get to use a real road course with curbing, run off area that isn't tumbleweed, all that fancy stuff!

[NOPANTS-68]

It's one of the only automotive shows I will skip over on the direct TV menu. The hosts are unbearable.

[Nessumsar]

I am eagerly awaiting season 2.

It is unfair to campare the US version to the current UK version; has anyone seen the first few seasons of the Uk version? They are worse than the first US season! The UK version didn't start with the 3 hosts we have now either...

[claytonisbob]

I am eagerly awaiting season 2.

It is unfair to campare the US version to the current UK version; has anyone seen the first few seasons of the Uk version? They are worse than the first US season! The UK version didn't start with the 3 hosts we have now either...

I think it's hard to say not to compare them when every episode was mimicking the UK version, there are 3 hosts, a stig, star in a reasonably priced car, ect. The first episodes of the recent top gear seasons (2002+) weren't that bad.

I think the US is just doomed to always have corny automotive TV. Car and Driver.. Motortrend... TruckU... Chasing Classic Car's isn't too bad, but it's just more reality TV.

I miss pimp my ride, lol.

[Scott Parkhurst]

I'd like the US version a lot more if I didn't like the BBC version so much. By itself, it's entertaining.

The US version is a fine show. I do like it, but I LOVE the UK version.

I will give it time to mature, though. It's got potential.

[fantasygoat]

The biggest problem with the US version is that the hosts are clearly reading off teleprompters or from scripts. There is nothing spontaneous about it, which is a big problem with all US-based car shows.

Of the three, I like Rutledge Wood the most. He seems to have some personality and is having a good time. I find it hard to believe that Adam Ferrara is a stand-up comic based on his stiff, lifeless presence. I actively dislike Tanner Foust - he just comes across as an unfunny, self-important *******.

However, all of them lack any sort of chemistry. It's actually painful to watch.

[mc84_zz4]

My answer: Above average, improving, and shows potential.

I have to admit, several of the previous comments mirror my thoughts about the lifeless personalities, and then at times
there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the show.
Sometimes I think the only reason Tanner still gets the job is the he has some impressive driving skills, but his
on-camera personality is bland a lot of times, and awkward often.
I still hate the celebrity drive-off because of the cute-ute.
Several of the segments have been pretty interesting though, I just hope they find their own formula.

[6'9"Witha69]

If you wanted the car loving funny guy mixture duplicated, here are ypour 3 hosts:
Adam Corolla
Jay Leno
Christopher Titus

Imagine those 3 on camera. Scripts be damned.

[Tony_SS]

From what I've seen, I enjoy it for what it is. I'll continue to watch.

[YancyJohns]

Season 2, US version, canceled, inside source. I wish it would come back, I disliked the first few episodes but it eventually grew on me. Like the original 10 years ago, it was horrible at first w/ the Black dressed STIG, but like anything, I grew to luv it. Furthermore, I would like to see the Russian and Australian versions of Top Gear that on now.

[Tony_SS]

Really? well that sucks. I guess all the one's who poo poo'd it are happy now. There's nothing...

It should at least has some time to mature and develop with a 2nd season..