Matt LeBlanc and 4 others join Top Gear

[DarloRich]

Why? He's copied a 'winning formula' so surely the show should be great straight of the bat. And then when people point out that he too shouty he just says he is going to get even louder!

You seem to be purposely overlooking the fact that the presenters of old top gear had many years to develop and mature their relationships. The presenters of new top gear have had a bout 5 minutes working together.

 

[northwichcat]

I suggest cut the audience interaction rubbish and bring back 'the news'.

That's where a James May type personality was an advantage. You could have Hammond & Clarkson arguing, followed by a cut to James May who started off the news on a more serious note.

 

[Dave1987]

You seem to be purposely overlooking the fact that the presenters of old top gear had many years to develop and mature their relationships. The presenters of new top gear have had a bout 5 minutes working together.

Well they should have come up with some new ideas rather than trying to milk the popularity of the old trio using the same format. The first series hasn't even finished yet and Beeb bosses are already having to give the deadly 'full support' line to Evans.
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That's where a James May type personality was an advantage. You could have Hammond & Clarkson arguing, followed by a cut to James May who started off the news on a more serious note.

The news used to be brilliant. Never laughed so much as when the were talking about the "Growler" and May came out with the "wax the Growler" pun. It was controversial at times but that's what made it so good.

 

[ExRes]

My ribs really are in danger of splitting beyond repair, I've just got back home with my copy of the Radio Times for next week and discovered that 'Top Gear' is to be pitted against Germany v Ukraine on BBC 1, if Evans and company can't cope with Antiques Roadshow repeats then how do they expect to do against the new God, football?

I assume that someone is employed at the BBC to consider these things, perhaps a P45 should be his/her reward for yet more waste of licence fee payers donations

 

[EM2]

My ribs really are in danger of splitting beyond repair, I've just got back home with my copy of the Radio Times for next week and discovered that 'Top Gear' is to be pitted against Germany v Ukraine on BBC 1, if Evans and company can't cope with Antiques Roadshow repeats then how do they expect to do against the new God, football?

I assume that someone is employed at the BBC to consider these things, perhaps a P45 should be his/her reward for yet more waste of licence fee payers donations

Only the most die-hard football followers will be watching that, or those that support either team, and in any case what's to stop anyone that does watch the match recording TG or watching it on catch-up?
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Well they should have come up with some new ideas rather than trying to milk the popularity of the old trio using the same format. The first series hasn't even finished yet and Beeb bosses are already having to give the deadly 'full support' line to Evans.

Why should they want to re-invent the show? It's not a new programme, it's a continuation of Top Gear. They didn't change the format of Antiques Roadshow when they got new presenters, or Countryfile, or Songs Of Praise.
It depends on why you think TG was successful. Was it because of those three presenters, or was it because it was a show about cars where you can see supercars being driven very fast, and daft challenges.

 

[jon0844]

They should axe Extra Gear, which a lot of people won't be watching as it is online only, and bring Rory and the other Chris onto the main show, which could be extended, to include news and more.

Then the BBC can edit accordingly for the foreign sales, removing these segments if necessary or splitting them back into a separate spin off.

I see from the latest trailer that the driving around London is suggesting so much of this new series is about doing things to appeal more to the foreign markets.

The BBC can't just make this new series good for the foreign broadcasters. If it fails here, it won't exist anywhere.

 

[Dave1987]

Why should they want to re-invent the show? It's not a new programme, it's a continuation of Top Gear. They didn't change the format of Antiques Roadshow when they got new presenters, or Countryfile, or Songs Of Praise.
It depends on why you think TG was successful. Was it because of those three presenters, or was it because it was a show about cars where you can see supercars being driven very fast, and daft challenges.

Because it was Wilman and Clarkson that came up with all the ideas (or at least most them) that made the show as popular as it was. And seeing the new series just shows it was a combination of Clarkson, Hammond, May and Wilman that made it what it was. I read about 5 yrs ago that Clarkson & Wilman had discussed what would make the show appealing to the mass audiences and decided that people wanted to be entertained and not just preached to about how good or bad family hatchbacks are.

 

[ExRes]

Only the most die-hard football followers will be watching that, or those that support either team, and in any case what's to stop anyone that does watch the match recording TG or watching it on catch-up?

I have to disagree, as far as most football followers that I know are concerned, football is football is football and it's there to be watched, why else would so many people sign up to pay TV?

As far as recording 'Top Gear', if you were in charge of programming at the BBC why would you schedule one of your 'elite' programs for the benefit of recording or catch-up viewers?, you could schedule it at 230am for those purposes

 

[EM2]

I read about 5 yrs ago that Clarkson & Wilman had discussed what would make the show appealing to the mass audiences and decided that people wanted to be entertained and not just preached to about how good or bad family hatchbacks are.

So it's the ideas and the format that appeals to people.
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I have to disagree, as far as most football followers that I know are concerned, football is football is football and it's there to be watched, why else would so many people sign up to pay TV?

As far as recording 'Top Gear', if you were in charge of programming at the BBC why would you schedule one of your 'elite' programs for the benefit of recording or catch-up viewers?, you could schedule it at 230am for those purposes

They sign up for pay TV because many matches can only be watched on that format, if you want to watch them in full rather than just highlights. And many people don't sign up for the football, but for cricket or rugby league or horse racing (as examples).
With regard to recording you are obviously being deliberately obtuse. It isn't scheduled for the benefit of those recording the show, it is for the benefit of those watching it live, but the BBC have no qualms in keeping TG in its regular slot because they know that anyone that might want to watch it but can't (like me) will record it.

 

[Dave1987]

So it's the ideas and the format that appeals to people.

Yes but the ideas and format were structured around the friendship the trio had. The new show is trying so so hard to replicate exactly what the old show was but by playing it ultra safe, and it just doesn't work.

Just look at Have I Got News For You, every week it just takes the p*** out of everything, and it's one of the best shows on the Beeb. Trying to be completely PC and be entertaining is virtually impossible!

 

[EM2]

Just look at Have I Got News For You, every week it just takes the p*** out of everything, and it's one of the best shows on the Beeb. Trying to be completely PC and be entertaining is virtually impossible!

And after the first few weeks, people said HIGNFY isn't really funny, Hislop and Merton don't work well together, most people don't even know who Hislop and Deayton are, and it shouldn't last more than one series.
It wasn't for another few series that it started to take off.

 

[Dave1987]

And after the first few weeks, people said HIGNFY isn't really funny, Hislop and Merton don't work well together, most people don't even know who Hislop and Deayton are, and it shouldn't last more than one series.
It wasn't for another few series that it started to take off.

Well I would argue that it isn't really Hislop or Merton who really make HIGNFY work. It's the combination between getting a good guest presenter in (some weeks are funnier than others), and the show being not afraid to take the p*** out of anything and everything.

If you believe that Evans will come good eventually then that's entirely up to you. At the moment it's a case of how long before the Beeb can it. Not sure the bosses will be willing to fund the enormous filming budget with such poor ratings for long! It's not just about getting UK audience figures, it's about selling the rights around the world and all the merchandising. With the show getting such a pasting on social media and mainstream media I can't imagine there will be masses of demand for either at the moment.

 

[ExRes]

They sign up for pay TV because many matches can only be watched on that format, if you want to watch them in full rather than just highlights. And many people don't sign up for the football, but for cricket or rugby league or horse racing (as examples).
With regard to recording you are obviously being deliberately obtuse. It isn't scheduled for the benefit of those recording the show, it is for the benefit of those watching it live, but the BBC have no qualms in keeping TG in its regular slot because they know that anyone that might want to watch it but can't (like me) will record it.

I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make, the BBC are paying an enormous amount of money to have 'Top Gear' on at 8pm, they are, no doubt, also paying an enormous amount to show live football at 8pm, why?, TV companies make a great fuss about prime time viewing figures, so why show two highly expensive prime time shows against each other?

 

[EM2]

I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make, the BBC are paying an enormous amount of money to have 'Top Gear' on at 8pm, they are, no doubt, also paying an enormous amount to show live football at 8pm, why?, TV companies make a great fuss about prime time viewing figures, so why show two highly expensive prime time shows against each other?

Because they feel that there's a big enough audience for both, whether live or via catch up. If I were at home, I'd probably watch the football, knowing that I can record TG and watch it at any time (assuming that there's nothing on one of the other channels that Mrs EM2 would insist on watching ).
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Well I would argue that it isn't really Hislop or Merton who really make HIGNFY work. It's the combination between getting a good guest presenter in (some weeks are funnier than others), and the show being not afraid to take the p*** out of anything and everything.

HIGNFY didn't have guest presenters until Angus Deayton became embroiled in a sex and drugs scandal. It was him, Merton and Hislop.

If you believe that Evans will come good eventually then that's entirely up to you. At the moment it's a case of how long before the Beeb can it. Not sure the bosses will be willing to fund the enormous filming budget with such poor ratings for long! It's not just about getting UK audience figures, it's about selling the rights around the world and all the merchandising. With the show getting such a pasting on social media and mainstream media I can't imagine there will be masses of demand for either at the moment.

I have no issue with Evans, it's not a question of him 'coming good', he IS good (and this is from someone that HATED him on every other TV show that he's done). He's an experienced broadcaster, he's got a lot of car knowledge, and he reviews cars for the Mail on Sunday (or did, at least. I'm not sure if he still has that gig).
So he shouts a bit? So did Jeremy Clarkson.
So he's a bit stilted in the studio? So was Richard Hammond.
If you don't like it, don't watch it, and pay £80 for Amazon Prime.

 

[TheNewNo2]

I've been impressed with the new series so far - they somehow made me root for Eddie Jordan. I'd expected to be doing the same thing I do when he's on the F1 - shouting "SHUT UP EDDIE" at my TV repeatedly.

 

[Dave1987]

HIGNFY didn't have guest presenters until Angus Deayton became embroiled in a sex and drugs scandal. It was him, Merton and Hislop.

I've only started watching it since the guest presenters.

I have no issue with Evans, it's not a question of him 'coming good', he IS good (and this is from someone that HATED him on every other TV show that he's done). He's an experienced broadcaster, he's got a lot of car knowledge, and he reviews cars for the Mail on Sunday (or did, at least. I'm not sure if he still has that gig).
So he shouts a bit? So did Jeremy Clarkson.
So he's a bit stilted in the studio? So was Richard Hammond.
If you don't like it, don't watch it, and pay £80 for Amazon Prime.

I won't, I only watched 5 mins of first episode before I switched off and didn't even bother with episode 2 just like millions of others. And I will do thanks, looking forward to what the trio and Wilman come up with.

 

[EM2]

I won't, I only watched 5 mins of first episode before I switched off and didn't even bother with episode 2 just like millions of others. And I will do thanks, looking forward to what the trio and Wilman come up with.

So your entire perception of the new series is based on seeing five minutes, and what other people have said? Then I can't really take you seriously on the matter.
That's like basing your thoughts about railways on one journey from Romford to Upminster!

 

[Dave1987]

So your entire perception of the new series is based on seeing five minutes, and what other people have said? Then I can't really take you seriously on the matter.
That's like basing your thoughts about railways on one journey from Romford to Upminster!

Haha, I've been told all about both episodes by colleges who slogged it out through both episodes as it was on the TV in the mess room. After hearing Evans trying to impersonate Clarkson in the intro, run around the studio shouting when introducing LeBlanc, and then seeing the awkward look on the audience faces when he referenced a joke about catering I switched off. And none of what I've heard from friends, or read on Social media or in the papers has made me regret not watching episode 1 fully or not watching episode 2 at all.

If you like the new format then good for you. Just don't expect the masses to be watching it.

 

[northwichcat]

I'm guessing from the lack of new comments most people, like me, didn't watch it last night. I've found there is a far more interesting program on BBC 2 after Top Gear finishes.

 

[jon0844]

Most comments elsewhere suggest it's improving every week. I haven't watched it yet, but knew Rory was going to make his first appearance on the main show.

So many people want Rory and the other Chris to take over the main show. They've known each other for ages, having met at press events, so there's a decent bond.

 

[miami]

I'm guessing from the lack of new comments most people, like me, didn't watch it last night. I've found there is a far more interesting program on BBC 2 after Top Gear finishes.

Like the other episodes, I (will) watch it at a time to suit me at some point after broadcast. A significant amount (sometimes the majority) watch these types of TV shows time-shifted.

We don't live in the 80s any more.

 

[Harbornite]

I'm guessing from the lack of new comments most people, like me, didn't watch it last night. I've found there is a far more interesting program on BBC 2 after Top Gear finishes.

I watched last night's Top gear and City in the skies, and enjoyed both.

 

[Haydn1971]

Last nights episode was much improved

 

[Johnuk123]

Last nights viewing figures fall again to the lowest for the show for 10 years.
Doesn't matter what people who saw it thought a lot of the initial viewers are lost and won't return.

 

[Haydn1971]

To be fair, some will return, because there are no other alternatives, others won't, because they watched on the basis of laughing at the buffoons - things will change slowly, but one thing is clear, Clarkson won't be back to TG

 

[Dave1987]

Last nights viewing figures fall again to the lowest for the show for 10 years.
Doesn't matter what people who saw it thought a lot of the initial viewers are lost and won't return.

I wonder what positive spin they can put on it this time?

 

[dcsprior]

I've not watched this episode yet, I'll download it from iPlayer and watch when travelling tomorrow.

I find Chris Evans really irritating. I hoped I wouldn't; I though perhaps he'd have mellowed, or that I'd just take to him more (I used to find Graham Norton irritating, now I think his show is one of the best on TV) but he's as bad as ever IMO.

However I find Matt to be good and I hope the other three will be too. If so, then I'll continue watching.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[Darandio]

I find it very interesting that those who are either not interested in watching it, refuse point blank to watch it or cannot stand the presenters are the most active in the thread!

Methinks they are actually watching it.

 

[Dave1987]

To be fair, some will return, because there are no other alternatives, others won't, because they watched on the basis of laughing at the buffoons - things will change slowly, but one thing is clear, Clarkson won't be back to TG

Well the "Buffoons" attracted a live audience of over 8 million at their peak plus all those on iPlayer, and turned Top Gear into a £50m a year monster for the Beeb.

 

[EM2]

Last nights viewing figures fall again to the lowest for the show for 10 years.

That would be about four years after the departed three started presenting, something like Series 7 or 8. Are you quite sure you mean ten years?