Yeah I'm still watching but the American version is lacking when you compare it to the BBC. The Alaska special was okay but it did not really do it for me. I read early on in this post that the BBC Top Gear was not all that good in the first season. I watched some of the first season on You Tube and, while it was not a polished and the crowds were not there, it was still very entertaining. I think America's TG needs a cast change if it's going to stick around.
Top Gear USA
- Thread starter CL65 Captain
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I am still watching it. It's not great but I like the cars for the most part. The British version is much better.
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I've been watching and it's not as good as the UK version but I'm starting to like it. For me, the car reviews are cool but I really like the "adventures" more in both UK and US.
A better cast lineup would have been:
1. Tanner Foust - guy who can drive (clarkson)
2. Christopher Tytus - comedian and one of the most hardcore car enthusiasts around (see Rides Season 2 - Soccer Mom episode) - essentially Hammond
3. Travis Pastrana - not a James May replacement but would provide some great entertainment.
1. Tanner Foust - guy who can drive (clarkson)
2. Christopher Tytus - comedian and one of the most hardcore car enthusiasts around (see Rides Season 2 - Soccer Mom episode) - essentially Hammond
3. Travis Pastrana - not a James May replacement but would provide some great entertainment.
How about Tim Allen for #3?
I'm thinking the producers are having a hard time getting their hands on press cars. And when they do, like in the case of the Boss 302, apparently not even He Who Would Be Stig is allowed to drive them on the their track.
I also found the last episode (Toughest Truck) pretty amusing. I am not a truck guy but there is just something about beating the hell out of three old pickups in the rough Alaska wilderness that looks like fun.
That was the final episode with new material. The season closer will be a 'best of'' (least-worst-of?) highlight show. Wonder if we will see another season.
Is it true that last night's season finale was just a highlight recap show? Must have been REALLY short!
I haven't watched it yet (it's on the DVR) but that's what the teasers indicated.
I can't stand that Rutledge character. His lines are so scripted with a delay in speech cadence that drives me crazy. I can't tell if he is slow at reading or just slow!
The only guy I like is Tanner. The other two guys need to be replaced if they want the show to last another season.
The only guy I like is Tanner. The other two guys need to be replaced if they want the show to last another season.
I still like the show. I think it got better/funnier with more episodes. With more popularity, a bigger budget, more hosts (or part-time hosts) - it'll get a lot better.
Keep bashing it and it'll go away. Is that better than giving it a chance to get the resources to become a better show?
Keep bashing it and it'll go away. Is that better than giving it a chance to get the resources to become a better show?
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It's definitely getting better. I'd love to see them do more trucks though. Maybe some hot rodded turbo diesel 4x4, tow off, a mpg run......... something humorous but informative and goes beyond just 6" of ground clearance
I hate to say it but if they want to get a bigger audience and really make the show a USA version they will have to do more truck/offroad segments and possibly some nascar antics.I think our sportscar demographic is the minority of thier potential audience.
Saying this show is getting better is like saying my herpes is going away (no, I do not have the herps)
This show is bad. Rutledge is a Local Atlanta car guy but you can tell, they are all trying WAY TOO HARD!!!
It is obvious you can not copy the UK version. It is the chemistry from May Clarkson and Hammond that MAKE the show. Rutledge, Foust and that Adam guy are all like water and oil. Adam couldnt care less about being on the air.
Either way it had much potential. I can admit the shows are progressively sucking less but I think they need to let it go.
BTW Rutledge came into one of our restaurants last week and he was rocking a Dodge Minivan. (2006-ish) Would Clarkson ever be found on a mini van? Never, He rocks a Ford GT!!!
I don't want to see it go... Tanner needs to stick around, Tytus sounds like an amazing addition and I love Tim Allen or Travis Pastrana
those combinations would be frickin awesome.. plus all of the names listed can drive well and all would be hilarious without being scripted.
love alaskan show, the panamera as well, and liked bits and peices of the others.. is it UK version no, but recast and alot more wheel time and meshing of personalities could yeild great results.
those combinations would be frickin awesome.. plus all of the names listed can drive well and all would be hilarious without being scripted.
love alaskan show, the panamera as well, and liked bits and peices of the others.. is it UK version no, but recast and alot more wheel time and meshing of personalities could yeild great results.
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We call it "The Happys".
First thing first, it's Top Gear USA, not Top Gear UK. So obviously, they're not the same and probably never will be the same. If someone wanted a Top Gear UK sort of visual experience...they would watch Top Gear UK.
Car culture, UK and US are just worlds apart. Just like the trucks bits. Americans have a fascination, obsession, a love affair with the pick up truck. In the UK, big trucks or big vehicles just are not common for the every day person.
Different cast, different different viewers, different country, different culture = different show
And the comparison between Rutledge and Clarkson........ that's like apples to oranges. Now if Foust came in rocking a mini van.......
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........then it would have to be that one
Oh well:
How much is Clarkson making a year? How much is Rutledge in a new show's first season with a small budget and no prior fan base? Why invest in a show (History or sponsors) that is unsure of the popularity/results/return?
Top Gear UK is one of the most popular shows in all of europe. Hell, their magazine alone is larger than all the US car magazines, and probably all the main stream ones put together!
While its the same show with the same name, you really can't compare them. That's like comparing the popular and established American Idol to a new untested market: South-African Idol and expect it to be just as good.
0.02
I agree with you 100%.
The chemisty with Tracy and Foust is much better than the USTG guys.
The chemisty with Tracy and Foust is much better than the USTG guys.
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Battle of the Supercars.......... that rivalry is toooooo scripted. If they laid off the "canadian hate" or "4 foot nothing tall hate", it wouldn't be so corny. Want to just tell them to shut up and drive.
Who says that Paul Tracy is not on US Top Gear? Maybe he's the Stig.
