Thread: Anyone watching American Top Gear?

I saw the first episode back around when it came out, and just today I was sitting down to watch episodes 2-4.

I wasn't wild about #1 when I saw it, and I thought maybe it was just teething problems. But then I started into #2 and, I have to admit, I shut it of partway through. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I didn't like it, but I mulled it over a bit and then it occurred to me. It's so BLAND.

Sure, they do exciting things and they make jokes, but none of the presenters seem to have any personality. And there is no dynamic between them. I just cannot watch it.

What do you guys think? Do you like it? Does it get better? Should I tough it out and watch just cause it's Top Gear?

I watch it when I can catch it but I do like the British on BBC America better and I dvr it.They seem more informative and have more fun and also they make me laugh. My question is the stig the same guy?

I caught the first episode and like you was not impressed. The second one I saw parts of and the segment with the blind comedian was fairly entertaining. Still does not have me going into withdraw like I do between series of the BBC version. I think the presenters lack the chemistry of the British guys not to mention the absolute craziness of some of the challenges they do on BBC. I can't see the American guys driving drunk to the north pole or over the Andes. Overall a rather underwhelming car show but will do in a pinch if I can't get "real" top gear. Oh and driving the peel through BBC studios.... Classic!!! And Clarksons ability to cause controversy with every other thing he says.... Yes you have me aching for top gear now.

Remakes usually suck.
Top gear is a success because of the personalities and the English humor.
US television have neither. It's not for nothing that Jemery earns a whopping 2 million pounds per year. 1 million straight wages, and 1 million out of the merchandising and royalties.

I was wondering if I should give this a try. Now I know. I thought they'd have a hard time with it. As pointed out, Top Gear pretty much relies on the hosts to make it a good show.

I've watched al the episodes so far and they're not that bad really worth watching i'd say but then i do fast forward thru the boring car bits to the fast and loud ones .....

but that strange names they have Rutledge, Tanner ..... well i suppose Adam is ok

ian

I had posted something about this immediately after watching the premier episode. I couldn't watch it as it was soooo blech. There seemed to be a lack of ...... I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is pretty difficult to emulate the relationship that Clarkson, Mays and Hammond have and that's what makes TG on BBCA so endearing even when I don't get their jokes.

Not to say that the BBC Top Gear does not have writers, but a major difference is that Jeremy, James and hamster part of the writing team the script is loose and are themselves on the show.
From watching I don't believe the US hosts are part of the writing and they seem to be playing parts with manufactured relationships.

I cant see the show lasting the number of seasons it would take for the hosts to mature into the rolls or be replaced.

I found the U.S. version to be superb...ly underwhelming! HAHAHA! Totally let me down. I love the original for all the chemistry and script reasons that have been mentioned and I actually plan on watching it in 7 minutes, trippy huh?

4 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes, and 49 seconds until the next special of Top Gear starts on December 21st.

Hope to have it streamed across the pond within 6-8 hours of airing.