Edmunds | Help Contact Editor Sign In | Follow Inside Line
Um... could it be due to the auto industry being in the tank?
Whatever the reason, NBC appears to be punting the U.S. version of Top Gear out of the stadium. So far no official word has come from the Land of the Peacock. Word has that the TV show producers are hoping some cable station will pick it up.
NBC Won't Broadcast U.S. Version of British Favorite Top Gear
Advertisement
Latest Poll
What was your favorite Super Bowl XLVI Commercial?
Recent Posts
Sketched: 2013 Kia KH Flagship Sedan Teased
February 13, 2012 8:38 AM
The List: 3 Standouts From the 2012 Chicago Auto Show
February 12, 2012 12:01 AM
2012 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Track'ster Concept
February 8, 2012 11:30 AM
2012 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Releases Second Track'ster Teaser
February 6, 2012 8:09 AM
February 2, 2012 10:34 AM
Advertisement
Tip the Editors
Got a breaking news tip for the Inside Line editors?
Send it to tips@edmunds.com
Manufacturers
Auto Shows
More Categories
Browse Archives
frank908 says:
06:49 AM, 12/15/08
Um, I think it's because no one would, um, watch it.
Yeah, I think that's the reason. The same reason it's failing badly in Aussie too.
I guess the Brits are the ultimate car freaks of the world then with the success of the UK version.
Ironic seeing that they no longer own any car companies.
"So you think you can Dance" is a huge success here in the states.
Um, anyway.
firstwagon says:
07:27 AM, 12/15/08
The British version is a much bigger success the the Aussie version because the hosts are much better.
I've seen the first 8 espisodes of the Aussie version and it's only mildly entertaining.
Clarksen and crew are great.
briancam says:
09:21 AM, 12/15/08
The US version would never work as well as the UK - BBC programs are paid for with public funds. Therefore, when Clarkson rips the new Civic Si a new one and says how the old was Waaay better, there's no problem. Try that with an advertising based model like in the US. Once you slam sorry cars like the Yaris, LaCrosse, Sebring, Ridgeline and others your source of income will dry up.
Also, Top Gear UK gets top celebs - US version? the dude from Bay Watch - Interviewing the old KITT would have been much more entertaining.
orangutan says:
10:29 AM, 12/15/08
Who wants to watch (or listen to) Adam Carolla and some nobody who drives a Camry Hybrid?
estreka says:
03:23 PM, 12/15/08
Brian is precisely right. Who would watch an automotive program funded by Detroit automakers? Oh, that's right, I forgot about SPEED Channel.
stovt001 says:
03:46 PM, 12/15/08
Top Gear works because Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James Mays are talented, somehow seem to get fantastic budgets for absurdly awesome shows, and have relatively interesting interviews with relatively interesting celebrities. That is everything American television is not - talented hosts, good budgets, and non-train-wreck celebrities. I'll take the BBC version thanks.
frank908 says:
08:44 PM, 12/15/08
Talented? Think your clutchin at straws there. Celebrities? C'mon, who the hell knows their local celebrities and if I'm not mistaken, they had Christian Slater on once: a train-wreck American B-lister.
briancam says:
09:32 PM, 12/15/08
James Blunt, Ron Wood, Helen Mirren, Hugh Grant, Simon Cowell, Jools Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Simon Pegg and Gordon Ramsay are not just local UK celebs - true TG hasnt had jeff gordon, toby keith, tom cruise or any of our REAL Amurikin celebs but I think even Hulk Hogan would have been a better get than haslehoff. Forget that, Brooke Hogan is even a bigger deal/