Top gear tonight 8pm

[Hongkongfooi]

remember its the new series tonight. BBC 2 ....Can't wait..going with an open mind and hope it cuts the mustard.

[NL03Scooby]

The important bit is just that, go at it with an open mind. We all know it's going to be miles from the Clarkson, Hammond and May Top Gear, but it will still be an entertaining show I am sure. The main thing is, if it all goes wrong, we can all get Amazon Prime and wait it out!

[Frenchie]

Not impressed, was Le Blanc brought in to increase American interest? Like Chris Evans ,but found his giggly laughter a bit wearing. Missed the Hammond, Mays, Clacks on reportoire.

[BIG"E"]

What a load of woffle..

Its the Chris Evans show wiiiiith Matt le Plonk

[Lucky]

I sky'd it and So far I've watched 15 minutes. God I miss jezza!!!

[oldskool]

couldnt even watch it as i find evans intensely irritating

[Pirate1066]

Ginger twat can't drive,same format but no intelligent use of English language ,was trying to be neutral but it's crap,won't be bothering again

[Banstead Stig]

I thought it was okay and better than some of the guff from the later series that Clarkson et al produced. The chemistry between the presenters isn't quite there, but be fair, it's early days. Clarkson, May and Hammond are partly so entertaining as we, the viewers, have a shared history with them, so are part of the banter in a way.

Without the rose tinted spectacles of the former glory, I think the series will be solid.

As for the cars, I was really impressed with that Viper.

I have Amazon Prime, so look forward to seeing the Grand Tour. There's a place for both... embrace it!

[SamSTI]

I was going to watch it when I get in from work.... May not bother now after all the comments lol

[Hongkongfooi]

I thought matt Le blanc was ok actually...he'll only get better. God I hate Gordon Ramsey.

Would love the viper and vette

[thepieman]

I liked it

To be fare it needed something to freshen it up, Clarkson and Co were starting to get up my nose to be honest.....

First programme was always going to be difficult but think it was better than I was expecting.....

Something to watch on a Sunday evening again

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

IGod I hate Gordon Ramsey.

I enjoyed the clip of Teddy Sheringham clattering him.

[Red Baron]

I'll continue to watch it because there is sweet FA else on the TV on a Sunday. No it's not the old line up and it never will be, but then again it's not not Chris Goffey, William Woodard and Angela Rippon either.

A couple of guys driving fast cars or Antiques Roadshow, British Soap Awards or the Kardashians, I know what I'd rather watch.

[munk]

first time in years iv missed an episode... cant here anyone raving about it so, doubt ill even bother to watch it on catch up tv.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by munk

first time in years iv missed an episode... cant here anyone raving about it so, doubt ill even bother to watch it on catch up tv.

How many shows of this nature are brilliant from the off?

Go back and watch the early Clarkson, May, Hammond episodes (or even earlier before May joined) and see if you think that was TV gold.

I'd give this a go if I were you, as whilst it wasn't the best Top Gear ever, it wasn't the worst and as Shane says above, it beats anything else on the idiot lantern on a Sunday night. It will feature good cars and interesting things.

Also, something that no one has mentioned yet, the cinematography remains excellent, so worth watching for that alone in my humble pinion (depends on what you're into).

As the OP said, go in with an open mind.

The Clarkson years are dead because he lost his temper. That's no one's fault but his. The BBC couldn't let his actions go unpunished.

[SpecB]

What got me was it was supposed to be the new Top Gear - it wasn't - it was the old top gear with different (worse) presenters. Same format, same jokes, same type of feature, even some of the same lines.
Poor - in all honesty with no hint of a format or presentation change, I was hoping it would be a chance to return to some proper motoring journalism not just pratting about in fast cars!

[iPond]

Completely forgot this was even on. Not sure I'll be rushing to catch it by the comments. It's been a while since I watched TG anyway as it got a bit ridiculous toward the end. Had hoped it would be reinvented with more focus on the cars and less of the theatrics. Sounds like its just more of the same.

[Granby]

Thumbs down from me, i went in with a open mind as i didn't want to judge it but it was the same stuff with worse presenters, maybe they need to change direction and go back to being a proper car show as Clarkson, Hammond & May have the current format down to a tee, also i think they need to promote Chris Harris as the main presenter as he has a real passion for cars and funny presenter without even trying

[Scott.T]

I normally enjoys Evans, but found him a bit squeaky. Perhaps it's because I'm used to the dull tone of Clarkson.
Not sure about Matt-le-B he just seemed a little fake.
.
.
.
.
And where's Harris, they need to bring him in as I think he will bounce off well with Evans.

It was OK but I won't cry if I miss the next episode, and there's so much more available on YouTube nowadays any day of the week, if you want to watch a good review.

[Dan881]

Thought it was a load of crap watched it with an open mind thinking it might be half decent. Just seemed like they was trying to be the old show Evens kept using the same lines as Clarkson ect had there been anything else on TV I would of turned over

[NL03Scooby]

I will watch again, I thought it was ok. Whilst I didn't think Evans was great and couldn't stand the way the audience had to answer every rhetorical question he had about each car, he gave it a good go picking up the pieces the BBC had left behind.

I remember watching episodes with C, H & M where I thought it was dull drizzle that was cobbled together from a few left over films, I'm confident better things will come around.

I too am baffled as to why Harris didn't feature, he can certainly drive and really talk about a car.

[Ferd]

[Banstead Stig]

That does help to sum the whole point up for me, but not in the way the internet is suggesting.

Those three were mates, which was what drove a lot of the entertainment value.

As noted above, the best thing for the show will be once they find the personality and approach they will take as a replica of the 'old' way won't have longevity.

Chris Evans is a successful broadcaster, so he'll figure it out. More Chris Harris will help petrolheads, but perhaps not the general public.

[bigemp]

Glad i watched the Indy 500 instead

but will give it a watch later on tonight,even if its half decent at least there will be 2 shows to watch instead of the one when the clarkson one starts as well,so that got to be a result isnt it....or maybe not lol

[Moley_WRX]

I'd recommend watching Top Gear Extra on BBC 3, its actually very good.

[Red Baron]

Was about to say the same Gary, Chris Harris in the Nomad was good and interested to see they bought Liam Dorran in to advise on the Rally Cross circuit.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Moley_WRX

I'd recommend watching Top Gear Extra on BBC 3, its actually very good.

Just watched it and totally agree

Only complaint is that it needs to be a full hour.

[munk]

Well i watched it.. first half hour and turned it off.. evans is trying way to hard and matt le blanc...really thats got to be one of the most boring people iv ever had to listen to. And for that reason im.out.. oh lovely cars thou!! Especially the dodge.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Just watched it and totally agree

Only complaint is that it needs to be a full hour.

Hopefully over time the producers will integrate that sort of content into the main show, as that will give it the extra bit that was missing from my perspective.

Interesting that the chemistry between Chris Harris and Rory Reid was pretty good.

I think more of those two will start to give the show its own feel and hopefully will attract back the old audience and more.

Makes me chuckle seeing people on some Facebook pages and other forums saying they won't watch the new format and getting quite irate at about how rubbish it is (having not seen it). It is a bloody telly programme, nothing important!

[Rdlangy1]

Thought Matt wasn't too bad, but found Chris Evans very annoying and trying to imitate Clarkson too often - and failing...

I wasn't a fan of Clarkson either, but found his one liners amusing - Evans tried them, and failed...

Rest was Ok tho...

[SlimeyLimey]

Finally got round to watching this as was on call for 10 days. What a cringe fest... I was really looking forward to this, i mean what motoring fan doesn't love the idea of 2 top gear shows? I was hoping it would be a fresh format but its just the same exact layout with forced humour.

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by SlimeyLimey

Finally got round to watching this as was on call for 10 days. What a cringe fest... I was really looking forward to this, i mean what motoring fan doesn't love the idea of 2 top gear shows? I was hoping it would be a fresh format but its just the same exact layout with forced humour.

Even worse is that tonight's episode was filmed before they got any feedback from the first, so it's going to be just as bad.

[SlimeyLimey]

Urg that's a good point. I'm not a butthurt Jezza fan just hating for no reason, they should have mixed up the format to suit the new personalities. When Matt introduced the stig....CRINGE

[Banstead Stig]

Sean, of Surrey Scoobies fame, went to the latest recording and was pretty positive about it. That's likely to be episode three or four.

He reckoned it should have been the opening episode, in terms of features, as that would have meant less criticism in the first place. One particular point being, a Chris Harris led feature will be in the show.

I'm sticking with it!

[bigemp]

My boy went up and saw that one as well and I'm going up for this Wednesday recording

[Pirate1066]

Used to go to filming back in the day as first aid .
Was a hoot some times.
Won't bother watching again ,Evans is a dreadful spoil brat when he doesn't get his own way,surprised there's eny producers left that want to work with him,and the stuff that's come out about him asking the audience to laugh even if it's not funny what a twat, hopefully the BBC will can it

[Bearo]

I could barely watch it.

If you want to watch genuinely entertaining petrol head stuff head to YouTube.

Here's my favs.

Roadkill
The Smoking Tyre
Jamie_FYD
Roads Untravelled
Monkey London
MCM - Lend us a Ride

I HIGHLY recommend Roadkill

[Ferd]

I actually like the recent US Top Gears - having dropped everything except the challenges as none of the rest was any good, so that's all each show is now and the three of them do make for some entertaining viewing (imo). It doesn't feel as forced as it was in the first few series, but now it all seems more natural although of course it's still scripted. Goes without saying that it's still not as good as the holy trinity of Jeremy/James/Richard.

Well, I enjoy it anyway.

[Banstead Stig]

I think that reinforces what I think will happen here. Find what works and do it.

[Frenchie]

Gave it a chance, but after 15 mins had enough. Switched to soccer aid. Very enjoyable, donate £10 to a good cause.

[Scott.T]

Episode 2.......fell asleep half way through guests on sofa.
Too much chat and not enough news, laughs or banter.

[Banstead Stig]

I used to ignore the guests on the old version, so nothing's changed for me!

[Lucky]

I actually thought it was a lot better than last week.

[munk]

tried again aswell...determined to give it a fair go,the guests(button and tiny temper kept me interested ) then halfway in gave up, turned over to abit of police interceptors!! third time lucky maybe..

[Hongkongfooi]

Originally Posted by Lucky

I actually thought it was a lot better than last week.

agreed...but as others have said they need to sort the guests bit out...its boring

[bigemp]

Originally Posted by Lucky

I actually thought it was a lot better than last week.

Agreed was much better this week steve, same as everything if you dont want to watch then just flip the channel to something else

[Scott.T]

I will be watching Top Gear Extra tonight

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I will be watching Top Gear Extra tonight

Don't!!!

It is terrible. Trust me. Once seen, it can't be unseen.

[tbtstt]

Finally got round to watching the first episode on Sunday evening, really didn't think it was that bad. Chris Evans is far too shouty in the studio segments, and I was expecting them to change more of the overall format, but it was still OK. Matt LeBlanc is good and I'm sure the rapport between the main presenters will improve over time.

As others have said above, watch the early Clarkson Top Gears (especially those pre-James May) and they are very stilted.

Was actually a little disappointed by Extra Gear. I'm hoping that, like the "main" show, it will get into a rhythm and improve.

Will be watching the second episode tonight, my expectations are low as I know Eddie Jordan feature in it. I was also going to watch the second Extra Gear until I saw the comments above!

[SpecB]

The feature in Africa was actually surprisingly good - as long as you ignored Eddie jordan but the rest of the show was a total waste of time. Thank god for Sky Plus - I watched most of the show at +30!

[Banstead Stig]

If you didn't enjoy any of tonight's episode then I genuinely believe you're out to hate the new show and completely unreasonable. I can recommend this book for you.

There was some really good stuff in there... even the guests weren't ****!

[Lucky]

What a fantastic episode. Enjoyed every minute.

It's changed my perception of the focus too. I had ruled it out due to its bland looks but gotta be worth a drive.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Lucky

I had ruled it out due to its bland looks but gotta be worth a drive.

And an 11 month wait ?

[Scott.T]

Enjoyed it tonight. I'd still remove Chris E though. Not that I'm a hater but he doesn't seem to fit.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

And an 11 month wait ?

Yup, that's the other downside!

[SpecB]

Much better tonight but then two of the reports were by proper motoring journalists! Bin Chris and use Matt for the studio stuff and use The other guys for the proper road tests.

[Frenchie]

Yes, much better. Enjoyed the Ken Block drive.

[bigemp]

Went up for the recording of the best of British show episode last week (yet to be seen)and enjoyed it and must admit chris evans was ok and calmed down a lot from the first episode were he was very ott and was very friendly and chatty to the audience.

[SlimeyLimey]

Havent watched episode 3 yet but lasts weeks segment in Africa was proper good!

[Bytes]

Evans quits!

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-r...ter-one-series

[Ferd]

Still not convinced I'd want to watch the next series unless they truly re-invent the show and not simply "tweak" the old format.

[Rdlangy1]

Originally Posted by Bytes

Evans quits!

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-r...ter-one-series

good good !

Chris Harris and Matt coupled with the others are more than capable of making the show unique again

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

good good !

Chris Harris and Matt coupled with the others are more than capable of making the show unique again

Agreed. I'd read last week that LeBlanc had issued an ultimatum that it was him or Evans for series two, but not both.

Interesting timing, considering he was in the news this morning as being investigated for a sexual assault that took place in the 1990s...

[Banstead Stig]

If you watched this week's Extra Gear, it was abundantly clear that was coming as Chris Evans did not feature at all.

Neither did Eddie Jordan, so I would guess he will not be back either.

They had all the others sat around talking about their highlights of the series, so I took from it that they will be the team for the future.

[munk]

Originally Posted by Bytes

Evans quits!

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-r...ter-one-series

about time to...

[Scott.T]

Jordan and Schmitt next to go hopefully.
Harris is the only 'driver' you need.

I think the banter will be back in the next series with the remainder.

[SpecB]

I just tried to watch episode 3 as there was nothing else on other than grown men (and women) grunting at each other while toffs quaffed champagne.

Honestly how did the BBC allow such rubbish to actually make the air.

[NL03Scooby]

Glad he is gone, I think as a result the other presenters might be able to relax a little and work well as a team without feeling overshadowed by the Evan's ego.

I have grown to quite like Le Blanc, and we all know the talents of Harris make him stand out, however inexperienced a mainstream presenter he may be, he does a great job.

I agree with Scott about Jordan and Schmitt, whilst she can drive the awful acting and scripted comedy from both of them is false and poorly delivered, they aren't natural for the type of show Top Gear is, or at least was!

[SlimeyLimey]

I enjoyed a lot of the segments in the series, it just feels like theres no stand out presenter or leader if that makes sense? Just loads of different presenters mixed together.

[Red Baron]

New series isn't looking too bad so far.

Anyone recognise some of the roads and a particular hairpin in the Golf Club sport bit last night?

[Steve_PPP]

Yep, was thinking that whilst watching, although i didn't notice our Cochem hairpin? I thought some of the footage was on the backroad from Hohe Acht forest car park down to Adenau (comes out next to Lidl).

Enjoying the new series so far, although they need to be careful... the DB11/Merc S63 AMG feature was superb, right up until the point where they felt they needed to act out a police chase. Too silly and fake from that point onwards. Oh, and the fact that the Ring footage was chopped up into silly sequences, but I guess your average viewer won't know that. There was a bit where Sabine was chasing a 911 GT3 and she overtook it through the long last corner. But the previous shot was of her catching the same car in Aremberg, only a couple of mins into the lap.

Still a good watch though.

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Oh, and the fact that the Ring footage was chopped up into silly sequences, but I guess your average viewer won't know that. There was a bit where Sabine was chasing a 911 GT3 and she overtook it through the long last corner. But the previous shot was of her catching the same car in Aremberg, only a couple of mins into the lap.

I haven't been to the Ring and I noticed how chopped up the lap was! Sensible use of Sabine though: maximum driving time and minimum studio time (I thought she looked really awkward in the studio last season)

I thought the studio bits seemed better in last night program. Seemed a bit more natural and not quite as scripted as the first two episodes. For the most part I have really enjoyed this new season, much more watchable than the vast majority of The Grand Tour...

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by tbtstt

I thought the studio bits seemed better in last night program. Seemed a bit more natural and not quite as scripted as the first two episodes.

Ok, so maybe I might try the recent 2 episodes, thought the first one this series was a total snore-fest. Nothing was funny, everything felt forced - reminded me of "Acorn Antiques" if anyone remembers that reference.

I'd hoped they would finally do away with nearly everything from previous TG and come back afresh (then you could understand the first few episode not finding their footing), but it seems they are determined to try and resurrect it, which is ultimately doomed to failure.

[Red Baron]

Well some things don't change, sounds like Hammond has come off a motorbike while filming.

[Banstead Stig]

I think this series of shaping up well and lots of last night's episode was really engaging.

Hopefully it'll cause the Grand Tour guys to up their game a bit. Then we can have two good shows!

[Granby]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

New series isn't looking too bad so far.

Anyone recognise some of the roads and a particular hairpin in the Golf Club sport bit last night?

I did notice that hairpin

[Scott.T]

I'm enjoying it.
I quite liked the Aston/AMG section purely due to the cinematography, location and great use of a left turn at the hammer head - I want one of those.

In last weeks episode it was great to see the Alfa (I want one of those too) and M3 battle it out on a decent sized track, rather than the fat American's go-kart track.

The views that "they need to change it and stop copying old top gear" are getting almost as tiresome as the previous views of 'it doesn't review enough cars'.

How exactly would they change it and not end up like 5th Gear
If they review too many cars it will also end up like 5th Gear or even worse 1980's Top Gear, with William Woollard.

Some of us grew up with this, and at the time it was great. But see if you can watch the full 29:14s now (don't just skip to the Cossie section )



How many episodes of 5th Gear have I watched in recent years....probably less than 1/2 dozen. Do they make me laugh....No.....is Tiff driving sideways a little tiresome now.....Yes.
Youtube is for car reviews, Top gear if for a Sunday lift before the doldrums of Monday morning.

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by Banstead Stig

Hopefully it'll cause the Grand Tour guys to up their game a bit. Then we can have two good shows!

I am hoping for big improvements with the second season: if they drop a lot of the studio crap it would be a massive step in the right direction.