The band is getting back together on Amazon in May, but back in Britain, the old TG is still trundling along. Not sure who's been following the drama around the new format, but apparently the second host now will be an American - Matt Le Blanc.

http://jalopnik.com/top-gears-second...nds-1757046887

I've always though of Chris Evans as an ass, but this makes me more interested in seeing what will happen now.

 

I think Matt will be a good host. I didn't like Chris Evans from the start, and its clear he isn't going to be a very good host if he can't talk and drive, and also gets sick driving.

 

The new/old Top Gear is a flipping mess... I'll give it a shot, but I don't have high hopes after all the issues they've had trying to replace Clarkson and company.

 

Crash and burn

 

Le Blanc isn't even British.... Besides watching Jennifer's TG for crude humor and outrageous stunts, I watch it for their perspective on cars. Sure they are biased, but who isn't? Anyhow. Going to check if it's time to renew my Amazon Prime.

 

So is there something keeping Fifth gear presenters from being brought in? or are those wounds too deep. This show is honestly circling the drain at this point. You can't lose all your shows personalities and expect to have a functioning team made up of "whomever". Matt LeBlanc seems like a reach and pandering to the international crowd (US). For me Top Gear's "british-ness" is part of the draw. Also, was never a Friends fan...

 

After more than 60 years in the "vast wasteland" , I've concluded that any successful TV show is catching lightning in a bottle.

Decent plots, writing and format is necessary but not sufficient. There must be great characters, actors and chemistry between them to make it happen.

The great sitcoms ( yes TG is basically a comedy with a car format) "Taxi", "Mash",Barney Miller etc. evolved to the point where the setting was secondary to the characters and actors.

No one ever said "let's put Clarkson,May and Richard and we'll build a huge hit". It evolved and survived natural selection.

The new TG will trade on the name for a short time. After that a complete reinvention will be needed for a chance at success.

 

Meh. Maybe he will do well, maybe he won't. I am loyal to Clarkson, Hammond, and May. I won't watch anything but their new show on Amazon this fall.

 

From what i see on BBC America Matt is doing old top gear compilations. I will give all the shows a shot, I love 5th gear....

 

Isn't Chris harris supposed to be on it? Harrisand leblanc, I'd watch that, evans... 2/3 I guess is good enough? I'd like to see them drop Evans and put in someone like Adam carolla or something.