Since the late 1990s, British imports such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Dancing With the Stars and American Idol have become ratings blockbusters in the United States. But stateside success has eluded one of the biggest Brit hits of them all.
It's Top Gear, the rollicking reality/talk-show hybrid from the BBC that features three British automotive journalists gabbing about cars and performing elaborate and occasionally breathtaking stunts and challenges. The series, which has been shown here on BBC America, has been a worldwide sensation for almost 10 years and was recently the subject of a 60 Minutes profile. The studio ...
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Question: Which network is doing Top Gear for the U.S.? That is where Jay Leno needs to land. It's his favorite show, it's car related, it will be primetime. Adam Carolla? Uhhh... (waving my hands like Mike Wilbon) No! I understand they are trying to plug him into the Jeremy Clarkson role, but Clarkson plays an oaf who nonetheless comes off as likable. Carolla is just a professional a--hole and never comes off as likable. Carolla's Q-rating is probably a negative number! Jay Leno is extremely likable, loves the show and is more knowledgeable about autos than Clarkson/Hammond/May put together — he could stock the show from his own garage. Plus, they can pay him primetime money. What am I missing here? (P.S.: For all those who say that Conan won't be as good at 11:30, well, that's true. But Letterman has never been as good at 11:30 as he was at 12:30 am either.)
Answer: Can't imagine NBC won't be doing a little Leno synergy to launch its version of Top Gear this midseason, but you're
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Adam Carolla may have been voted off of Dancing with the Stars early on in Season 6, but he's got a new move ready. The comedian will cohost the U.S. port of the British car show, Top Gear, alongside racing expert Tanner Faust and Eric Stromer (who's known for his home improvement expertise, on HGTV's Over Your Head).For Carolla, who pulled off the world's first-ever paso doble (or something approximating it) on a unicycle during his Dancing stint, getting in the driver's seat for Top Gear should be a like a Sunday drive. Shooting begins next week — but will you be revving up for this U.S. edition? The first slew of comments suggest that Carolla leaves your engine cold. — Anna DimondUse our Online Video Guide to rev up for Top Gear.
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I can practically see our BBC-enthusiast copy editor, Michelle, smiling at this headline. (Or, perhaps, fearing the worst.) NBC has ordered a pilot for a U.S. adaptation of Top Gear, to be produced by BBC Worldwide Prods., says the Reporter. Like the original from across the pond, the series will offer a mix of cars, humor and celebrities. Casting is currently under way for hosts, with the pilot set to be filmed in secret in front of an audience at a Los Angeles-area racetrack.Speaking of BBCA, visit our Online Video Guide to watch an exclusive preview of Life on Mars!
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