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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Question: Is BBC America planning to drop good U.K. mysteries like Wire in the Blood, Murphy's Law, Silent Witness, Waking the Dead and Rebus in favor of more reality shows, as A&E did a few years ago? I have been watching the BBC America mysteries for more than six years and have liked most of the ones they air. Have you heard or read any news about BBC America's plans for the future? Most of the summer they aired reruns of Murphy's Law. It looked like they would air a new season in the fall after airing the reruns of previous seasons. However, Top Gear now is airing in the time slot that until recently was BBC America Mystery Mondays. Any information would be appreciated.
Answer: Mysteries are always going to be part of the BBC America menu, but they may not necessarily be scheduled on a dedicated night. The way it was explained to me by an insider is that BBCA is looking to build more of its schedule around longer-running series for the sake of consistency, which is why the popular
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