Television: Top Gear (USA) News and Discussion Thread
#323
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,121
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I was just working on a show and my sound man worked on the TG:USA...he said
#325
Senior Moderator
The best part of the Jalopnik thread on this:
I do intend to give the show a chance, though. I still wish they'd just show the British show here.
I do intend to give the show a chance, though. I still wish they'd just show the British show here.
#326
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
#327
Senior Moderator
The younger looking guy seems to be into cars, the guy with the beard seems like he's acting, and badly at that too. The fat bloke looks like some random guy they picked off the street for the show. It's funny like youtube videos, not like Clarkson, Hammond and May.
#328
Team Owner
That's awesome. Reminds me of growing up in this redneck town.
#329
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Oops sorry for posting the video again, I didn't realize it was already posted.
I'll probably watch this but I'm not going to be depressed if I miss an episode here or there. You can't beat the original.
I'll probably watch this but I'm not going to be depressed if I miss an episode here or there. You can't beat the original.
#330
Fahrvergnügen'd
For everyone that hasn't watched the current iteration from the very first episode, I would just say that the current TG is not the same.
Very early TGs were well, not all that great. There were some good parts but generally speaking the show did not hit its stride until the third series when James May joined the cast.
Give TGUSA some time ... If it doesn't work and they stay committed they might switch hosts and really improve the show.
Very early TGs were well, not all that great. There were some good parts but generally speaking the show did not hit its stride until the third series when James May joined the cast.
Give TGUSA some time ... If it doesn't work and they stay committed they might switch hosts and really improve the show.
#331
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks horrible.
Fix it now, put Adam Carolla in the cast.
It looks like jackass, nitro circus, fantasy factory, viva la bam....mixed with a bit of Top Gear.
Fix it now, put Adam Carolla in the cast.
It looks like jackass, nitro circus, fantasy factory, viva la bam....mixed with a bit of Top Gear.
#332
Three Wheelin'
i'm not a fan of top gear, esp. when 90% of their show is about stupid stunts, such as racing old cars, beat up school bus, tanks, 18 wheelers, flooding cars with water, drive across europe, etc.....
every time i watch it, they always do something stupid and dumb. hopefully, the american version is more up to date.
every time i watch it, they always do something stupid and dumb. hopefully, the american version is more up to date.
#334
Fahrvergnügen'd
i'm not a fan of top gear, esp. when 90% of their show is about stupid stunts, such as racing old cars, beat up school bus, tanks, 18 wheelers, flooding cars with water, drive across europe, etc.....
every time i watch it, they always do something stupid and dumb. hopefully, the american version is more up to date.
every time i watch it, they always do something stupid and dumb. hopefully, the american version is more up to date.
#335
Suzuka Master
For everyone that hasn't watched the current iteration from the very first episode, I would just say that the current TG is not the same.
Very early TGs were well, not all that great. There were some good parts but generally speaking the show did not hit its stride until the third series when James May joined the cast.
Give TGUSA some time ... If it doesn't work and they stay committed they might switch hosts and really improve the show.
Very early TGs were well, not all that great. There were some good parts but generally speaking the show did not hit its stride until the third series when James May joined the cast.
Give TGUSA some time ... If it doesn't work and they stay committed they might switch hosts and really improve the show.
#336
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
I started from Season 1.
#337
Fahrvergnügen'd
But there are quite a few people that haven't gone back to the first episodes because they either aren't on BBC America or they haven't found the place with all the back episodes (*nudge nudge*)
All that said, my point was that the original TG cast didn't work and they fixed it. Since it's on History the ratings don't have to be an 18 share in order for them to bring it back again the following season. I think that helps give the show a chance to iron out kinks and make adjustments if they need to ...
#338
CL in lawnmower status
they need someone really funny for the third host, if you ask me.
have you guys seen the other shows tanner faust has been on? speed channel...
he looks like hammond but his personality is more may... he has good driving skills but lets just say when i need to cure my insomnia i just wait for him to start talking about the car thats on his show...
personally i would rather have bbc air topgear unedited, simucast and show the full season... just my 2 cents, if they had adam corolla it would balance out tanner's straight lacedness... if the topgear original 3 come and join up for the half of the first season and make occasional appearances i think the show will take off...
have you guys seen the other shows tanner faust has been on? speed channel...
he looks like hammond but his personality is more may... he has good driving skills but lets just say when i need to cure my insomnia i just wait for him to start talking about the car thats on his show...
personally i would rather have bbc air topgear unedited, simucast and show the full season... just my 2 cents, if they had adam corolla it would balance out tanner's straight lacedness... if the topgear original 3 come and join up for the half of the first season and make occasional appearances i think the show will take off...
Tanner Faust is just one of those guys that get on my nerves, if that supercars exposed had someone else as a host i bet you i would have watched all the episodes instead of a little bit of a couple of them. They should just not let him talk, as you said he does have the driving skills,
but a comedian to poke fun at him and everything else would work great.
#341
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Tanner Foust Interviewed On FOX’s Car Report
Tanner Foust was recently interviewed on FOX’s Car Report. He talked a lot about SuperRally (known as rallycross in Europe) but more importantly he talked a bit about Top Gear USA. He revealed that all of the segments for the first season’s 10 episode run are nearly done being filmed and that the in-studio bits will be filmed in Los Angeles. The show will also begin airing at the end of November or in early December.
If you want to skip ahead, the Top Gear discussion starts at about the 11 minute mark, however if you have the time, the whole video is worth watching.
http://www.finalgear.com/
click link for video.
Tanner Foust was recently interviewed on FOX’s Car Report. He talked a lot about SuperRally (known as rallycross in Europe) but more importantly he talked a bit about Top Gear USA. He revealed that all of the segments for the first season’s 10 episode run are nearly done being filmed and that the in-studio bits will be filmed in Los Angeles. The show will also begin airing at the end of November or in early December.
If you want to skip ahead, the Top Gear discussion starts at about the 11 minute mark, however if you have the time, the whole video is worth watching.
http://www.finalgear.com/
click link for video.
#342
Suzuka Master
Another Sneak preview of the show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpGxf...layer_embedded
Doesnt seem to be that bad
Not fond of the narrator talking though haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpGxf...layer_embedded
Doesnt seem to be that bad
Not fond of the narrator talking though haha
#343
Fahrvergnügen'd
These guys have the benefit of production values that Clarkson and Hammond didn't back in 2002. And access to cars that those guys didn't either ... So what we're going to get is British Top Gear 2010 production values but with 2002 scripts and chemistry.
I'm okay with that.
I'm okay with that.
#345
The sizzle in the Steak
#347
Suzuka Master
But this will be best car show that has originated from America I believe, at least I cant think of a great one right now. Most always got cancelled and was out right boring.
#349
Suzuka Master
#350
Suzuka Master
sucks that the day I can do is full
#351
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Why the fuck does all of the cool stuff happen in CA? So annoying.
#352
Hmmm.... days available
Wed. Oct. 13 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Thu. Oct. 14 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Sat. Oct. 16 is wait listed
Sun. Oct. 17 is wait listed
Mon. Oct 18 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Tues. Oct 19 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Wed. Oct 20 @ 8 am and 1 pm
now what day should I call out sick?
Wed. Oct. 13 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Thu. Oct. 14 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Sat. Oct. 16 is wait listed
Sun. Oct. 17 is wait listed
Mon. Oct 18 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Tues. Oct 19 @ 8 am and 1 pm
Wed. Oct 20 @ 8 am and 1 pm
now what day should I call out sick?
#353
Suzuka Master
My friend is going October 17th at 8am I can't do the other days because of school And thats around the time of midterms.
#354
Suzuka Master
Top Gear USA airing on November 21st!
Its weird watching a top gear trailer and not hearing the three guys we're so used to hearing. Doesn't look so bad though, I'm gonna be watching this, at least something to watch till the Real top gear comes out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vezOf...layer_embedded
Its weird watching a top gear trailer and not hearing the three guys we're so used to hearing. Doesn't look so bad though, I'm gonna be watching this, at least something to watch till the Real top gear comes out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vezOf...layer_embedded
#355
The sizzle in the Steak
I'll watch a couple of eps.....see how it goes....looks average at best.
#356
Suzuka Master
Here are some impressions by the autoblog people that went to the live show.
On Monday, October 18th 2010, Michael Harley and I had the opportunity to attend a taping of an episode of the upcoming Top Gear USA series. As we all know by now, the show is a new version of the BBC original and as a huge fan of that show, my expectations were set to "neutral" for the American spin-off. Harley and I entered an old airplane hangar located on the former El Toro Marine Base in Irvine, California and were immediately impressed by what we saw.
Hit the jump for our impressions.
...these three are real car guys enjoying amazing machines. The Top Gear set is a cool site to behold, but not entirely original. Two older vehicles, clearly used in some sort of challenge, were parked in between a few supercars. Outside of the hanger our eyes quickly focused on a souped-up pickup truck, a handful of high-end sports cars and a few other random vehicles.
Once the audience settled in around the stage, we were greeted by Richard Porter, head writer for the British version. He told us to be patient with this new show because, quite frankly, the first few seasons of the original Top Gear were "total s#*t." He went on to say he was instantly impressed with what Top Gear USA has managed in a very short amount of time.
Up next we got to hear from the three hosts: Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood. Most automotive fans know Tanner, and he plays the straight man of the group. Rutledge Wood covers NASCAR for Speed Channel and is a Southern native. Strangely enough, he seems to prefer foreign project cars (such as the VW diesel pickup he once owned and a 1983 Honda Civic wagon he plans to rebuild). Ferrara is a comedian whose work is most prominently seen on the television show Rescue Me. He came off as quick-witted and managed some pretty good laughs from the crowd, crew and other hosts. The trio has already developed a solid chemistry and were perpetually joking with each other when the cameras weren't rolling. More importantly, they're not trying to mimic the roles of Clarkson, May and Hammond. All three have their own personalities, which came through loud and clear during off-camera discussions and interactions with the audience, including a few pokes at whoever parked a Prius in the lot outside.
The reviews are highly-stylized and the result is pure automotive pornography. The American version has all the elements that we love so much with the original Top Gear. The reviews are highly-stylized and the result is pure automotive pornography. But more importantly, these three are real car guys enjoying amazing machines. Besides the usual supercar fun, the show features ridiculous challenges which produce equally ridiculous results and lots of laughs. Having signed my life away, I can't divulge what I saw them doing, but some aspects should be familiar to longtime fans while other elements are totally new. And of course, the Stig is there as well, showing celebrities how to handle the track in a Suzuki SX4.
People were quick to bash the idea of a Top Gear USA when the show was first announced, and while we understand the knee-jerk reaction (particularly after seeing the detritus shoveled out by Russian and Australia), this Americanized show shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. There's room for two top-notch automotive entertainment shows, and while the British version will always be number one in my heart, I'll completely embrace Top Gear USA on the History Channel with open arms when it airs at the end of November.
Second Opinion:
Many people have developed strikingly strong opinions about Top Gear USA – even before the first episode hits the screen. Interested in digesting the show on my own, I joined Jeff and attended the taping at the old El Toro airfield in Southern California. After five hours, I left impressed.
Like Jeff, I signed a wicked NDA, so all I can report is that the show is fast-paced, interesting and there's solid chemistry among the three hosts (who seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company as they pulled pranks on each other during taping and when the cameras were off). The vehicles in the spotlight will appeal to both hardcore enthusiasts and those who are more interested in the various automotive antics dreamt up by the show's production team (most original and a few we've seen before). While there's plenty of humor, most of it comes at the expense of one of the hosts – often through the destruction of something mechanical.
Top Gear USA mirrors many aspects of the original show, and it's very entertaining, but as expected, this isn't the original Top Gear. The new show is American and we have our own unique perspectives and odd senses of humor. That said, don't hold your breath waiting for a witty Clarkson comment... just sit back and enjoy. I did.
Hit the jump for our impressions.
...these three are real car guys enjoying amazing machines. The Top Gear set is a cool site to behold, but not entirely original. Two older vehicles, clearly used in some sort of challenge, were parked in between a few supercars. Outside of the hanger our eyes quickly focused on a souped-up pickup truck, a handful of high-end sports cars and a few other random vehicles.
Once the audience settled in around the stage, we were greeted by Richard Porter, head writer for the British version. He told us to be patient with this new show because, quite frankly, the first few seasons of the original Top Gear were "total s#*t." He went on to say he was instantly impressed with what Top Gear USA has managed in a very short amount of time.
Up next we got to hear from the three hosts: Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood. Most automotive fans know Tanner, and he plays the straight man of the group. Rutledge Wood covers NASCAR for Speed Channel and is a Southern native. Strangely enough, he seems to prefer foreign project cars (such as the VW diesel pickup he once owned and a 1983 Honda Civic wagon he plans to rebuild). Ferrara is a comedian whose work is most prominently seen on the television show Rescue Me. He came off as quick-witted and managed some pretty good laughs from the crowd, crew and other hosts. The trio has already developed a solid chemistry and were perpetually joking with each other when the cameras weren't rolling. More importantly, they're not trying to mimic the roles of Clarkson, May and Hammond. All three have their own personalities, which came through loud and clear during off-camera discussions and interactions with the audience, including a few pokes at whoever parked a Prius in the lot outside.
The reviews are highly-stylized and the result is pure automotive pornography. The American version has all the elements that we love so much with the original Top Gear. The reviews are highly-stylized and the result is pure automotive pornography. But more importantly, these three are real car guys enjoying amazing machines. Besides the usual supercar fun, the show features ridiculous challenges which produce equally ridiculous results and lots of laughs. Having signed my life away, I can't divulge what I saw them doing, but some aspects should be familiar to longtime fans while other elements are totally new. And of course, the Stig is there as well, showing celebrities how to handle the track in a Suzuki SX4.
People were quick to bash the idea of a Top Gear USA when the show was first announced, and while we understand the knee-jerk reaction (particularly after seeing the detritus shoveled out by Russian and Australia), this Americanized show shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. There's room for two top-notch automotive entertainment shows, and while the British version will always be number one in my heart, I'll completely embrace Top Gear USA on the History Channel with open arms when it airs at the end of November.
Second Opinion:
Many people have developed strikingly strong opinions about Top Gear USA – even before the first episode hits the screen. Interested in digesting the show on my own, I joined Jeff and attended the taping at the old El Toro airfield in Southern California. After five hours, I left impressed.
Like Jeff, I signed a wicked NDA, so all I can report is that the show is fast-paced, interesting and there's solid chemistry among the three hosts (who seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company as they pulled pranks on each other during taping and when the cameras were off). The vehicles in the spotlight will appeal to both hardcore enthusiasts and those who are more interested in the various automotive antics dreamt up by the show's production team (most original and a few we've seen before). While there's plenty of humor, most of it comes at the expense of one of the hosts – often through the destruction of something mechanical.
Top Gear USA mirrors many aspects of the original show, and it's very entertaining, but as expected, this isn't the original Top Gear. The new show is American and we have our own unique perspectives and odd senses of humor. That said, don't hold your breath waiting for a witty Clarkson comment... just sit back and enjoy. I did.
#357
So about 1 month to go before the start.
#358
Punk Rocker
At least we'll have a sort of life boat here to get us through to the January (I hope) return of the real TG. Still, this doesn't look too bad....
#360
So they're still 1 season behind?