Top Gear (U.S.) vs Top Gear (U.K)

[Austin]

Gents, I have been a fan of Top Gear (U.K.) for a few years. Whats not to like seeing exotic machines, interesting adventures and likable characters. I have seen two episodes of the U.S. version and can't say I am liking it. Perhaps over time it will develop into a better show. Unfortunately, the U.S. version will not be able to test most of the exotic machines of Europa because of emissions and all that jazz.

What do you gents think?

 

[TEAK]

I am a huge fan of Top Gear UK and have been for several years now. Heck I think at last count I have around 80 hours of it on my DVR.
I was apprehensive to say the least about the US version and having watched both episodes that have aired several times now I can confirm that uneasyness.
The boys from the UK genuinely come across as enjoying their jobs and getting along as friends when the cameras are off. Just listen to the way they talk when driving, the way they describe the machines and the way they react. I know I might sound like I am talking about an Alpha but they put soul and passion into the show.
The US boys just seem like three guys that are reading from a script and dont want to say anything derogatory about the car because it might mess up advertising. I personally would have rather seen them get three regular guys who are actually gearheads to host the show.
Maybe in time it will get better but I will not be holding my breath.

 

[bob.e]

Everytime America adopts any show from the bbc they mess it up just once they came close . . . with Life On Mars but screwed up the ending

 

[Legion]

Think yourself lucky you never had to watch Top gear Australia.

 

[julian0808]

Alas the US is a serial offender when it comes to adopting programmes from the UK and adapting them for their own audience. Look at that all time favourite, 'The Office'. The list goes on (and downhill rapidly) from there. If any of you are in anyt doubt, pick up a copy of 'their' GQ and pick up a copy of the 'Limey' version. The Brits sail very close to the wind with nudity, offensive material and offending people (which is what sells).

 

[AL3X]

I second the remark about Top Gear Australia.... not so good....

I've been watching the UK one for many many years, and to be honest, I'm not going to even attempt watching the US one. I did the same thing with CSI... I could be missing out but it's takes a while to warm up to new characters.

 

[ImaWestie]

Think yourself lucky you never had to watch Top gear Australia.

I used to think the yanks knew how to destroy the best of the BBC, then I watched a few episodes of this.

Although, doing laps in a ute was OK, the rest was... cultural cringe overdone.

 

[ddstb]

Again the US market tries to take something successful and ruins it. Most of the television in our home is BBC America or a channel that runs BBC programs. It really is amazing the quality of the shows versus what we get here. The US version of Top Gear will become another programming blunder.

 

[Luc]

Think yourself lucky you never had to watch Top gear Australia.

+1

Can't do it.

 

[herbnerd]

And this was after I explained about Top Gear and about a UK/Indian comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar.

Turns out he knew both very well and was a big fan of both!

 

[-dave-]

Think yourself lucky you never had to watch Top gear Australia.

agreed, first 2 seasons were crap, however the current season's pretty good i reckon.
I have all aus and uk on the computer, never seen the us version

 

[RF1963]

Think yourself lucky you never had to watch Top gear Australia.

I watched one episode, it was a shocker!

 

[Pebcak]

I haven't seen the US version but from what I've read on other forums don't bother watching it is the general thought.

 

[huntmol]

Top Gear UK > Top Gear US

 

[Telecaster52]

Top Gear UK > Top Gear US

Top Gear AU > Top Gear US

 

[pz93c]

It's not.... bad.

I am hoping the chemistry develops between the hosts and I do enjoy seeing cars I can get over here.

 

[Slick Rick]

I watched the first two US episodes and that's it. I would rather watch UK re-runs. Sad because I really like the show.

 

[Nishnabotna]

I've never understood why, if there is a popular show in another country, the US broadcasters won't just buy the broadcast rights to the already produced and already popular show instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. I mean, it's already "right".

 

[Sal]

Watched it, not the best, but better than I anticipated.

For all the naysayers here who love the UK version, go back and watch the first few seasons of it. It was pretty bad as well, but got better with age. Hopefully the US version will come into its own.

 

[kingthursday]

the uk version is awesome have like 30 episodes on the dvr
the us version is kissing a cousin, it looks good but it is so wrong