Top Gear USA Revisited

Well, we're two episodes into the third season, and I was curious what everyone thinks. Good? Bad? Have you changed your original opinion? Do you even watch?

I thought the first season was darn near unwatchable. The second season was definitely an improvement, but still had a loooong way to go. So far season three doesn't seem too bad. This may be because Top Gear UK was delayed until January to make room for the Olympics and I'm just in need of a fix. I still think Rutledge Wood is the only real keeper. I found Tanner to be slightly less irritating, and Adam (even though he seems to have no connection to cars at all what-so-ever) fun to watch.

What are your thoughts?

I haven't seen this season yet, may be the answer you were looking for right there. I'm looking forward to a new show on Velocity Channel, 5th Gear. Looks to be a similar format, hopefully better executed.

mike

I haven't seen any of the new episodes either... and missed most of the last season as well... Not for any personal reason - I haven't watched much of any TV other than Netflix lately. I was starting to like it as the hosts started to grow into their rolls and got more comfortable making scripted stuff feel less so.

5th Gear is not new. It's been on British TV for years (a bunch of season are on Netflix) Sort of a cross between Top Gear and Motorweek, IMO, and not quite as good. Unless there's going to be some US version, but that doesn't seem to be the Velocity way (mostly edited versions of British shows).

I've watched just about every episode (DVR FTW!). The guys were pretty stiff in the first series and have improved over time, but still aren't great. But that's OK, it is about cars and it's entertaining, what more could you want? Still better than just about any other show about cars on US television, including Adam Carolla's abortive attempt. The only other show that I make sure to see every episode is Chasing Classic Cars.

I avoid comparing it with the UK version. After all, it is never going to compare favorably with the best show about cars-- in the woooorld.

The show sucks compared to the UK version. Partly because an american show will nnever say anything negatiive about any product in fear of angering the industry.

That said, it sucks somewhat less than the other car shows that can all be summed up by the phrases:

"Time is running out" Tempers are flaring"

Didn't know they had started up again. Will have to look it up on the interwebs. I like the show.

Found the first season a total waste of time and probably won't bother with the second one on that basis. Why bother when the real thing is available from the UK and there is no comparison?:

wspohn wrote: Why bother when the real thing is available from the UK and there is no comparison?:

Meh. The UK version did this a long time ago