The Grand Tour Top Gear

Jeremy, Richard and James sign with Amazon Prime

Well, finally the news we’ve all been waiting for – ex Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have finally signed up to present a new show – with the winner being the streaming provider Amazon.

The trio have signed on for three series of a new unnamed motoring programme for Amazon Prime, with the first season to be made available worldwide in 2016.

Along for the ride is former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman, who also quit the BBC following the boy’s departure post fracas.

In a statement from Amazon, Clarkson said: “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a biplane and into a spaceship.”

Hammond said: “Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant.” And May added: “We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn’t it?”

Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon

Amazon Prime Video EU vice-president Jay Marine said: “Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen. We can’t wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016.”

Rumours have been circulating for months that the boys would take their unique brand of cars and humour to a US based streaming provider, with many predicting Netflix would be the winner. But Amazon is also a smart choice, as they don’t have to bow to pressure from advertisers, particularly American car manufacturers which the boys regularly poke fun at.

Most importantly, it also gets around the clause in the boy’s BBC contracts, which prevented them making a show for a UK broadcaster for two years. The signing of Clarkson & Co. also comes as a shot to the arm of Amazon’s streaming service, as it competes with streaming rivals such as Netflix. Amazon has also signed up Woody Allen to make his first television series; resurrected drama Ripper Street after it was axed by the BBC; and won awards and acclaim for its dark comedy Transparent.

Mr Marine said “Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make. This is just the start, you should expect to see more world-leading talent and the biggest shows on Prime Video.”

Exciting news, wouldn’t you say? We’re waiting with bated breath.

Photo: Emily Clarkson
Photo: Emily Clarkson

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10 comments

Jan-Willem van Soest August 1, 2015 at 11:29 am

One of the things that made top gear have these enormous viewing ratings were due to it being broadcast all around the world,

I am not that familiar with amazon prime, The thing i know is that all of my friends own a TV, and most of them don’t subscribe to amazon prime.

If amazon won’t sell the right to broadcasters than they just won’t become as popular as top gear was.

Sure, The hardcore fans will subscribe or find another way to watch the show, But the viewer who just turns on the tv on a Sunday evening, looking in the guide whats on, And make a selection won;t be watching top gear anymore.

I am from holland, When i turn on the TV, i have all BBC channels, Veronica (commercial dutch channel which broadcast top-gear episodes each friday (multiple in a row) and the belgium Channel also broadcast top gear. It is all over.

Would be smart for amazon to sell the rights to various channels around the world, maybe they can take a few weeks delay with new episode to keep the exclusiveness to see the episodes first on amazon. But if it is amazon prime only, I don’t See it working.

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john July 30, 2015 at 10:33 pm

i read on a news website that jenson button would be one of the new host.

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S July 30, 2015 at 8:14 pm

Happy to see I’ll have something to watch next year. A bit sad to see all the Top Gear stuff gone like:
TTGT, the Stig, TGV12 , HEiR( which was in the first TG episode I ever watched), the Cool wall, the unsustainable Toyota…ans so much more.
I’m not sure about Oliver. Because it’s a part of Top Gear but it’s Hammond’s car, so will we see it.
And will they joke about all the old stuff like Hammond “can’t drive fast on a streat track”?
Oh the memories…

Reply
Sean McKellar July 30, 2015 at 9:33 pm

None of the physical vehicles you mentioned will carry over (Oliver is possible, Hammond owns him) but I have a feeling the banter will remain the same.

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gavkerley July 30, 2015 at 2:40 pm

Cant wait for this i hope this Show will be great and the new Top Gear goes to shit

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the guy with no name July 30, 2015 at 5:34 pm

You and me both mate

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the guy with no name July 30, 2015 at 2:05 pm

This is really annoying as my parents are rather reluctant to get amazon Prime as it’s actually a bit of a rip-off.

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caveman Versace July 30, 2015 at 2:55 pm

go to google type in watch-series-tv. They show all the Amazon and Netflix shows.

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the guy with no name July 30, 2015 at 5:34 pm

Ah, thanks a lot :), will do.

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Scooby July 30, 2015 at 12:17 pm

Brilliant news , roll on 2016! Onwarrrrrrrrdddds

Reply

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