What Happened to The Grand Tour and Top Gear?
As the final episode of Amazon’s motoring show aired, fans were left with a void. For the first time in years, there was no new episode of The Grand Tour or Top Gear to watch, leaving car enthusiasts in a state of uncertainty.
While there have been gaps in the past without either show, this time feels different. The absence of these iconic car shows has left a noticeable gap in the television landscape. Sure, there are other car shows and videos catering to enthusiasts, including Autocar’s own content. However, these cater more to a specialized audience.
Autocar may hold a niche audience, but Top Gear and The Grand Tour are the ones that capture national attention. They are the shows that reach beyond the typical car enthusiast and engage a broader audience. Without them, the average viewer is left without a mainstream motoring fix.
In a recent podcast with Ben Collins, Andy Wilman, the former producer of both shows, highlighted the importance of Top Gear in reaching an audience that the BBC didn’t fully understand. With both shows on hiatus, the future of mainstream car TV seems uncertain.
Cars play a significant role in people’s lives, with the average Brit spending nearly an hour a day traveling. With cars being a crucial part of daily life, the absence of mainstream car shows is keenly felt. It’s a stark reminder of the impact these shows have on a wider audience.
As we navigate this period without our favorite motoring shows, it raises questions about the future of car TV. Will we see a resurgence of mainstream car content, or are we facing a new era without our beloved shows? Only time will tell.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for The Grand Tour and Top Gear, and hope that car enthusiasts can once again enjoy the thrill of watching their favorite motoring shows.
