Like many, I like Top Gear, but rather than keeping the formal fresh, it’s become predictable and a bit staid. There hasn’t been much effort to improve it, other than a few tweaks around the edges.

In December, Andy Wilman, Executive Producer, said:


It needs a kick up the arse, and the removal of at least one of the regular presenters.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_(current_format)

It's been on the wane for the last two series at least IMO. There are some very funny moments but quite often it's just too obvious it's all to script.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. They need to reduce the "hi-jinks" to maybe 1/3 of the show, and spend the rest of the time doing more thorough reviews/test drives. Some of the earlier challenges weren't too bad but they could have done something really useful if they had improved them. Like the one about 17-year-olds and the best first car. IMO they should have looked at small hatchbacks ~£2-3k, rather than the stuff they did. It would have been more useful.

I would prefer something along the lines of:

- motoring news
- a "special vehicle" review (could be something like the latest Merc or even a Lambo)
- guest star/track
- car shootout or similar, eg best high-end saloon, so they can test Merc/Audi/BMW etc of similar prices and specs. Or perhaps a comparison of the latest SUVs, or the cheapest Pacific Rim cars.
- some kind of motoring top tip
- Stig test track of the "special vehicle"

Basically just things which are less "out there" and more applicable. Doesn't mean they can't do a wacky thing every 3-4 episodes (so twice a series) but just don't want to see it every episode.

I remember previous episodes lasted thirty minutes. In that time, I learn what traction control was, how to control skids, best use of brakes in different situations etc. With the recent weather, it would have been nice to have done a bit on how to drive cars in the snow, given that the majority of the population had no idea.

It's been meh for too many seasons. It hasn't just happened recently.

I'd be quite happy for both Richard and James to leave as I find their individual programmes to be of far better quality and infinitely more interesting than Top Gear.

Mark

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Especially James. His Saturday Telegraph column also makes for a good read.

Frankly I think Hamster needs to get his marching orders.

He's just too annoying and there can only be room for one Clarkson-esque ignorant buffoon.

+1
I used to really like Hammond. I guess I still do, just not the way he presents the show these days.
They should do one more series, go out with a big big bang, then leave it for five or six years, give people time to miss it, then make a new one.
To aid that, they should stop the Dave reruns.

I agree. James Mays other programs are certainly good enough. Though Clarkson does work well with the Hamster. Though who to replace them? It is still the best motoring show on the planet. The Americans are jealous.

Yes the Dave reruns are going to make it a problem. Though there may be some problems to get out of that contract.

I’d agree on that too. Apart from that red ball jumping thing Hammond does.

I don't mind the three presenters at all, what I really have a problem with is scripting everything for maximum 'laughs' to hide the fact the budget has been drastically reduced

There's no doubt it needs to be revamped, and quick... Tbh I wouldn't care if they just sat there and genuinely argued amongst themselves, it would still be better than watching them 'acting'

+1 for their other programmes

I disagree with that. It's the best blokes-larking-about-with-cars show on the planet.

I think that the weekly format should be dropped in favour of about 4 or 6 specials over the course of a year.
Do this for a few years and then see what the market's like for returning back to a limited run of weekly shows.

Mark

Good call! I didn't expect it from you though! (8-p)

Fixed

Thanks Edd.

Mark