Verdict on Top Gear America?

[onewhippedpuppy]

So they're into season 4 now. Do you watch it?

[GH85Carrera]

I watch it but none of your poll statments fits my opinion.

It is tolerable, with occasional interesting tidbits. Way better than any canned laughter sit-com on regular TV. I put it on for background noise when I am on the computer at home.

[romad]

absolute crap, .....just a lame car stunt show with talentless arseclown hosts .....I find myself stopping at it just because its labeled TOP GEAR ,and then realizing its the American version run screaming from the room........BBC Top Gear should sue for defamation.

How does this show survive and Adam Corrolle's show not?

[onewhippedpuppy]

"I put it on for background noise" didn't occur to me as a poll choice.

[BReif61]

The few times I've watched it, it has just been "American-ized" versions of the UK Top Gear's challenges. And it only seems to be challenges.

Now, granted, the Alaska episode was unique and enjoyable. But that has been an outlier.

[M.D. Holloway]

I like it. Both shows are pretty funny in different ways.

[72doug2,2S]

I have pretty strong feelings on this. I really wish the American entertainment industry would get it's head out of its arse and work on something original.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Personally I see it as a bad facsimile of Top Gear UK. If I had never even heard of the original I might find it somewhat amusing, though the lack of chemistry and likability of the hosts is hard to overcome. Who in the hell chose those guys? They aren't funny, they lack personality, and two of three don't really even seem to know cars. Nobody on a car show should ever utter the phrase "corners like it's on rails" except as a punch line.

However, as a huge fan of TG UK it just feels like a total rip-off. They do the exact same challenges from the UK version, they do the same jokes as the UK version, it's the same show just poorly duplicated. If they were able to infuse some originality, both in plot and in the hosts, I would probably watch it.

[Z-man]

Much of the 'chemistry' between the three stars on Top Gear USA is blaringly forced, while the interaction between the Hampster, Clarkson, and Captain Slow appears to be genuine. Top Gear UK has a chemistry that can only happen over time.

Top Gear UK mentality seems to be: "Let's come up with a stupid idea and make it work!"

Top Gear USA mentailty seems to be: "This stupid idea is going to take a lot of work..."

My 2 pence,
-Z-man.

[sammyg2]

If there's nuthin else on i watch it but doan go out of my way fer it.

Tanner's a deek.

[porsche4life]

I don't have cable so I made an effort to watch the first two seasons. It's ok and if it's on in the hotel I'll watch. God knows it's better than duck dynasty or the other BS. But I won't go out of my way to see it.

[Nostril Cheese]

It still sucks.

[matt711]

I watched a recent episode on full size trucks, seems like the first one that isnt a copy of a previous UK episode. I enjoyed it.

They have a German Top Gear as well.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

I have pretty strong feelings on this. I really wish the American entertainment industry would get it's head out of its arse and work on something original.

^^^THIS!!!!!

And I didn't vote because I didn't watch either... saw a few episodes of the BBC version... it was amusing but nothing I would go out of my way for. I do like motorweek but it is kinda dry.

[aschen]

It is not good. I don't really like the challenges on the UK show either, but at least they have some good technical tidbits and the stig laps. TG usa took the worst bits of the UK show to copy.

THe most eggregious thing is the selection of hosts. You could have picked any 3 of my car friends to do a better job than those guys. They arnt funny and their "hijinks" are forced.

[ckelly78z]

I truly enjoy UK top gear, the merican version is tolerable on a boring rainy night, but otherwise............not.