The Global Drive
An academic exploration of Top Gear's enduring legacy, delving into its evolution, controversies, and cultural significance as the world's most widely broadcast factual television program.
Explore ๐ Show Format ๐บDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Program Overview
A Revitalized Motoring Phenomenon
Top Gear (2002 TV series) emerged as a dynamic revival of the earlier 1977โ2001 British automotive magazine program. Conceived by Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman, it premiered on October 20, 2002, transforming the traditional car review format into an engaging blend of motoring-based challenges, high-speed races, timed laps of notable vehicles, and celebrity guest segments. This innovative approach garnered significant acclaim for its distinctive visual style and presentation, alongside its characteristic humor and the development of its own unique lore, which resonated deeply within both the automotive community and broader popular culture.
Global Reach and Commercial Success
Initially broadcast on BBC Two, Top Gear transitioned to BBC One in 2020, reflecting its escalating popularity. The program achieved remarkable commercial success for the BBC, solidifying its status as a significant element of British popular culture. By 2014, its global footprint extended to 214 territories, establishing it as the world's most widely broadcast factual television program. This widespread appeal also spurred extensive merchandising, including live touring shows, special DVD releases, books, and the development of numerous international adaptations in various countries.
Acclaim and Critique
While celebrated for its entertainment value and innovative format, Top Gear also faced considerable criticism, particularly concerning the controversial nature of some of its content. These critiques often centered on remarks made by the presenting team, which some viewers deemed offensive, as well as allegations of promoting irresponsible driving and ridiculing various groups or environmental issues. Despite these controversies, the show's unique blend of automotive journalism and irreverent entertainment maintained a substantial and dedicated global audience.
Program Evolution
Conception and Early Development
Following the cancellation of the original Top Gear format in December 2001, Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman collaborated to devise a new iteration. Their pitch to the BBC proposed a studio-based format, incorporating a fixed location for car reviews and films, timed laps on a dedicated circuit, the introduction of a silent, anonymous test driver, and celebrity guest segments. The BBC green-lit the project to compete with Channel 5's new motoring show, *Fifth Gear*, which had attracted several former Top Gear presenters. Production commenced in mid-2002 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, where a large aircraft hangar was converted into the show's studio, and Lotus Cars assisted in designing the test track. The initial presenting team included Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and Jason Dawe, with Wilman as executive producer. The concept of the silent test driver, later nicknamed "The Stig" by Wilman, emerged from the difficulty of finding a racing driver adept at on-camera speaking.
Formative Years (2002โ2005)
The first series of the new Top Gear format premiered on October 20, 2002. Early episodes retained some elements from the previous incarnation, such as interviews and viewer letters, while introducing new humorous segments like the recurring destruction of a caravan. After the inaugural series, Jason Dawe was replaced by James May, who, despite initial reluctance, joined the team due to the show's burgeoning popularity. A significant change occurred at the beginning of the third series when Perry McCarthy, the original Stig, was replaced by Ben Collins, marked by a costume change from black to white. Over these initial years, the program's format progressively evolved, emphasizing a unique presentation style, unconventional car reviews, ambitious road trips, and specialized films featuring races and diverse challenges, often involving inexpensive, pre-owned vehicles.
Peak Popularity and Challenges (2006โ2014)
This period marked Top Gear's ascent to considerable global popularity. Despite plans to relocate filming from Dunsfold to Enstone in 2006 being thwarted by local objections, production continued at Dunsfold, leading to a revamped studio set. A major incident occurred on September 20, 2006, when Richard Hammond sustained serious injuries during a high-speed crash in a Vampire turbojet drag car. This accident delayed production but the subsequent episode, featuring footage of the crash, garnered record-breaking ratings for BBC Two. The show also produced its first feature-length special, the *Polar Special* (2007), which saw Clarkson and May become the first to reach the North Magnetic Pole by car. The program's immense popularity led to a 21-year waiting list for studio audience tickets. Feature-length specials, often Christmas-themed road trips with second-hand cars, became a staple. By late 2009, some viewers criticized the show's predictability and over-reliance on stunts, with producer Andy Wilman acknowledging that the presenters were "playing to their TV cartoon characters a bit too much." Nevertheless, a *60 Minutes* special featuring the trio in 2010 attracted 16 million viewers in the US, underscoring its international appeal.
The Original Trio's Departure (2014โ2015)
Towards the end of 2014, the BBC expressed concerns over Jeremy Clarkson's conduct, following incidents such as an un-aired clip featuring a racial slur and an Ofcom ruling against the "Burma Special" for offensive remarks. Clarkson received a "final warning." Further controversy erupted during the *Patagonia Special* when a car's license plate was perceived as a reference to the Falklands War, leading to the team being chased by angry protesters. In March 2015, Clarkson was suspended and subsequently dismissed by the BBC following allegations of verbal and physical abuse against producer Oisin Tymon. This dismissal prompted the departure of co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, along with executive producer Andy Wilman, who stated they would not continue without Clarkson. The trio filmed one final episode, aired in June 2015, before signing a deal with Amazon to create *The Grand Tour*, a new motoring series in a similar vein.
Presenter Rotations and Reboot (2016โ2019)
Following the original trio's exit, the BBC embarked on a search for new hosts. Chris Evans was announced in June 2015, followed by American actor Matt LeBlanc in February 2016. They were joined by a larger team of co-presenters including Eddie Jordan, Chris Harris, Sabine Schmitz, and Rory Reid. The 23rd series, which premiered in May 2016, introduced a revamped studio and a new "Star in a Rally-Cross Car" segment. However, it received mixed reviews, with particular criticism directed at Evans's presentation style and the perceived lack of chemistry. Low viewing figures, partly attributed to competition from the UEFA Euro 2016 championships, led to Evans's resignation in July 2016. Subsequently, Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris, and Rory Reid became the main hosts, and the show underwent a more thorough revamp, returning to elements from earlier series and revising the celebrity segment back to its original format. In May 2018, LeBlanc announced his departure, leading to another reshuffle. Andrew Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness joined Chris Harris for the 27th series in 2019, a lineup that garnered a significantly more positive reception from viewers.
Recent Years and Hiatus (2019โ2023)
The new presenting trio's success led to Top Gear moving to BBC One for its 29th series in 2020. This period saw adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a "drive-in festival" style studio on the runway and the temporary removal of the "Star in a... Car" segment to maintain social distancing. Later, studio segments were recorded outside Television Centre in London without a full audience, and all films were shot within the UK. This revamped format, fronted by Harris, Flintoff, and McGuinness, significantly increased viewership, reaching numbers not seen since the original trio's departure and proving particularly popular with younger demographics. In August 2021, production was announced to transfer to BBC Studios Bristol, though Dunsfold Aerodrome would remain a filming location. However, on December 13, 2022, Freddie Flintoff was seriously injured in an accident during filming at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, necessitating an airlift to the hospital. Following a health and safety investigation, the BBC announced in November 2023 that Top Gear would not return for the "foreseeable future," leaving its future uncertain.
Key Presenters
The Faces of Top Gear
Since its 2002 revival, Top Gear has featured a diverse array of presenters, each contributing to its unique character and evolution. The show's dynamic has often shifted with its hosts, from the long-standing original trio to subsequent lineups that sought to redefine its appeal.
Program Format
Studio and Film Integration
Each episode of Top Gear is structured around a series of segments, seamlessly transitioning between live studio recordings with an audience and pre-recorded films. These films typically constitute the major narrative arcs of an episode, while the studio segments serve as connective tissue or breaks, often featuring discussions, news, and audience interaction. The program's enduring appeal lies in its consistent use of several core segment types throughout its history.
Core Segments
The most frequently featured segments that define the Top Gear experience include:
- Car Reviews: In-depth road-tests assessing various automotive attributes.
- Power Laps: Timed laps of featured cars on the show's dedicated test track.
- Star in a... Car: Celebrity guests attempting a timed lap in a designated vehicle.
- Cool Wall: A humorous segment categorizing cars based on their perceived "coolness."
- Challenges: Presenters engaging in competitive or collaborative motoring tasks.
- Races: Elaborate long-distance competitions, often pitting cars against other forms of transport.
Detailed Segments
Car Reviews: Beyond the Ordinary
A cornerstone of almost every episode, car reviews involve presenters road-testing vehicles, evaluating aspects such as ride quality, speed, handling, practicality, and reliability. These reviews are conducted either on the Top Gear test track or on public roads, both in Britain and internationally. While sometimes focusing on a single model, reviews often compare multiple cars from the same class or feature exotic vehicles, with presenters offering differing opinions. Over time, the program adopted an unconventional approach to reviews, incorporating unusual tests to push vehicles to their limits or highlight unique qualities. Examples include:
- Testing off-road vehicle ride quality by having a passenger receive a tattoo.
- Racing a car through a shopping center against a larger, more powerful vehicle.
- Assigning presenters' mothers to review cars.
- Chauffeuring a VIP to an event to test vehicle comfort.
Some reviews were structured as challenges, such as "Russian Roulette" (reviewing unknown cars with their owners present), operating cars as taxi cabs for a night, or spending 24 hours continuously inside a vehicle.
Power Laps: The Stig's Domain
This segment features a selected car undertaking a timed lap of the Top Gear test track, driven by the enigmatic Stig. Typically following a car review, it includes vehicles from the current episode or special models. For a car to qualify for the official Power Lap Board, it must be roadworthy, use standard road tires, and be able to negotiate a speed bump. Vehicles failing these criteria, such as the Renault F1 car (0:59.0) or the Caparo T1 (1:10.6) for speed bump issues, or the Ferrari FXX (1:10.7) for using slick tires, have their times mentioned but are excluded from the leaderboard. Non-production cars like the Aston Martin DBR9 Le Mans racer are also disallowed.
Star in a... Car: Celebrity Showdowns
A popular recurring segment, this involves a celebrity guest completing a timed lap on the Top Gear test track in a provided car. Following their lap, they join the presenters in the studio for an interview, discussing their automotive history and performance. Their lap time is then recorded on a leaderboard, with abbreviations indicating track conditions. If the primary car was damaged, a backup vehicle would be used. While typically featuring one celebrity, some episodes included two. The segment evolved through several iterations:
- "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" (2002-2015): Celebrities drove an affordable, commercially available car, with a new leaderboard for each car change. Formula 1 drivers were restricted to the first car used for fairness.
- "Star in a Rally-Cross Car" (2016): Introduced during Chris Evans's tenure, this featured celebrities driving a rally-spec Mini Cooper on a modified track with off-road sections and a jump. This format received negative feedback and was subsequently dropped.
- "Star in a Reasonably Fast Car" (2017-2019): This revised format used a faster car and often split the segment into two parts, including a practice run where Chris Harris tutored the celebrity. This segment was eventually dropped in Series 29 due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and did not return.
Challenges: Ingenuity and Absurdity
Every episode of Top Gear has featured challenges, evolving from early novelty stunts (e.g., a bus jumping motorcycles) to more complex scenarios where presenters competed or collaborated to achieve a goal. The tagline "How hard can it be?" often introduced these segments. Challenges typically fall into several categories:
- Cheap Car Challenges: Presenters are given a budget to buy a second-hand car, adhering to specific criteria (e.g., decade, purpose), and then subjected to a series of unknown tasks to test reliability and power, with scores determining a winner.
- Car Creation Challenges: Presenters design and build unique vehicles, such as police cars or hovercrafts, often from a chosen base car. These creations are then tested for their functionality and suitability for their intended purpose. Many of these custom vehicles were later displayed at the World of Top Gear museum.
- Car Sports: Presenters invent and play sports using cars, including football, rugby, and ice hockey. The *Top Gear Winter Olympics* special featured car-based biathlon and downhill slope jumping.
- Specialized Challenges: Unique, often ambitious tasks such as participating in the Britcar 24-hour endurance race, hosting a drive-time radio show, completing roadworks within 24 hours, or producing a televised car advertisement.
Races: The Epic Journeys
A signature element of each series, these "epic" races often covered long distances and were typically edited to create a sense of close competition, regardless of the actual outcome. Categories of races included:
- Car vs. Public Transport: One presenter drives a car while others race using alternative transport (e.g., train, dog sled) to prove a car's speed advantage.
- Novelty Races: A car races against an unusual opponent, such as a marathon runner, a pigeon, or the postal service, often highlighting the car's strengths or weaknesses.
- Cross City Races: A car races against other transport methods across an urban environment.
- Motorsport Races: Racing events featuring vehicles from a specific class, often with professional drivers, leading to intense competition.
- Specialized Races: Races with unique conditions, such as an economy race (reaching a finish line on limited fuel), a comparison between old powerful racing cars and new showroom models, or a 1949-themed race between a car, a steam train, and a motorbike.
The Cool Wall: Subjective Style
Introduced in the first series, "The Cool Wall" was a studio segment where Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond categorized photographs of cars into sections: "Seriously Uncool," "Uncool," "Cool," and "Sub Zero." The segment often involved lively arguments between the presenters and the audience regarding a car's placement. Clarkson frequently based his arguments on whether a car would impress actresses like Kristin Scott Thomas or newsreader Fiona Bruce. A key rule was that any car owned by a presenter was automatically classified as "Seriously Uncool." The criteria for judgment were subjective and not necessarily tied to the car's objective quality. While a frequent feature in early series, it became less common after the original wall was damaged in Series 10 and as the show's budget allowed for more pre-recorded content. The Cool Wall made its final appearance in the last episode of Series 16, though it remained part of the studio set until the end of Series 22 before being removed entirely during studio refurbishment.
Feature Specials
Epic Journeys and Themed Events
Beginning in 2006 with the *Winter Olympics* special, Top Gear frequently produced feature-length special episodes. These often centered around ambitious road trips, typically involving the presenters using a selection of second-hand vehicles and subjecting them to a series of challenges throughout their journey. While most followed this road trip format, the *Polar Special* was a notable exception. Many of these specials were aired as "Christmas Specials," with the final three being split into two parts. These extended episodes became a hallmark of the show, showcasing the presenters' adventures in diverse and challenging environments worldwide.
Global Reach
International Broadcast
The immense popularity of Top Gear extended far beyond the United Kingdom, leading to its broadcast in 214 different territories by the end of 2014. While the often-cited figure of 350 million viewers per week has been deemed "unreliable" by the show's publicist, its widespread distribution underscores its significant global impact. First-run episodes were shown on BBC One (previously BBC Two), with repeats on BBC Three and Dave. All episodes became available on BBC iPlayer in the UK from mid-2021, and select series were also available on Netflix.
International Adaptations
The success of the original British series led to the creation of numerous localized versions, each produced under license from BBC Studios with local teams and presenters. These adaptations aimed to capture the spirit of the original while catering to regional audiences.
Controversies & Disputes
Content-Related Criticisms
Top Gear frequently faced criticism from the public and regulatory bodies like Ofcom regarding its content. Many complaints stemmed from remarks made by the presenting team, which some viewers found offensive. These included comments perceived as ridiculing environmental issues, specific nationalities (Germans, Mexicans, Poles), and allegations of homophobia. The show was also accused of promoting irresponsible driving. For instance, British actor Steve Coogan, a former guest, publicly criticized the presenters' characterizations of Mexicans as lazy, arguing that their offensive humor was "uber-conservative" rather than anti-establishment.
The Tesla Lawsuit
In 2008, Tesla, Inc. provided a car to Top Gear for testing, reportedly mistaking the show's format for a more unbiased review program. Top Gear, known for its entertainment-driven approach, tested the Tesla Roadster as a performance sports car and offered criticisms regarding its use in such a context. Tesla subsequently sued the BBC, alleging unfair criticism and libel, particularly concerning the car's battery range in performance tests versus normal use. Tesla ultimately lost the lawsuit. Years later, in 2025, Jeremy Clarkson published gloating remarks about vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles, stating it was "not funny. But also, it's kinda hilarious. Especially if you're me."
Internal and External Conflicts
Jeremy Clarkson himself was critical of the BBC's management of the program, expressing frustration that the BBC did not take Top Gear seriously and often replaced it with other programming like snooker, despite Top Gear's significantly higher viewing figures. The show also faced severe external backlash. In March 2014, Indian-born actress Somi Guha filed a formal complaint against the BBC for $1.8 million over a racist term used in the "Burma Special," where Clarkson remarked a bridge "had a slope on it," leading to an Ofcom ruling that the BBC had breached broadcasting rules. In May 2014, calls for Clarkson's dismissal arose after an unaired clip surfaced showing him reciting a children's rhyme with a racial slur, which he initially denied but later apologized for when the footage was revealed. The "Patagonia Special" in late 2014 also sparked international controversy when a car's license plate was interpreted as a reference to the 1982 Falklands War, leading to the film crew being chased out of Argentina by angry protesters, though the BBC maintained it was a coincidence.
Post-Clarkson Era Reception
The sacking of Jeremy Clarkson in March 2015, and the subsequent resignations of James May and Richard Hammond, led to widespread criticism of the BBC's handling of the program. The first episode of the subsequent series, hosted by Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, continued to draw significant negative feedback, with many viewers and critics branding it "Flop Gear" and criticizing Evans's presentation style as a "feeble Jeremy Clarkson impression." This period of revolving presenters and format changes struggled to regain the consistent critical and audience acclaim of the original trio's era, highlighting the profound impact of the initial cast on the show's identity and success.
Awards & Recognition
Industry Accolades
Top Gear received significant recognition within the television industry for its innovative format and entertainment value. In November 2005, it won an International Emmy in the Non-Scripted Entertainment category. The program was also nominated for the British Academy Television Awards in the Best Feature category for three consecutive years (2004โ2006), with Jeremy Clarkson also receiving a nomination for Best Entertainment Performance in 2006.
Public and Niche Honors
Beyond critical acclaim, Top Gear resonated strongly with the public, winning the National Television Award for Most Popular Factual Programme in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011. Richard Hammond humorously noted in 2007 that they "really deserved it this year, because he didn't have to crash to get some sympathy votes." In 2010, the show was nominated again but lost to *Loose Women*. The presenters also claimed various niche awards on the program, such as Richard Hammond winning "Best TV Haircut" and James May "Worst," and all three winning *Heat* magazine's "weirdest celebrity crush." The Stig even received an award from the Scouts for "Services to Instruction." In a Channel 4-commissioned survey in 2009, *The Greatest TV Shows of the Noughties*, Top Gear was voted the best program of the decade, surpassing *The Apprentice* and *Doctor Who*.
Car of the Year Awards
At the conclusion of each autumn series, Clarkson, Hammond, and May hosted an award ceremony, presenting accolades for various automotive aspects, some serious and others humorous. The most prestigious award was "Car of the Year," which required a unanimous decision from all three presenters. Additionally, an award was given to the "Cock of the Year" for a presenter's significant mistake during filming, and another recognized the celebrity who drove exceptionally well, regardless of speed.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Top Gear 2002 Tv Series" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- This was the same Range Rover that Freddie was unable to use due to Covid isolation in the Series 31 episode 3 Icelandic Rally Challenge.
- Top Gear shows renamed and rescheduled Speedcafe 1 April 2015
- "BBC under pressure to sack Jeremy Clarkson over N-word claims", The Guardian, 1 May 2014
- "Jeremy Clarkson 'begs forgiveness' over N-word footage" The Guardian, 1 May 2014
- "Top Gear: A vehicle for controversy?", BBC, 2 May 2014
- "BBC refuses to make Top Gear apology over Argentina row" BBC News, 6 November 2014
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional media analysis, automotive engineering, or legal consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs or concerns. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.