This thread is for non-fiction TV, including but not limited to reality television (So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef: Masters, Project Runway), documentaries (The History Channel, The Discovery Channel), and sundry (Expedition Africa, Mythbusters), et al. [NAFDA]
Press release about the the American Top Gear:
START YOUR ENGINES!
NBC’S ‘TOP GEAR’ BUCKLES UP ITS HOSTS FOR HIGH-OCTANE PILOT FROM BBC WORLDWIDE AMERICA BASED ON INTERNATIONAL HIT FRANCHISE
BURBANK - June 16, 2008 - Television and radio comedian Adam Carolla, champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust, and TV construction guru Eric Stromer, will lead NBC’s pilot of the international smash hit series “Top Gear.” The production will begin later this week.
Produced by BBC Worldwide America, the U.S. version of the hit franchise will mirror the UK show’s irreverent humor and camaraderie between the three presenters, epic races, outrageous stunts and challenges, unique celebrity guest participation and eccentric methods of testing cars.
"This franchise is a proven winner worldwide and the hosting team of Adam, Tanner and Eric that we have brought together for the U.S. version offers a perfect match of humor, insider know-how and priceless track experience," said Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment. "We are going to create a high-powered show that, like the original, will keep viewers in every demographic clutching the edge of their seats."
“These three guys will get to drive the world’s most amazing cars, go on incredible road trips and blow stuff up. It’s a dirty old job but someone has to do it…why didn’t I get the job?!” said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, TV Sales and Content & Production, BBC Worldwide America.
Jeremy Clarkson, executive producer and host of the UK “Top Gear” said: “This is fantastic news - but how on earth you lot are going to do it on the wrong side of the road I’ve no idea.”
I cannot stand Nipa now. That 2 ingredient spice thing was ridiculous.
I cannot stand Nipa now. That 2 ingredient spice thing was ridiculous.
Especially the way she pulled a Spike and Bogarted all the cayenne pepper in the store.
Oh and Design Star - as amusing as the idea of them building their own house was - it is a bit of a relief that they only had to work with an established space.
I don't know about an American Top Gear--the best part of the British one is the interaction between the three co-hosts, and I can't see them reproducing that with that trio. Who knows, maybe they will, but I doubt it.
I want the show to do well for the sake of my 2009 bonus, but I'm seriously skeptical about Adam Corolla as American Jeremy Clarkson.
Actually, I was rather surprised at how likable Corolla was on a oneshot home makeover show he did for HGTV a year or so ago. And, he's supposedly a big gearhead, so he might be able to convey enthusiasm for the show's topic. Also, I liked Eric Strohmer on Clean Sweep, so that's two out of three I'm familiar with.
I cannot stand Nipa now. That 2 ingredient spice thing was ridiculous.
Are there people to root for? I haven't seen any eps yet and I'm wondering if it could fill my reality tv hole for a bit. (I don't watch the dance shows.)
Well, of the two frontrunners - I like Aaron and Lisa (through her competence) won me over.
We'll see.
I like Carolla, and I think his tendency for a little dickery combined with bombast is like Clarkson. I just hope the show isn't cheaply made.
