Winner of numerous awards including BAFTA, International Emmy Awards, Top Gear is BBC’s piece of pie. It has been broadcasted in various countries like Australia, Ireland, Russia and the United States of America.
After the format of the show was rethought in 2002, it has been slated for a quirkier and more humorous approach. Current presentators include Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Their test driver goes by the name of The Stig. With about 350 million viewers watching the show, a rough idea of its popularity can be given.
The show was to take a bow in 2001 but Jeremy Clarkson along with producer Andy Wilman, pitched a new concept to the BBC and the decision to take it off air was reversed. The new series was broadcasted in 2002.
With its studio located at Dunsfold Park and a business park in Waverley, Surrey, Top Gear indulges its audience with recordings in a hangar and a racing circuit designed by Lotus.
To reduce monotony and perhaps increase viewer ship, the format of the show was changed and a few different segments were added to bring in further excitement. Two additional presentators were added and The Stig, an anonymous driver was made a part of the Top Gear team. New segments such as ‘Star in a reasonably priced car’, ‘The Cool Wall’, ‘Car News’ and ‘Power Laps’ were added.
During the Vampire turbojet drag race, one presentator- Richard Hammond was injured grievously and an announcement that the production of the show was delayed until full recovery was made splashed the print and electronic media. The broadcast of Best of Top Gear was indefinitely postponed as well.
A race to the magnetic north pole from Resolute, Nunavut, Canada was arranged and featured in Top Gear: Polar Special. James May and his co – host, Jeremy Clarkson were shown traveling in a modified Toyota Hilux and Richard was on a dog sledge. A record was also made of reaching the magnetic north pole by car.
Top Gear also participated in charity events and released three episodes titles Stars in Fast Cars, Top Gear of the Pops and Top Ground Gear Force.
Along with the usual information that is given out on cars, Top Gear regularly hosts long distance races and Challenges. These would include dare-devil stunts over buses, cars and the like.
Their segment Star in a reasonably priced car was a hit considering a celebrity was asked to try out a car, interview it and give his best time on the Top Gear Test Track. Ellen MacArthur has set the fastest time in the Liana and Jay Kay set his best in the Lacetti.
With all their praise, Top Gear has been the recipient of some harsh criticism as well. Not providing juicy content and concentrating on the more expensive super cars are just some of the many condemnations that have come their way. It is also brought up on the show by the hosts and often turned into content for witty and quirky comments.
