Matt LeBlanc announced as Top Gear co-presenter

[HorneyMX5]

r11co said:

This is desperate. My assessment of the situation when Chris Evans took over is that he would twist and turn at a whim, push every gimmick that takes his interest and have no clear direction.

Nuff said.

Matt LeBlanc - he's a good guy but has zero experience in factual TV presenting. This sounds like one of those 'wouldn't it be good if....' decisions that came out during a brainstorming session and no-one had the nerve (or the experience to say) 'nice idea, but...'.

On the flip side I've heard through a few people who have worked with him in the automotive sector saying he is knowledgeable, a huge petrol head and very engaging. This is people working with him at several prestige and performance brands.

[CRB14]

It'll be car crash TV (pun intended). People, myself included, won't stand for an american on TG. Knowledge or not he just doesn't suit.

I wonder if they'll introduce canned laughter...

[Challo]

CRB14 said:

It'll be car crash TV (pun intended). People, myself included, won't stand for an american on TG. Knowledge or not he just doesn't suit.

I wonder if they'll introduce canned laughter...

Best getting writing to Points of View to show your disgust.

[Europa1]

morgrp said:

CaptainSlow said:

I always thought they should ask Guy Martin.

There is no way Guy would ever agree to do it

Someone bit on the hook.

[anonymous-user]

CRB14 said:

It'll be car crash TV (pun intended). People, myself included, won't stand for an american on TG. Knowledge or not he just doesn't suit.

I wonder if they'll introduce canned laughter...

Better tell the BBC you won't stand for it!

It's a new programme why are you suddenly deciding what does or "doesn't suit"?

[simundo777]

oh dear

[DuckAvenger]

vtecyo said:

Top Gear is dead.

and it's buried in Amazon

[BJG1]

CRB14 said:

It'll be car crash TV (pun intended). People, myself included, won't stand for an american on TG. Knowledge or not he just doesn't suit.

I wonder if they'll introduce canned laughter...

OMG not an American!!!!!!!!

Get a life.

[Debaser]

New Top Gear is sounding more and more promising, I think Matt LeBlanc is a great addition.

[WestyCarl]

r11co said:

Matt LeBlanc - he's a good guy but has zero experience in factual TV presenting.

Edited by r11co on Thursday 4th February 11:43

TG hasn't been factual TV for about 10yrs

[mikebradford]

Regardless of the general negativity, i always get the impression Matt is a decent guy.
So would hope he adds a slightly different dynamic.

Out of Evans and LeBlanc, my gut feeling is it will be more likely Evans making me turn the channel off.

[DuckAvenger]

CRB14 said:

It'll be car crash TV (pun intended). People, myself included, won't stand for an american on TG. Knowledge or not he just doesn't suit.

I wonder if they'll introduce canned laughter...

They did that already
https://www.reddit.com/r/TopGear/comments/25g6kw/i...

[cullenster]

I think he will be a good addition. People criticising his appointment based on his previous career, let's not forget he has more experience than either Hammond or May had when they started.

His various appearances on chat shows, and indeed on Top Gear, mark him out as a charismatic, enthusiastic guy. Plus, I'm sure TG are not above using his 'American-ness' to score some xenophobic cheap shots, just like the old Top Gear!

[griffsomething]

I thought Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz were confirmed last year?!

[405dogvan]

vtecyo said:

Top Gear is dead.

People said that when the BBC binned it and Tiff/Vicki headed-over to Fifth Gear - then it kinda got better.

Moreover, it stopped being a show about cars and became a show people who don't like cars watched - and that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the BBC are hoping not to fk-up

and to be frank, I think they have as-much chance as Clarkson/Hammond/May have - people expect more from them and I think they'll struggle.

[Mr_B]

He comes across as a interesting guy in various interviews I've seen him in, not too serious and a guy who likes his cars. I think some are getting a bit too caught up in his most famous role and don't want to see beyond that.

[ukaskew]

griffsomething said:

I thought Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz were confirmed last year?!

By the Daily Mail.

Would love to dredge up some of the comments when James May first appeared on Top Gear. If I remember correctly people were not at all kind.

[IrishAsal]

griffsomething said:

I thought Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz were confirmed last year?!

Just bring back the original cast sans Clarkson and it'd be a great show. Even as a little boy I loathed Clarkson and always relished when Tiff or Wilson were on board.

I think Harris is the best motoring journalist working today (and to be honest, probably ever, I just enjoyed motoring journalism more when I was a kid). Stick VBH on top and I'd actually watch TG again.

[RemaL]

when I first read this my feels are that it might be funny to have him on. lets wait and see

[Durzel]

I'm cautiously optimistic.

It won't be the Top Gear we're used to, but it never would've been with any new cast that wasn't specifically trying to act a specific way. People seem to be assuming that the new show has to be a simulacrum of the outgoing one, when it could just be another show. Lest we forget that Top Gear has already been "rebooted" in the past.

I reckon give it a chance.. having a rebooted Top Gear doesn't subtract from anything that was previously broadcast or watchable on Dave, iPlayer, etc. And Jezza and co. are on Amazon.