Top Gear Viewing Figures
Discussion
According to this article, http://cars.uk.msn.com/socialvoices/blogpost.aspx?... Top Gear has over 350 million viewers worldwide. Is that just of the UK version, or also of the crappy Ozzie and USA versions?
S3_Graham said:
The same shock article that says Carlson gets paid 3.5 million by the BBC, then in the text says he actually gets paid 500,000 and the rest comes from his stake in the company that sells the rights to top gear round the world, so nothing to do with tax payers...
Not forgetting that the company which sells the rights to Top Gear pays the BBC nearly £3m a year. Top Gear, and by extension Jeremy Clarkson, makes money for the BBC.Another +1 for the USA version, mainly because they all talk about cars with enthusiasm knowing the audience are like-minded about such things.
Much as I enjoy the UK TG, I do find it annoying when Clarkson interrupts May when he's talking about mechanical issues. I really don't think the UK audience (or the TG studio audience for that matter) are as disinterested as Clarkson (or the producers) thinks. Clarkson's TV persona is beginning to wear thin now too - he seems to be recycling jokes and taking controversial stands on various issues for the sake of it. I know I've said it before, but I don't think he's doing petrolheads much good airing his opinions in the way that he does, and it has the effect of rallying and strengthening opposition against us by making it look like we're 'led' by an unreasonable, easy-to-hate extremist.
Much as I enjoy the UK TG, I do find it annoying when Clarkson interrupts May when he's talking about mechanical issues. I really don't think the UK audience (or the TG studio audience for that matter) are as disinterested as Clarkson (or the producers) thinks. Clarkson's TV persona is beginning to wear thin now too - he seems to be recycling jokes and taking controversial stands on various issues for the sake of it. I know I've said it before, but I don't think he's doing petrolheads much good airing his opinions in the way that he does, and it has the effect of rallying and strengthening opposition against us by making it look like we're 'led' by an unreasonable, easy-to-hate extremist.
Haven't seen the Oz version (but I have seen 'Neighbours', so expectations are low) however the USA version is great. It's really come on in the last season and I've really warmed to the three guys who present it. The geeky James May alike bloke Rutledge is very amusing, as is Adam and Foust can really drive.
bennyboydurham said:
Haven't seen the Oz version (but I have seen 'Neighbours', so expectations are low) however the USA version is great. It's really come on in the last season and I've really warmed to the three guys who present it. The geeky James May alike bloke Rutledge is very amusing, as is Adam and Foust can really drive.
I think that's the thing - they come across as the kind of regular blokes you'd meet down the pub who want to talk cars. Of the UK lineup only May seems like this. Hammond (although he is a massive petrolhead) seems more like your typical rent-a-presenter and Clarkson is a walking ego.S3_Graham said:
The same shock article that says Carlson gets paid 3.5 million by the BBC, then in the text says he actually gets paid 500,000 and the rest comes from his stake in the company that sells the rights to top gear round the world, so nothing to do with tax payers...
Basically that yes, he actually puts more money into the BBC than he takes out. By a long long way.Top Gear's viewership has been around 350million worldwide for quite some time and that is the UK version. Keep in mind it's got a strong following in the UK, its shown in America, Australia and most countries to be honest. I think the UK version is even shown in Holland.
I believe Top Gear is also one of the most pirated shows in the World, maybe due to it's worldwide following and the BBC's reluctance to release every full episode on DVD.
I believe Top Gear is also one of the most pirated shows in the World, maybe due to it's worldwide following and the BBC's reluctance to release every full episode on DVD.
Here in the German spoken Contries they are translating it on German which somehow doesn't work.
It's the same If you take a hypersportscar with low profile tires and rock hard syspension and convert it for the UK roads with a comfy air suspension and 85er tires. That wouldn't work either.
It's the same If you take a hypersportscar with low profile tires and rock hard syspension and convert it for the UK roads with a comfy air suspension and 85er tires. That wouldn't work either.
Twincam16 said:
Much as I enjoy the UK TG, I do find it annoying when Clarkson interrupts May when he's talking about mechanical issues. I really don't think the UK audience (or the TG studio audience for that matter) are as disinterested as Clarkson (or the producers) thinks. Clarkson's TV persona is beginning to wear thin now too - he seems to be recycling jokes and taking controversial stands on various issues for the sake of it. I know I've said it before, but I don't think he's doing petrolheads much good airing his opinions in the way that he does, and it has the effect of rallying and strengthening opposition against us by making it look like we're 'led' by an unreasonable, easy-to-hate extremist.
Top Gear's audience is no longer the genuine car enthusiast but rather the entertainment show viewer. Most people tune in to see stuff blow up and them three doing something stupid, but it is sometimes a shame when Clarkson's interruptions of May does weaken a rare serious film. The way the Fisker works for instance was very interesting.Clarkson is a buffoon who doesn't take himself seriously, he says things to get peoples backs up. He knows that for some reason lots of people get very angry when he says something controversial so he keeps doing it. There's a lot of people out there who really hate him (green press mostly) so he sets out to annoy them, knowing they'll essentially give him free air time.
Only the media mongs and the sort of unqualified prat invited onto QT (Street Porter) actually believe Clarkson represents the view of motorists. It's hilarious how terrified they are of him and everything he says because for some reason they think he has genuine influence. After the 'disabled parking space' incident with the EV's, a disability group said if motorists see Clarkson doing it then everybody will do it!!
Certain alarmists really do put too much stock in Clarkson's supposed influence.
Ari said:
No, Clarkson plays the baffoon, and very well. Big difference.
He's clearly a very sharp very intelligent and very creative man at the pinnacle of his profession.
Well yes that's sort of what I meant. He knows he gets peoples backs up so he says things just to get a reaction. He's painted as the thick one but in reality the reactionary media who have a hissy fit whenever he speaks are in fact just puppets on his strings.He's clearly a very sharp very intelligent and very creative man at the pinnacle of his profession.
martin84 said:
Ari said:
No, Clarkson plays the baffoon, and very well. Big difference.
He's clearly a very sharp very intelligent and very creative man at the pinnacle of his profession.
Well yes that's sort of what I meant. He knows he gets peoples backs up so he says things just to get a reaction. He's painted as the thick one but in reality the reactionary media who have a hissy fit whenever he speaks are in fact just puppets on his strings.He's clearly a very sharp very intelligent and very creative man at the pinnacle of his profession.
Gassing Station | TV, Film, Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff