Jeremy Clarkson suspended

My name is URL wrote: »

People say that as if it's some sort of shocking revelation, when in fact it's the precise reason the show is so popular. It's not a new observation.

The truth is there's no real need for a indepthly informative motoring show these days. Anyone wanting precise technical details of cars has easier access to it now more than ever through the internet.

Top Gear is/was an entertainment show first and foremost. I never watched it because I was overly interested in cars anyway.

You can either love or hate Clarkson, but there's no denying that he and the other two have a great chemistry on screen, and produce something that many people find entertaining.

True enough, but they are has-beens now due to their absence from the screens as a result of Clarksons arrogance and assault.

Confined to some obscure streaming medium their viewership will decline and they will sink into oblivion.

Won't be the same in my opinion.

Sofiztikated wrote: »

You might think that, but Amazon have Prime members numbering "tens of millions" (they don't disclose actual figures) and have spent $1.3 Billion on Instant Video in '14.

BBC iPlayer viewership fell by 72 million after Clarkson got sacked. That's a hell of a lot, for a hasbeen.

Amazon are definitely winners out of this, they'll be able to distribute Instant Video, DVD, and all the other lovely money makers that Top Gear has/had for less, and increase their market share of the On Demand TV streaming. For a lot of people, they'll hear about Prime/Instant Video, and think, "jaysis, what's that? Look, they have Top Gear/Clarkson, May & Hamster go Wild," and see it as a viable alternative to Netflix.

Don't get me wrong, I think the BBC were right to not renew the contract with Clarkson, they had no other choice. But they've lost out on their biggest draw, not some waning show they couldn't wait to get rid off.

Good points there, in fairness, however personally I think they have shot their bolt.

When the new TG on BBC gets up and running with a fresh outlook and team, these lads will look tired and out of date.

Nah Sof, these lads are circling the drain career wise, in my opinion.

Barely There wrote: »

Most of the media I consume is streamed at this stage.
I watch very little terrestrial tv and I'm sure it's the same for many.

Only one way this trend is going, and it's not in the direction of oblivion.

Not referring to the trend Barely, just the outdated TG concept and its former presenters.

BBDBB wrote: »

So you keep saying. I still disagree and stand by the above based on the popularity of the trio/format around the world and the vast sums of revenue that they generated for the bbc. Whatever your personal dislike of the man may tell you I can assure you that the general public have short memories and money talks

That's fair enough comment, however in my opinion, removed from the BBC and its expertise,and moved to an obscure streaming service, coupled with a new modern and less ' angry old mannish' approach from the BBC, this frankly, outdated trio will sink into oblivion, probably trying to produce more 'outrages' to keep their name in the media.

Could very well be wrong, though,as you said, the general public have short memories and at times questionable taste.

Wibbs wrote: »

Eh… even if they were still at the BBC the series would have ended and you'd have to wait for the autumn schedule to come around.

Correct Wibbs,eh,.... well spotted...point of course is that they won't be there for the Autumn Schedule on the BBC.

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

That's fair enough comment, however in my opinion, removed from the BBC and its expertise,and moved to an obscure streaming service, coupled with a new modern and less ' angry old mannish' approach from the BBC, this frankly, outdated trio will sink into oblivion, probably trying to produce more 'outrages' to keep their name in the media.

Could very well be wrong, though,as you said, the general public have short memories and at times questionable taste.

I don't have the exact details to hand but the expertise would be within the production company wouldn't it rather than the bbc? Ie the company set up and run by clarkson and Andy wilman. Between them I reckon they could employ, organise and run a production crew, they've done so around the world in some extreme situations and harsh environments and made award winning, successful TV shows

The way TV is made, distributed and watched has radically changed within our lifetimes and streaming is more likely to be the growing medium. The bbc is becoming more marginalised and less of an important voice in its field. I think it recognises this and is trying to adapt but it's a losing battle

Finally I think it's time you accepted that the world (and we are talking about a world wide audience for this product) is not as enlightened or as sophisticated in its taste as you are. Grumpy old man berating things and driving fast cars with enthusiasm of an 8 year old is without question a popular formula with its worldwide audience and that hasn't changed because a production assistant got a belt in the mouth

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Correct Wibbs,eh,.... well spotted...point of course is that they won't be there for the Autumn Schedule on the BBC.

I highly doubt waiting until next year warrants "gone too long". People underestimate Amazon tv. It might not be as big as Netflix but something that is big is the number of Amazon Prime accounts.

I know a lot of people who are Prime users just for deals and delivery and have never used the tv side of things, they all said they will when the new show comes out. I imagine this will happen a lot with many of the millions of Prime users.

Given the large amount of people on the subscription I imagine the new show will do swimingly viewer wise. Will it be as good? Who knows. It will have a larger budget and audience though, and already a three year contract.

Amazon is also throwing lots of funding into the tv side of Prime. With Woody Allen and Ridley Scott both recently announced as being involved in Amazon exclusive programs/movies.

Anyone thinking that the new show will bomb I don't understand at all. Many old viewers of Clarkson, Hammond and May will watch their new show just to see what its about, not counting old fans.

The new format Top Gear could turn out well too and make some good competition for the new show witht he exiles :pac:

Fleawuss wrote: »

Nor did I present it as such. My next sentence should have made that clear.

I disagree that there isn't a need for an informative show: there is certainly a need for a segment in any motoring show looking at comparable models and particularly the whole electric and hybrid thing now.

Clarksons buffoonery and the ridiculous road trips generate lots of money. But put it in that order.

there is already an informative show. its called Fifth Gear. and its as dull as dishwater.

Adamocovic wrote: »

I highly doubt waiting until next year warrants "gone too long". People underestimate Amazon tv. It might not be as big as Netflix but something that is big is the number of Amazon Prime accounts.

I know a lot of people who are Prime users just for deals and delivery and have never used the tv side of things, they all said they will when the new show comes out. I imagine this will happen a lot with many of the millions of Prime users.

Given the large amount of people on the subscription I imagine the new show will do swimingly viewer wise. Will it be as good? Who knows. It will have a larger budget and audience though, and already a three year contract.

Amazon is also throwing lots of funding into the tv side of Prime. With Woody Allen and Ridley Scott both recently announced as being involved in Amazon exclusive programs/movies.

Anyone thinking that the new show will bomb I don't understand at all. Many old viewers of Clarkson, Hammond and May will watch their new show just to see what its about, not counting old fans.

The new format Top Gear could turn out well too and make some good competition for the new show witht he exiles :pac:

Amazon doesn't strike me as being anything other than conservative.
Doubt they'll let out any content that reflects badly on their reputation,so a sanitised version is quite possible.

ThisRegard wrote: »

I see Oisín Tymon is now suing the BBC and Clarkson for racial discrimination. Hard to see how he'll win this one.

Black boot polish?

Should have sued for straight up assault and lifetime loss of earnings seeing as his careers probably wrecked. I seriously doubt they'll swallow that he was attacked because he was Irish.