[naveen.raju]

I really hope the cameraman also quit Top Gear . That's one thing keeping the visuals alive. Other than that - It was . Was a disappointing start.

[naveen.raju]

New Top Gear Gets Lukewarm Reception From Critics

So it's the same response everywhere

Although the BBC reports that the show was seen by an average of 4.4 million viewers, being the most watched program in its 20:00 time slot attracting 22.8% of the audience (with Chris Evans boasting the numbers on Twitter), the critics weren’t too kind with it, particularly with the main host.

While Matt LeBlanc’s performance was deemed commendable, Chris Evans’ act was described by TV critic Kevin O'Sullivan as “a feeble Jeremy Clarkson impression”. Basically, the show wasn’t on par with the buildup, copying the old format instead of going in the new direction described by Evans. O'Sullivan went on saying it was “witless” and gave it two out of five stars.

The reactions on social media (#TopGear) were negative towards Evans as well, pinpointing things like his shouting, overzealous “enthusiasm” and interactions with the crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2KNIrC8Ll4

Courtesy - carscoop

[deetjohn]

I haven't watched it yet, but with the noise coming from everywhere it looks like I saved a bit of time and bandwidth.

Here is Jalopnik' detailed review of the first episode: What The Hell, Top Gear?


And the short of it:

Originally Posted by Jalopnik

Obviously no show is perfect, and even old Top Gear had some boring episodes so I’ll reserve judgment for now, but if this episode is any indicator of what’s in store for fans like me, then I’ll be the first to say:

May Top Gear rest in peace, long live The Grand Tour.

BBC should have tried a reboot like what 'Casino Royale' did for the Bond franchise. Cut out the scripted humor and chemistry and go for serious reviews to build a new foundation for the show. You need to give it time to develop rapport between the anchors.

They really do have amazing hosts like Chris Harris to pull it off. Now, he is being wasted. I so hope he can ditch this and return to that brilliant YouTube channel.

[mayankk]

I only saw "Extra gear", for about 20 minutes.
1. Rory Reid : What the hell, man? Reminded me of Roshan Abbas interviewing people at Dilli Haat in the mid/late 90s.
2. Sabine : I could understand her, but can the wider audience, who wont be able to get a handle on her accent?
3. Chris Harris : That lap in the nomad? The most boring commentary I have ever heard. He must be good, bit it does not suit TG. Heck, The Stig said it best when he said nothing at all!
4. Chris Evans : Boy oh Boy! An irritating dummy? Boisterous School boy? Inept presenter? Ahh, forget it. I'll go all out. He was NGT level bad.

As I had said, the format is not the key success feature. It was the format and the three dolts. TG USA, TG Aus, thats why they suck. And suddenly they're not the bottom of the class anymore. Good Job mate!

RIP TG!

The grand tour, I am sure is going to be grand. Because these guys have done independent shows before, and they're pretty awesome.

[Rohit_Quad]

Watched the episode yesterday, and boy was it bad. I mean replacing Jeremy is one thing, but i don't think the Chris is good as an anchor for a motoring show, period. He might be well suited for some lame childish game shows and that's about it. Top Gear UK is now officially off my 'to watch' list. The American host - Blanc was more like the 'Adam Ferrara' of Top Gear Uk. Shabine would be OK as a guest presenter, but on a regular basis, it wouldn't work.

[sajands]

Watched the first episode of TG and went into a mode. Never seen Jeremy, Capt Slow or Hammond jumping around or screaming like Chirs and the Challenge USA vs UK was below average.

Not sure if its a good thing to say what to look out for in the next show, F1 driver JB Star In Reasonably Priced Rally Crossed Car something to watch.

Miss the old trio and hope their new show hits the air soon.

[GrammarNazi]

Utterly poor show. Kills the name it made for itself. Couldn't watch past 30mins, it was THAT bad.

To me, the old show's style was already getting too old. What's worse, they've kept the characters with that same old TG style.

Even if they kept Stig (yes!, with a voice in the background) to host the show with others as guest appearances, it'd have been fine.

Anyway, the trio will be upto some new brilliant stuff to show on Amazon soon.

[Sherlocked]

30 minutes into watching the new Top Gear and I realize how good of a show 'Leepu and Pitbull' is!

[RM Motorsports]

Evans has a tough job following a personality like Clarkson, who had made such a mark hosting Top Gear. He really needs to find his voice. I suspect that is at the root of the problem. Many viewers criticised the show for sticking to the original format too closely, with Evans taking on some of Clarkson’s catch phrases and mannerisms.

Jeremy, Richard [Hammond] and James [May] developed their special relationship over time. That is missing at the moment.

They have been thrown together and expected to have this chemistry. That’s going to take some time to evolve.

[benbsb29]

As most others, i too was quite disappointed with the new TG. Infact, i fell asleep, no kidding!

[kopakabana]

I was waiting for the show. Checked BBC2 schedule, set a reminder, and all. But what a disappointment it was. The USA vs UK challenge was the worst part.
May be because i am so used to see the trio, it is hard to see someone else associated with Top Gear. So although i didn't like it, i am going to watch a few more episodes with very low expectations 😀

[manishk123]

Guys what channel is it airing on in India?

[Aiel]

Originally Posted by manishk123

Guys what channel is it airing on in India?

Manish, it is coming on AXN on Sunday at 9 PM.

[ashwin1224]

AXN will be airing it from 4th of June IIRC

[shortbread]

Chris Evans is such a misfit, atleast on radio one did not have to see his antics. Now BBC management have put on display the worst qualities of Evans in a show that was once their best rated.

Sad to see whats happening with the Top Gear brand!