Coming to the MotorTrend streaming app in the spring of 2020 will be the newest incarnation of Top Gear America. Previous attempts at capturing the lightning in a bottle that is the dream team of Clarkson, Hammond, and May have fallen flat on American viewers, though the last attempt, featuring all-around fast guy Tanner Foust, did last four seasons.
MotorTrend made the announcement via its website on Tuesday, December 3. “After an exhaustive search, we’re proud to announce the hosts of Top Gear America, coming exclusively to the MotorTrend app in spring 2020: Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry, and Jethro Bovingdon. Or, as they tell it: two comedians, a guy who’s actually British … and the Stig.”
The Stig needs no introduction to returning Top Gear fans. Shepard is a well-known actor from successful series such as Parenthood, The Ranch, and Bless This Mess (but equally well known for being married to Kristen Bell); Corddry is a comedian, Daily Show correspondent, and actor from movies like Hot Tub Time Machine; and Bovingdon is a U.K.-based automotive journalist, vehicle tester, and occasional participant (and record-setter) in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race.
It remains to be seen if the American audience will find this program, let alone allow the hosts to grow and find that necessary chemistry the original hosts had. The rather rough history of previous attempts at bringing Top Gear to the states suggests that it will not be easy. This time, under the steaming service from MotorTrend, if they are patient enough, there could be a good chance that these three could become staples to the gearheads of America.
Top Gear is a popular British motoring show that features reviews of automobiles, wild automotive adventures, races, and improbable situations. First shown on BBC Television in the United Kingdom in 1977, it was the 2002 reboot that made the show a must-see for car enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.
To view the new Top Gear America you must subscribe to the MotorTrend app, where the show will be streaming. Subscriptions are $5 per month or $50 annually. There is currently a special for a full year for only $12, but that offer is for new subscribers only.