Report: Clarkson, Hammond & May “close” to signing with ITV
If the trio sign with ITV their new show could even go head to head against BBC's revamped Top Gear.
- Published by David Knox
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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May may have a new motoring show on ITV according to a UK article in The Mirror.
If the deal is done the new, unconfirmed show would even air head to head against their former series, Top Gear in an 8pm Sunday timeslot. That would pit Clarkson against new host Chis Evans.
An unnamed source tells the newspaper, “The boys believe with the backing of ITV and a prime-time slot they can easily match, and probably beat, their BBC2 viewing figures.
“The thought of making a show for the BBC’s main rival is very appealing for them.”
But the trio have also been in discussion with a US network, while streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have also been rumoured. Retaining editorial control is said to be pivotal to a new deal.
The final Top Gear episodes with the three hosts aired earlier today in Australia on BBC Knowledge and is repeated tonight at 7:30pm.
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6 Responses
So if all is successful for the boys Clarkson’s former violent behaviour will be all forgotten for ratings success. With Hammond and May being so supportive one wonders about their motivation.
What happened to netflix??
If they went with Netflix, I assume potential of back end revenue earned from International sales would be largely depleted. Top Gear is a big earner for BBC internationally and the guys know it.
If they get commissioned via Netflix, they’ll no doubt take world wide rights and given they’re the enemy of TV networks everywhere, networks would likely pay less than half for a post SVOD window.
Well when you put it like that it makes perfect sense.
But I think they could earn more with netflix plus retain total editorial control. I don’t see them having that control at ITV.
I don’t care what channel they’re on or what time it’s broadcast, just as long as they keep the team together and maintain the essence of what made Top Gear the best show ….. “in the wooorld”!
I’m not sure is having shows competing in the same time slot is such a big deal anymore, with PVRs able to record 2 shows or more at once fans can easily record both and watch them when ever.
That said networks like willing ratings, even the BBC and that’s what gets headlines so if this goes ahead their will be plenty more in the near future.