Top Gear (2002 TV series)

Top Gear (2002 TV series)
Show name	Top Gear
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Num series	22 (original run with Clarkson, Hammond, May)
Executive producer	Andy Wilman
Network	BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC One
First aired	20 October 2002
Last aired	ongoing (revivals and spin-offs)

Top Gear (2002 TV series) is a British television programme about automobiles, motoring and popular culture presented in a magazine and studio format. The series combined studio segments, filmed reviews and celebrity challenges to reach audiences across the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, India and China. It featured high-profile presenters, large-scale stunts, international film crews and studio audiences at venues such as Dunsfold Aerodrome and attracted attention from broadcasters including the BBC and distributors like BBC Worldwide.

Format and Presenters

The programme used a three-part format: studio segments with presenter banter, filmed car reviews on test tracks, and cinematic challenges filmed on location in countries like Argentina, Namibia, Vietnam and Mongolia. Primary presenters included Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, supported by test drivers and contributors such as The Stig, Chris Harris and producers like Andy Wilman. Guest appearances featured celebrities from Formula One, NASCAR, World Rally Championship, and entertainment figures including Matt LeBlanc, Rowan Atkinson, Elton John, Madonna and Usain Bolt. The test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome hosted timed laps by drivers such as Tiff Needell, Sabine Schmitz and Paddy McGuinness and showcased vehicles from manufacturers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.

Production and Broadcast History

Originally conceived by producers from BBC Bristol and executive produced by Andy Wilman, the relaunched programme evolved from earlier iterations associated with the BBC and presenters like Angela Rippon and Tiff Needell. The 2002 relaunch premiered on BBC Two with later slots on BBC Three and BBC One and international distribution through BBC Worldwide deals with networks such as Discovery Channel, History Channel affiliates and streaming platforms including Netflix and regional broadcasters like SBS (Australia). Production involved filming units operating in countries including Spain, Italy, France, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Japan, with post-production at studios connected to Pinewood Studios-era facilities and technical teams experienced with high-speed cinematography from companies like Arri and Panavision.

Episodes and Special Features

Episodes combined short film reviews, head-to-head road tests, and long-form specials such as biennial road trips and endurance challenges across continents like Africa, South America and Asia. Notable specials included journeys evoking themes linked to events such as Tour de France stages, expeditions resembling The Silk Road routes, and stunts referencing James Bond sequences filmed with cars from Aston Martin and Lotus. The show produced segments tied to franchises and personalities like Top Gear: The Races guesting Sir Stirling Moss references, celebrity "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" laps involving actors from Doctor Who, Coronation Street, EastEnders and musicians from Coldplay and Oasis, plus charity specials for organisations such as Comic Relief and Sport Relief.

Reception and Impact

The programme attained high viewing figures in the United Kingdom and international markets, influencing public perceptions of brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Citroën and Renault and impacting sales trends tracked by industry bodies like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It earned awards and nominations from broadcasters such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and critics from publications like The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times and Autocar. The show's format inspired licensed versions and adaptations seen in markets represented by broadcasters including BBC America, Channel Nine (Australia), Zee TV (India) and prompted academic study in media departments at institutions like Oxford University, Cambridge University and London School of Economics.

Controversies and Criticism

Several segments provoked controversy involving diplomatic complaints, regulator investigations by bodies such as the Office of Communications and public disputes featuring figures like Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Incidents included a filmed special that triggered protests in Argentina and complaints to the BBC Trust over editorial standards. The programme faced criticism from environmental groups including Greenpeace and commentators from The Independent and The New York Times regarding representations of emissions, cultural sensitivity, and presenter conduct, culminating in high-profile disputes that affected contracts with entities such as Toyota and insurers like Aviva.

International Versions and Merchandise

The franchise spawned international adaptations and licensed productions in territories including China Central Television, SBS (Australia), PPTV (China) partnerships and locally produced spin-offs hosted by personalities from Top Gear Australia, Top Gear USA and Top Gear Korea. Merchandise and tie-ins encompassed books published by houses such as BBC Books and Ebury Press, DVDs released by distributors like 2 Entertain, video games developed by studios including Codemasters and apparel collaborations with retailers such as Topshop and specialty firms associated with motorsport licensing. The brand extended into live tours, festivals and exhibitions partnering with venues like Silverstone Circuit and automotive shows such as the Geneva Motor Show and Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Category:British television series Category:Automotive television series Category:BBC television shows