Top Gear enters Season 15 with “decade’s greatest” title
January 6th, 2010 Posted in Top Gear
UPDATE 7 June: The boys will be back on UK screens from 27 June.
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Top Gear, fresh off the back of its fourteenth season, has just been named the “Greatest TV Show of the Noughties”. This news is the culmination of a poll run by Channel 4 in the UK, the results of which will air on British television screens next week.
Richard Hammond, one of Top Gear’s star trio, said, “I could never say what the reason is for Top Gear doing so well since we started it, but I think there’s always a sense that we’d still be doing it even if the cameras weren’t here and that makes it real.”
Of course, BBC2 first broadcast the original format of Top Gear back in the late 1970s. However, while it enjoyed a stellar run of some 24 years, at the start of the 2000s the show was cancelled. This paved the way for the emergence of Fifth Gear on Channel Five. But it wasn’t long until the BBC relaunched Top Gear with the current format running since 2002.
Series 14 has attracted some criticism and the program’s long time Executive Producer, Andy Wilman, felt the need defend the show’s direction posting comments on the Top Gear website.
Going into Series 15, then, Top Gear faces its toughest test in some time. Will the baggage of the decade’s greatest title add to the burden of recent criticism, or will it spur the production team on to bigger and better things? While I do think Top Gear will finish before it makes a twentieth season, I do expect that Season 15 will rectify some of the wrongs committed in recent series. Wilman and his trusty trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are no mugs, they will put things right.
We shall find out later this year when Season 15 goes to air. If it wasn’t for the 2010 FIFA World Cup I would nominate 19 June as the premiere date, however, the football may mean an early start in May with a hiatus before recommencing in July. This is what BBC did with Season 8 so as to avoid clashing with Germany 2006.
[Source: The Press Association]
82 Responses to “Top Gear enters Season 15 with “decade’s greatest” title”
By Aaron on Jan 20, 2010
Can’t wait for Season 15 to start. Should be back mid year. Looks like we missed the SLS review promised in Season 14 too.
By Walid on Feb 15, 2010
What a giant moron to criticise Top Gear. Seriously if you don’t like the show because you’re a p*ssy, don’t f**king watch it or don’t b*tch about it if you do.
By Mr Stubby on Feb 15, 2010
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahaha
By patrick on Feb 16, 2010
yes i cant wait for the 15 series! i hope top gear keeps going forever! top gear is the best, no im sorry but it’s only the best car program in the world! I a big fan of top gear and i always will
By Random Dude on Feb 18, 2010
Seriously.. as much crap as other shows get away with *couth*southpark*cough*, Im sure that Top gear will easily glide over the stupid criticisms of people who cant take a joke.
By james77 on Feb 23, 2010
hey love the show cant wait heres an idea 4 season 15 i see you been to every continent in your specials except 1 australia
By Rj001 on Feb 27, 2010
I totally agree with the person above my comment, although i do live in britain i totally think they should tackle australia, i mean they did the north pole, america, africa, south america and asia… anyone agree they should an australian special?
By A Person on Feb 28, 2010
No u guys have it all wrong. THEY NEED TO COME TO CANADA. In particular Vancouver and B.C.
By The Stig on Mar 1, 2010
I am easily confused by ducks!
By Jeremy Clarkson on Mar 1, 2010
The problem, with Australia, is that we would never get our Stig, through customs. The reason, for this, is, that he would breed like bunnies, and destroy the, precious eco-something, in the world!
By Jeremy Clarkson on Mar 1, 2010
or was that “with” bunnies?
By S. Flo on Mar 2, 2010
Have a drive on Trollstigen, Norway. Narrow road down a steep mountainside with tight turns. It’s completely , a 100% safe!
Jeremy, it’s a dare. You don’t want to say no to a dare, do you?
By BasqueTopGearFan on Mar 2, 2010
I really love that program!! it´s the best car program I´ve ever seen in my life!! I can´t wait for the new season!! I think you should make a basque country special, here there are really beatiful routes by the sea and mountain and much more interesting things…
By Tyler Miller on Mar 5, 2010
I strongly think that Top Gear is one of the most entertaining shows on TV! It’s mix of comedy, shenanigans, with some factual reviews is a great combination! I’m in Canada and it is hard to find on TV/Satellite but I watch it whenever I can and own a couple seasons on DVD! Keep the great show coming! You are all excellent as TV personalities.
By Brandon Ayers on Mar 6, 2010
I absolutely think the show is brilliant! I live in the states and would rather break my hand than watch anything here other than Top Gear( already have in fact)! I know there are a few times that the show has come over and it can’t seem to find any real reason to give us good reviews…but there is one place near my home that I believe the trio would come to over and over again. It is called the Tail of the Dragon, also known as US 129.It resides in a place called Deal’s Gap,Tennessee. At 318 turns in 11 miles there is no other place like it around here. It attracts many events and car clubs from all over the country. I think the trio and even the Stig would find it amazing. Please guys look it up and I think you would be impressed! Keep up the good and I am looking forward to season 15!!!
By brian wheeler on Mar 7, 2010
may i make a suggestion. since most of your viewers of top gear are at the age of 15-30 years old. i think you should make an episode, where the challenge is about tuning or moding a japanese car. you know street cars. because i never saw a single episode on you 3 lots doing a challenge that was meant for the age of 15-30(execpt the ep:2 in series 13). or maybe do a series. on which the episodes are duly noted by the fans requests on the internet.
By KG GT500 on Mar 7, 2010
I love Top Gear. It’s just too funny. They show what cars really are. Not just appliances, but part of peoples’ lives, and things that people can love and adore. They should come to Canada for a road trip episode. Like buy a trio of beaters in vancouver and try to make it to the east coast. It would be quite entertaining I’m sure….especially if tried during winter hahaha
By Dimitar on Mar 8, 2010
Top Gear is simply the best car show ever…
Greetings from Top Gear fans in Macedonia
By ang moh on Mar 8, 2010
Top Gear should come to [my country] because we have [a good road] and they could buy three [random crap cars] and drive from [one end] to [the other end] and do [a random challenge] on the way.
IT WOULD BE AMAZING AND HILARIOUS!!!!1
Please bring your show to Jeremy Clarkson - I know you’re reading this blog and make all the decisions!
By Liam on Mar 8, 2010
Indeed mr moh!
By ang moh on Mar 8, 2010
That’s Mr Ang, to you.
By FazzPowell on Mar 9, 2010
Top Gear is the best show in the U.S. as well, there’s humor, cars, talk show, competition…it has it all. Jay Leno would have wrecked it. The Miami to New Orleans episode got me hooked for life. Unlike American reality television, Top Gear has amazing shooting and editing production values and the guys totally natural timing and improve talent. The lengths they go for music clearance is also amazing. Keep up the great work guys… on all continents.
By Someone on Mar 10, 2010
Top gear should buy 3 £1000 cars and go on a treasure hunt around London. Jeremy would use a car and James and Richard would use public transport. Each group would be given (X) clues, each groups in different places which in turn would lead them (somewhere), the finishing point.
By Someone on Mar 10, 2010
Oops, sorry! Change above to jeremy would choose a car of his choice while the other two use public transport. (forget the 3 £1000 cars)
By Steve-O on Mar 13, 2010
I think Cuba would be a great choice! It’s no North Pole, but it would certainly piss off those embargo-loving arsewipes, whoever they are.
By Topgearfaneurope on Mar 14, 2010
I have fell in love with top gear…..
i love the way the show is, the way the guys comment the cars and the funny challenges and music and…… its all great .
but i am really worried…. does somebody know or think if top gear is going to continue after season 15? and make more then season 20? i hope they go on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!! i love u topgear!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Danny140986 on Mar 14, 2010
i suspect the show will continue as long as all 3 presenters are willing to keep doing it, once one of them is either unable to continue, or no longer wishes to continue then i suspect that’s when it will be axed
By Danny140986 on Mar 14, 2010
prime example was when hammond had that bad accident, they suspended the show and said it would be axed if he either didn’t make it or no longer want to continue making the show, i wouldn’t be the same if any of them were no longer doing it
By Ben Young on Mar 14, 2010
The world will never see production values of such a standard again. Keep it up as long as you can guys! As for an Australian challenge. HEll yeah! There’s so many options. Go hard accross the centre of our great country, bush mechanic style. Personally I think the best option would be up the north east coast from cairns to Bamanga (the very tip of queensland) and then somehow get them selves across a little bit of water to Horn island. Tropical jungle driving, soft, soft beach sand driving, ‘colourfil’ locals and MANY opportunities for ambitious rubbishness. Should be a great episode.. get to work, guys.
By Bixbysays on Mar 15, 2010
I believe i would like to see the intrepid explorers make it over that live volcano in chile, even if they needed oxygen masks for themselves and their cars. And perhaps a paramedic team.
By Michael on Mar 19, 2010
You should come back to the states and go through the smokie mountains in Tennessee. Scenic drives - crazy curves and then come to Louisville and race at CHurchill downs. James could bring Oz and they could do the bourban trail in Bardstown since they have done wine and beer
By Putin on Mar 22, 2010
Top Gear is the best show on television! Possibly one of the most popular shows in the world! They should come to Russia and make a trip across the largest and the most mysterious and unknown part of the world. However, no matter where they go, I am convinced that it would be great!
By bobb on Mar 23, 2010
If top gear were canceled, some american company would hire them all (clarkson, may, hamond) and just keep shooting it. Seriously, with an established fan base its a guaranteed money generator… and who could say no to that? even if ratings were down, comparatively, they are still profitable.
By Brook on Mar 24, 2010
“They will put things right”…??? The show is brilliant and I hope they don’t change a damn thing!
By jack on Apr 19, 2010
i think that top gear shoud come to oz and do a trip from adelade to darwin in three cars thay got for like $2000
By matt on Apr 25, 2010
shut up if u dont like top gear y r u commentin or even on da website go away nd get a life
By matt on Apr 25, 2010
o soz i was readin da 1 at da top nd faught dat was da l8test oops
By James May on Apr 25, 2010
Never let it be said Top Gear fans can’t put sentence together…
By cardio on Apr 29, 2010
I Agree, Top Gear is simply the best car show ever…
Greetings from Top Gear fans in Viseu - Portugal
By SSC AERO on May 6, 2010
PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE! Test the SSC aero, It’s been the worlds fastest car for three years now. Lets get a better look at it. They clam the new one can do 270mph. thats at least worth a test. Stop hating the Americans cause they built a Bad A@# car.
By Hector on May 7, 2010
i hope top gear lasts as long as i’m alive…
i know that stig will live forever. but jeremy and james will prob need to be frozen a couple of months a yr. as for richard, he doesn’t grow anyway, so it doesn’t matter 
By Saad on May 10, 2010
i can see where the critism comes from in season 14. in the first few programs they basically spent all of their money and the rest of the programs were basically boring. i love top gear but season 14 is a downsde. cant wait for season 15. just imagine all the new cars that’ll be tested. the audi r8 spyder, the new gallardo, camaro, mustang, and so much more. i would say 2010 is the year of cars
By The Stig on May 10, 2010
Top Gear is by far the greatest show on EARTH.. these retard media groups that criticise the show should take a look at the numbers- 350 MILLION viewers worldwide… obviously, they are doing something right. I would pay to see Clarkson take a 4×4 and run it straight thru the cubicles these morons criticize from. He could roll down the window while he’s plowing over a desk and yell “UP YOUR’S COMMIES!” while flippin em the bird. HAHAHAHAHAAH but they need more episodes per season. 7 is not enough. i want 45 per season. at least. TG OWNS ALL!
By One-Eyed-Jacks on May 14, 2010
Thouroghly enjoyable show, my personal favorite. Unfortunately there’re a lot of political pressures being put on the auto industry, most of it pure politics mixing with bad science…You know, phoney climate research and class envy. The American version is due out sometime this year, I question it’s ability to counter all this as well as the influence from the sponsors, which include a lot of car advertisers, to give honest reviews. Plus they’ll be trying to push a lot of this green technology nonsense. I am not optimistic on the new American show.
By theswede on May 14, 2010
Hey, what’s this thing about guys who drive Toyota Prius’ being gay? When did THat get started? (fyi - I drive an H2)
By One-Eyed-Jacks on May 14, 2010
PS -
I’d vote for an Australia tour too!
If it weren’t for all the spiders….
By TG Fan on May 17, 2010
Huge fan of Top Gear. Next time you do a challenge you should totally come to Canada.
By Marko on May 19, 2010
TOP GEAR is the best show in the world! I have 1 idea for the show: Adriatic sea- amphibious car attacks again. Grettings from Croatia!
By Irish jack on May 19, 2010
Top gear is the best show ever i think the 3 lads are briliant but jezza is the man love to meet u man ur 1 ov funniest men on tv..
By Godhatesme on May 25, 2010
I love the show even though I’m a fat American. I really think they should do the Baja or pikes peak hill climb now that rally has crossed over into those venues.
Its kind of unfair though. The Stig would win on a ten speed bike
By Richie P (Trinidad, WI) on May 28, 2010
Top gear is by far the best automotive show on tv. Excellent balance of humor and stats plus fantastic challenges which really show what the cars can do (Hilux in the Arctic, Range Rover in Bolivia). It also lets the average Joe know what its like to drive a supercar (Veyron!!)
By xkfan on May 28, 2010
to: theswede (may 14 post),
c’mon, guys who drive Prius’s are no more gay than women who drive Subaru’s are lesbians,
oh, wait a minute….
By Richard M on Jun 4, 2010
I continue to enjoy TG every season, I am never disappointed time and time again. One great show after another. Although I havent been that happy about the jabs towards my country(USA), but then again we elected G.W. Bush jr(also know as the biggest idiot on the planet) so I can see why the rest of the world is still pissed at us a bit… all I can say is mea culpa? I am digressing so I should get back to the show. I wish you would bring the Live show to the states but thats ok. Take care guys!
By Bob Jurd on Jun 6, 2010
Looking forward to Series 15 here in Australia. Only hope Channel 9 don’t get the screening rights.
They made a complete balls up of series 14.
Hope SBS get it back.
By Satyajeet on Jun 6, 2010
PLEASE TOP GEAR, COME TO INDIA! Leh Ladakh, Jaisalmer, and so many other places. PLEASE!!
By Michael on Jun 7, 2010
James should be a cable car operater in san francisco he is captain slow after all
By ang moh on Jun 7, 2010
yeah please Top Gear, go to India. I’m dying to see a road test of a Hindustan Ambassador (one with power brakes, so it has “that” sticker on the back)
By David on Jun 8, 2010
I watch Top Gear from series 1 back in 2002 to series 14 and collect all 14 series in DVDs,no one single episodes left,series 15 is on the list,so i could be one of the luckiest Top Gear fans,i just heard some rumors that Top Gear show will end soon because the rating is declining,i just don’t believe that cheap rumors,350 million viewers per episodes answer that,if BBC realy want to end Top Gear series they must be the stupidest tv stations in the world,of course they wouldn’t do it because each new series of Top Gear make them richer and richer.
Hello Jeremy,Richard,James and Stig,don’t forget to add Indonesia on the list for the next challenge episodes,especialy Bali island(the most beautiful island in the world like David Attenborough once said).
All Indonesian Top Gear fans waiting you here
By Liam on Jun 8, 2010
Err, no David. The new series will be on air in a few weeks:
http://www.ausmotive.com/2010/06/07/top-gear-season-15-to-premiere-27-june.html
By Ben T. on Jun 10, 2010
I’ve watched all the series from Season 1 to 14 and this I know: Top Gear is the greatest car show, as Jeremy would say it, in the world! /:)
By Carl Newman on Jun 13, 2010
Having watched this at home in UK since i was a child, and Noel Edmonds had Jeremy Clarksons chair. I have watched Top Gear morph into the program it is today, and i can see it continuing to entertain for years to come “God bless the 3 amigos!”
By Conzy on Jun 13, 2010
Looking forward to s15, though i’d like the boys to compare the difference (fans and atmosphere) between bathurst 1000 (specially top of the mountain) to a proper race meeting like le mans or something. Even though it’s not as bad now on top of the mount, the rest of the world might be surprised
Imagine james may driving up to the top in something like a rolls
By Matt on Jun 13, 2010
yeah, Top Gear definately needs to come to Australia, or at least come to my current home of Dubai again. The cars here are still pretty good!
By Julian on Jun 14, 2010
The only issue with them doing doing a Canada special is that they go 1000 miles to somewhere and you could do that all in one province! No joke though, a Canada special would be epic.
By David on Jun 14, 2010
Can’t wait for series 15 on TVs,after series 15 ended it’s time for collect the DVDs from BBC release and then series 16,series 17,series 18,so on and on and on and on . . .
until The Three Stooges of automotive world retired one day
until 2012 happen,maybe . . . he he . . .
By crobar on Jun 14, 2010
Huzzah!
A NEW SEASON GREAT STUFF!
I am looking forward to it immeasurably!
can’t wait to see the new special, Vietnam, Botswana, Bolivia were all pure gold!
by the way i am happy to be the Kiwi correspondent … and to take my wee austin 1300 round the track!!
By smithy on Jun 15, 2010
I can see why everyone would want TG to come to Australia, but would it be all that different from the Botswana special? Desert, deadly animals and maybe the odd Road Train? Even if they were to go up North, it would be rainforest like the Bolivia one? Canada or Alaska would get my vote. Would like to see BBC TG come do a test of the FPV vs HSV. I didn’t like the Aussie ones so much, perhaps they could do this test on some interesting roads in NZ, down the West Coast of the South Island is awesome fun and you don’t even need to close the road off, just go around some tourists in camper vans!
By Chris on Jun 17, 2010
great cant wait for the new season top gear should come to Canada but id say do a cost to cost … i would even show you around Saskatchewan best time to come would be in late august there is a weekend in that month called Cruz weekend its one of Canada’s largest car shows its a fun weekend…..
By Kate on Jun 19, 2010
Greetings from Australia. Can I just ask - who was the mental giant who took a great show from SBS and gave it to channel 9? With a bit of luck, 9 might see fit to someday show us the entire series 14.
And, yes, we’d love to see the guys in Oz - spiders and deadly animals notwithstanding.
By the way Mr Clarkson - it’s BATHURST (as in BATH not BARTH). Just a minor thing, but we Aussies are a little touchy about things like that!!!!
By Brendan on Jun 21, 2010
Also very excited about season 15, And i hope Top Gear can come to Australia for a special or something because we aussies love the show!!
By john wakker on Jun 22, 2010
top gear gear sucks. i dont see whats good about it. they r always mean to the audience (jeremy). the info about cars is never enough. its just a show with three complete egotistic guys just overpayed for driving expensive cars around for no complete reason. i hope this message of mine is recognized and they make sum changes!!!
By Carlos Amaral on Jun 23, 2010
Mr. John Wakker, you are saying that TG sucks because what? because they amuse the audience with some acctualy humor? I like top gear not only because they talk about cars (for that are many many shows around europe reading the car features out loud while showing some footage of the car) but because they put their personal touch into it.
It’s informative and funny, and they make me have a good laugh now and then.
Thay acctauly evaluate the flaws on supercars, otherwise buyers will choose the most bhp’ed car… and thats just.. wrong!
Anyway, great show. As far as my concern i wont miss one. as for you mr. John if you hate it so much, just turn off the tv and do something productive for all of us
(no offense)
For the TG cast and crew, keep the good job, keep making funny of eachothers, because that is good TV
Greetings from Coimbra, Portugal
By Harish on Jun 23, 2010
I think Carlos has just echoes the general sentiment here. Only an idiot would see top gear to know all the facts about a car. you’ve got a million magazines doing that. and if you are talking about their reviews, agreed they are sometimes biased, but no one else ever tries to see the emotion behind building passionate cars. its not just about the horsepower and the torque. there’s a reason a company makes a specific type of car. its these values and human emotions involved in the design that almost no one else bothers to see.
By Cal on Jun 25, 2010
Love the show guys and would also love to see an Australia special as well as another affordable performance car shootout with the likes of a bmw 135 vs New Golf R vs Audi S3 etc.
Keep up the great work!!!!
By cock on Jun 26, 2010
Cock
By Mr Stubby on Jun 27, 2010
You’re supposed to ask permission to say cock.
By Manfred on Jun 28, 2010
The funniest, wittiest and most entertaining show I have ever seen. To harvest any form of criticism from tunnel visioned and so called “concerned” citizens is beyond comprehension. As said it is the best and I hope the show will continue until….. well for as long as the trio can walk without crutches….and even then NHS chopper or Segway’s might be fun to testdrive too…..the show must go on. Good luck Jeremy, Richard and James
By xc351v on Jul 6, 2010
hell yeah please jeremy, richard, james and of course the stig please come to australia race around mount panarama and tell the knobs at channel nine to give the rights to top gear back to sbs and if yous are feeling generous i would love to race with the stig
By chris b on Jul 12, 2010
Happy to see the 15th season’s here. read they’re doin the camaro tonight, just hope they did a good job on it. and mention that in america it’s probably the best bang for your buck if you want a fast car (98-02)
By Stream Gear on Aug 5, 2010
look now on http://www.stream-gear.com and watch all the episodes of top gear for free
By PC in USA on Aug 18, 2010
When will we be able to watch season 15 in the US?
For some reason BBC America is showing season 5 now. While I love the AM Vanquish as much as anyone they stopped production in 2007 and my satellite company is advertising this as a 2010 episode….ummmmm I don’t think so.
By the stigs aussie cousin on Aug 29, 2010
yeah lets have topgear come 2 australia! luv’en the new series and cant wait till TG aust 3 comes out