Amazon has today, officially announced that former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are reuniting to create an all-new car show, exclusively for Amazon Prime. The show will be produced by the trio’s long time executive producer Andy Wilman.
On working with Amazon, Jeremy Clarkson said, “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship.”
I'm very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with .@AmazonVideo
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 30, 2015
The first show will go into production shortly and arrive exclusively on Amazon Prime in 2016.
This is a big move for Amazon, as streaming services are becoming increasingly popular, Amazon and other content providers are fighting for a share of the market but are finding if difficult to compete against rival giants like Netflix.
It was previously rumoured that the trio had signed with Netflix or ITV, though it was clearly Amazon Prime that made the three amigos the most appealing offer.
Good news! I've got a job with @AmazonVideoUK. Bad news! So have the other two. #AmazonPrime #ItSaysHere
— James May (@MrJamesMay) July 30, 2015
The question now will be, how many fans follow the this new show?
With the old Top Gear, anyone could watch it (providing you had a TV licence of course) and the BBC broadcast and sold the rights to Top Gear all across the world.
Will Amazon Prime’s reach be great enough to touch the huge fan base Top Gear generated over the years, or will this new platform limit the potential audience of the show?
A major problem streaming services currently have to deal with is the illegal sharing of ‘exclusive shows’, and I can certainly see that being an issue with ‘Drive’, due to the overwhelming popularity of Jeremy, Richard and James.
Another question fans will be asking is whether or not the new show, that’s set for Amazon prime, will follow the same format as the old Top Gear?
I've got a job I've got a job I've got a job.
Haircut, clean jeans and practice driving again. Forrrrwaaaaaaaard!!— Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) July 30, 2015
The reason Top Gear was so popular was due to how it was made, the entertaining element made it appealing to a much wider audience. It will be interesting to see if ‘Drive’ will follow on from this and be an entertainment show with cars or a more car focused programme.
The format the show will take and how many people will tune in are questions yet to be answered but one thing is certain, the fans will be glad to see the trio back once again on their screens (let’s just hope Clarkson doesn’t punch anyone this time).