Overall the concept of the show doesn't try to break the mold or give us anything different from what we are used to while watching Top Gear. Top Gear USA's version of star in a reasonably priced car has had the name changed to Big Star, Small Car. A supercar is still driven the the Top Gear Test Track with The Stig behind the wheel and the concept races that we all know and love from Top Gear UK are still present.
That being said the first episode of Top Gear USA seemed a bit mechanical and forced. Once again the show is hosted by three people. This time the host consist of Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood. The host overall did a decent job but, the delivery definitely needs work. Voice overs during segments sound flat and boring. There were some entertaining moments throughout the show. One that stands out to me the most is when Adam and Rutledge both beat Tanner during the mile-run while they each had Lamborgini's.
Parts of the show that really needs some work and polishing are the interviews and voice over segments. The first interview of the season was with Buzz Aldrin and after a brief discussion of his flight to space, they went into the list of cars that he drove. Nothing during the interview really stood out to me. I could have just pictured some joke about Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong fighting over who would be the first man to step foot on the moon or something similar. The brief point of speaking about the space flight was slightly entertaining but, once the discussion got the the cars it was forgettable. Voice overs both during the lap races and and other segments also need work. The speaking just doesn't seem to catch the viewers attention and leaves the viewer wishing for more.
The original Top Gear is entertaining, funny, and the host do a great job of keeping the viewer interested. The show is about cars but, I know several people who are not car nuts but, enjoy watching the show due to the entertainment value. Once I even left the room while the show was on but, my mom continued watching and I heard her laughing at the antics of the host.
If Top Gear USA is to not simply survive but, thrive on the History Channel it needs to be entertaining. Top Gear is a hit show because it is first and foremost entertaining. Shows about cars come and go but, most of them don't become as popular as Top Gear because they lack the entertainment value. I am looking forward to Top Gear USA becoming an entertaining show that appeals to the American audience.
