History parks US Top Gear

Top Gear USA comprises 72 episodes

History in the US has confirmed it is ending its local version of Top Gear, leading the automotive format’s owner BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) to seek a new home for the show.

The programme debuted in 2010 and is produced by BBCWW, the commercial arm of the UK pubcaster, which airs the original UK version and distributes both the format and the finished UK programme.

BBCWW said History had “treated Top Gear USA with great care” and said it was now “exploring new opportunities for the series in the US.”

Co-host Rutledge Wood broke the news via social media yesterday but also suggested the show could have a future with another network.

“I’m not saying Top Gear USA is done, but it’s done for the immediate future on History,” he wrote.

History’s version was fronted by Wood, Adam Ferrar and Tanner Foust and racked up 72 episodes across six seasons. It was originally piloted in the US by Discovery in 2005, before NBC ordered a series in 2008 but subsequently decided not to move forward with the show.

It’s been a turbulent time for BBCWW’s Top Gear brand, which has seen the UK version of the show overhauled by new hosts Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans after the departure of the former presenting team in the aftermath of host Jeremy Clarkson’s assault on a producer.

The BBC2 series has experienced varied ratings and is set to face competition from Clarkson and co.’s new Amazon show, The Grand Tour, which is in the works.