Top Gear revs up in China

Chris Evans (centre) alongside Matt LeBlanc and ‘The Stig’

China’s Shanghai Media Group has picked up a package of Top Gear rights from BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) totalling just under 360 hours.

The deal, secured by Shanghai Media Group subsidiary Shanghai Oriental Pearl, will see the episodes launch exclusively on BesTV IPTV platforms in China.

The package includes the 24th season of the BBC2 series, which will launch soon, as well as the entire UK back-catalogue, including specials. Five seasons of Top Gear USA and six of Top Gear Korea are also included, along with both runs of Top Gear China.

Top Gear will continue to be fronted by former Friends star Matt LeBlanc despite rapidly declining ratings for season 23, which was the first since previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left following Clarkson’s infamous altercation with a producer.

Chris Evans, who was originally brought in to front the show, left after one season of a three season deal. Clarkson, Hammond and May, meanwhile, broke records on Amazon with the launch of their new show The Grand Tour last month.

The China deal continues the recent partnership between the commercial arm of the BBC and Shanghai Media Group. The two are coproducing Earth: One Amazing Day (working title) to be launched in 2017 and previously worked together to bring Sherlock: The Abominable Bride to theatres in China.

BesTV is China’s largest IPTV provider with 26 million subscribers.