Top Gear switches NZ networks

Auckland-based MediaWorks’ channel TV3 has poached motoring show Top Gear from rival New Zealand free-to-air broadcaster Prime TV.

Top Gear

Season 22 of the BBC’s long-running factual entertainment series, preceded by a two-part Patagonia special that aired recently in the UK, will premiere on TV3 in February.

Top Gear had been a mainstay of Prime’s schedule since 2003. Prime has been owned by Kiwi satcaster Sky TV since 2006.

The long-term deal between MediaWorks and BBC Worldwide Australia New Zealand includes forthcoming Top Gear specials and the Top Gear US series.

TV3’s director of programming Mark Caulton said: “Top Gear is an iconic television series that is hugely popular with audiences all around the world. We’re tremendously excited about its arrival at TV3.”