Top Gear revived on BBC America

BBC America has greenlit a new eight-part US version of Top Gear, less than a year after the show was cancelled by A+E Networks’ History channel.

Top Gear America will return with actor William Fichtner, drag racer Antron Brown and British automotive journalist Tom ‘Wookie’ Ford presenting.

The 8×60’ run will premiere later this year and is being made by BBC Worldwide Productions. The first US version of the show aired for six seasons on History between 2010 and 2016.

BBC America is also the US home of the original UK version of the format, which is currently in its 24th season on BBC2.

The show has had a troubled 18 months that began with the BBC opting not to renew host Jeremy Clarkson’s contract after he assaulted a Top Gear producer. Fellow presenters Richard Hammond and James May also subsequently left the show.

Replacement lead presenter Chris Evans lasted just one season on Top Gear amid falling ratings, while the numbers for the latest run, fronted by former Friends star Matt LeBlanc, continue to tank.

Sarah Barnett, president of BBC America, said: “We are big fans of the mix of cars, credibility and charisma that adds up to the winning formula for Top Gear, and couldn’t be happier that BBC America is now the home for the franchise in the US, with Top Gear America joining the original show on our network.

“Bill, Antron and Wookie are serious gearheads who never take themselves too seriously. It will be quite the trip.”