We are just a few days away from the big premiere of the new version of Top Gear. The new team of hosts, co-hosts and the Stig have all been busy promoting the series over the last several weeks, and the BBC has released plenty of fun footage related to the new show. Recently, Matt LeBlanc spoke out about joining Top Gear, his love of cars and even exactly what he feels about all of the Top Gear changes that are coming. Here’s what he had to say in a recent interview:
I would say, is it the same Top Gear? No. Those guys are gone. We’re here now, and we’re going to do the best job we can. We’re not them, they’re not us. Will it be better? Will it be worse? It’ll be different, but it’ll still have that same feel, it’ll still have elements of the old show present. But if you only want to watch Top Gear-Jeremy Clarkson, then it’s probably not for you. That question almost answers itself in that sense. I’m not him, he’s not me.
Obviously, the BBC has gone to a major effort to make sure the new edition of Top Gear isn’t exactly like the old. In fact, instead of three dudes being chummy, there is now a cast with 7 individuals at the forefront. Chris Evans was the first person cast for the new version, but then the show added LeBlanc, Sabine Schmitz, Rory Reid, Chris Harris, Eddie Jordan and, of course, The Stig. The new lineup is being called The Magnificent Seven. It gives a lofty name to a group that will hopefully continue to be a prominent on the BBC series.
Matt LeBlanc went on to elaborate to Vulture that he really does think what he and the rest of the team are doing works.
From what I’ve seen so far, the show’s working. It’s entertaining. If you want to be entertained with a car show, I think it’s a good show. [But] it’s not Chris and I doing Jeremy Clarkson impressions.
It hasn't been the easiest road to production. Reports have mentioned there has been behind-the-scenes drama; then again, thanks to Jeremy Clarkson's antics there was often drama on the last amalgamation of Top Gear, too. Obviously, it's far too soon to tell if the new Top Gear will be a hit. However, Matt LeBlanc is proving there is at least one person who is excited about the brand new episodes.
Hopefully with the new gang on board, they won’t get “stuck in second gear.” Someone had to. New episodes of Top Gear will start airing on Monday, May 30 at 9 p.m. ET, followed by an after show. You can find out when other TV premieres are happening with our summer premiere schedule.
