I have always enjoyed watching motoring shows and watched Top Gear for many many years, observing it morph into a hugely successful international show. The chemistry between the three main presenters is what binds this show together. The hugely pompous Jeremy Clarkson (Clarkson's Farm) was always seen as the superior of the three but there was no doubt that his co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond bring something special to their roles too.
Viewers loved how these three characters bounced off each other. They were obviously very good friends on and off the screen and this brought something very special to the show. But famously, early in 2015 whilst filming for the new series Jeremy Clarkson reportedly punched a producer of the show. Needless to say, he was sacked and the huge media storm that followed witnessed a display of loyal friendship that surprised everyone. James May (Our Man In Japan) and Richard Hammond loyally stood by their friend Clarkson and they too left the show. The show that had pulled millions of viewers weekly looked like it could be over.
Then when all seemed lost, Amazon approached the trio to discuss signing them up for a contract to make a new series exclusive to Amazon Prime. This genius move was well received by the public and a huge marketing campaign was put in place. The Grand Tour was the eventual choice for the show name. The show was to follow a similar format to the Top Gear show, but Amazon wanted bigger and better. If you know of the old show and what the presenters got up to in that show, well imagine the Amazon Execs giving them a blank cheque and saying off you go.
You can imagine what came next. Pure adrenaline fuelled excess, crazy antics and lots of stars racing cars. There are also heaps of the latest supercars pushed to their limits and all shot in some of the most exotic spots all over the world. Season one, released late in 2016 was met with mixed reviews. It has to be said that the show did seem to be a little too indulgent. The presenters did even more outlandish things than they had ever done before. There are thirteen episodes, each shot in a different country. They even erected huge tents to film the show in places like Finland, Morocco and Dubai.
The Grand Tour Season 2 blasted onto our screens on 3rd December 2017. In my opinion was a little more polished than the first season. Instead of the tent travelling the world, they shot the show at a location very near to Jeremy Clarkson's house – very convenient. That's not to say that there was no traveling. If anything there was more! The opening show had the team driving in the mountains of Switzerland in a selection of supercars that challenges old and new technology. The stars in their cars, included the likes of Keifer Sutherland, David Hasselhoff and Ricky Wilson driving a supercharged Jaguar around a track all trying to be the best. This sets the trend for the next ten episodes that follow which bound along at a tremendous pace.
Now it has to be said that The Grand Tour is not the best show on TV. But that does not mean it is a bad show either. It won't be up for any significant awards, but it was never meant to. It should be taken for what it is. Some would argue that there should be more focus on the cars and provide some more valid reviews of everyday cars instead of supercars that are out of the average persons' financial reach. I have to say, they are missing the point somewhat. The Grand Tour is nothing more than pure fun. Just three blokes having a laugh together and all done in some of the most exotic places on the planet. Season 3 is soon to hit the screens and personally, I can't wait to see what these idiots do in the new series.
