Despite Mass Criticism, The First Episode Of ‘New’ Top Gear Was Officially A Hit
It’s pretty clear from the reactions on our live discussion that most of you guys didn’t really take to the first episode of new Top Gear. In fact, the poll we ran yesterday revealed that a whopping 24 per cent of you scored the episode as a 1 out of 10…
Twitter seemed full to the brim with complaints, too, while reviews have been less than favourable. However, in terms of raw numbers, the first episode was actually a hit.
The new Top Gear is a hit. OFFICIALLY. 23 % audience share. 12% MORE than the opening episode of the last series. These are the FACTS.;— achrisevans
Top Gear audience grew throughout the hour. FACT. Won its slot. FACT. Still number one on i Player. FACT. These are THE FACTS folks.;— achrisevans
In a series of Tweets, host Chris Evans revealed that the show enjoyed a massive 23 per cent audience share, representing a 12 per cent increase on the first episode of series 22 when the show was still presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
Top Gear i Player views now at 1.1 million. Rock n roll ! Thank you. Team and channel totally thrilled.;— achrisevans
The caveat here is that the intrigue surrounding just what the show would be like in the post-Clarkson era will have no doubt fuelled the apparent popularity; the acid test will be the figures for the second and third episodes. However, it seems people weren’t switching off, because the audience actually grew throughout the airing. Evans also revealed this morning that iPlayer views have topped one million.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
He sounds like a vegan arguing about how the world is ending because of mcdonalds.
Could it be that people tuned in to confirm that it is a train wreck? I don’t have BBC so I didn’t watch it but that’s exactly what I would’ve done
Let’s talk about this in week four……. Wonder what the % will be then…. Fact
I guess those people who watched it just want to see whether the show is as good as what they said it will be. For me, It’s not what I’m looking for. It’s not bad but it could be better because what I saw last weekend it’s just like an updated version of the old format. If they show something more original, I think the new Top Gear will be better.
Methinks he doth protest too much.
I cant upvote this post due to Cris Evans face being in here.
The only reason it got so high numbers was to see if ‘new’ Top Gear is any good. Surely it’ll garner a whole lot less viewers next episode
The only thing redeeming was Matt’s Ariel Nomad review, which looked and felt like it was from the same zip code as the great era before. The live audience segment was by far the worst thing about it with Chris Evans shouting and prancing around like a moron and overall just feels like a cheap knock off. I miss the paused measured voice of Clarkson that goes with the theme song and of course the boys doing what they do best. Chris Evans must be axed and the show will improve ten fold !
Where can you watch new episodes of “New” Top Gear?
Oh, and also was Matt LeBlanc in the first episode as well?