Here’s Why The Top Gear Trio Is Going To Amazon

There was talk of Netflix, and of ITV gunning for the most wanted trio in the entertainment business. In the end, though, it was Amazon Prime that signed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. So why was that?

Certainly, money had its part to play - the deal is reported to be worth a staggering $250 million after all. But while former producer Andy Wilman - who’ll be joining the three at Amazon - confirmed that the mighty dollar did have something to do with it, he told Broadcast Magazine that the "freedom and a love of quality" on offer were also big draws.

He dubbed it as the "strongest and most intelligent offer," and went on to explain why the ‘freedom’ part is such an important attribute. "Everyone we have talked to has said to us: ‘They leave you alone to make your show.’ That’s a big one for us – we don’t like interference, we don’t need to be policed."

This makes perfect sense. While it’s far from a perfect organisation, the BBC’s publically-funded nature left the makers of Top Gear immune from the unwanted influence of advertisers. If they’d have signed with a conventional broadcaster like ITV (Wilman confirmed that a potential deal with the company was indeed blocked by a contract clause, as previously rumoured), that simply wouldn’t have been possible. The Amazon deal will no doubt leave the team even freer than at the BBC, with no interfering, high-ranking execs to deal with.

So, if - like many TG fans across the world - you’re still miffed that you’ll have to stump up £79 ($99 in the US) to watch Top Gear v2, we reckon it’s a worthwhile expense considering the alternative. And besides, who wants to sit through a bunch of crummy adverts when watching the world’s best motoring show?

Meanwhile, Wilman also dropped a few hints at what we can expect from the new show. While there will still be familar elements like studio segments and international road trips, we can also expect "a new look, new elements, new home." Excited? You should be.

Source: Broadcast Magazine via Holywood Reporter