why?

[dbskyler]

I just came across an American version of Top Gear. Why does this exist? Just like everyone else, we have the British version of Top Gear. Isn't that all we need? Why do American television executives seem to believe that Americans won't watch TV where people speak with British accents?

Comments

[ghost2.livejournal.com]

The BBC shopped this adaption of Top Gear to the U.S. and I think co-produces it. I'm pretty sure several other countries also air "local" versions. Also, American versions of shows generally do perform better in the U.S. than the original foreign versions of those shows, plus there are the issues of greater creative control and financial benefits.

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

You're right, there are other "local" versions, aren't there? At least, I seem to remember a match-up once between the British Top Gear and the German one, or something like that. It's very definitely licensed by the BBC at least (and probably co-produced), as everything is the same right down to the logo. Except for the hosts, of course. Which I would argue is the best thing about the British version. I certainly found the American hosts boring. But I suppose there's some logic to the idea that an American version can focus on U.S.-based challenges (those could be interesting) and American-made cars (I couldn't care less, but some people might care). But personally, I plan on sticking with the British version.