About
Top Gear is a BBC education television series about auto vehicle, and is the most widely watched factual television programme in the world. The show is currently presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, and has featured at least three different test drivers known as The Stig. The programme has received acclaim for its visual style and presentation, and criticism for its content and often politically incorrect commentary made by its presenters.
History
Top Gear was first aired in 1977 and been canceled and revive multiple time until, it’s finally revive in 2002 with a new host Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and Jason Dawe (which is later replaced with James May) with a mysterious test driver named The Stig. The new series added a new segment such as: “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car”, “The Cool Wall”, “The News”, “Power Laps”, and other wacky challenges.
Richard Hammond incident
In September 2006, one the host (Richard Hammond) was seriously injured after driving a turbojet named “Vampire”. The show was postponed up until Richard has finally recovered. Richar Hammond was driving at 288mph when a tyre burst. The dragster then skidded and flipped over. Hammond had to be cut free from the wreckage.
Somi Guha law-sued
In March 2014, Indian-born actress Somi Guha sued the BBC for $1.8 million, for a racist term used after building a bridge over the Kok River in the Burma Special. Upon its completion, Clarkson said, “That’s a proud moment, but there’s a slope on it”, and Richard Hammond added, “Yeah, right. It’s definitely higher on that side”. This led to complaints as it is a derogatory term for an Asian person. In April, Top Gear’s executive producer Andy Wilman apologised for the racist remark.
Reception
Criticisms
Top Gear had been criticized for its racist comment, homophobic joke, environment issues, and promoting irresponsible driving.
Impact
Top Gear had spawned a Reddit pages, two different Wiki pages, and a Youtube channel.