14 DAY TRIAL // In an effort to appeal more to audiences across the channel, the BBC is preparing an all-French version of their very popular TV series that focuses on cars, Top Gear. The new show is going to retain the format of the English version but it's going to get new presenters, French of course, as well as some new twists aimed at the French population.
The show will be airing on the local TV channel RMC Decouverte, which has already broadcast the US and UK versions of the show. The release date, according to Digital Spy, is going to be sometime in 2015.
Adam Waddell, the Director of Entertainment Brands over at BBC Worldwide, is quoted as saying that “The French have some amazing roads and incredible scenery which is why Top Gear UK has often filmed there.”
“Now French petrol heads are going to have their own version of the programme and I have no doubt that the hosts will bring their own personality and sense of humour to the new show. I can't wait to watch it develop,” he added, giving the impression that he has a lot of hope that the show is going to pick up in France as well.
Top Gear was recently named the most popular factual TV show in the world and has lots of local versions with different presenters. South Korea and USA were among the first to get their own version of the show, and a Chinese version is already in the works, scheduled to come out next year.
With all the scandals surrounding presenter Jeremy Clarkson in the past year, maybe BBC are trying to move some of their eggs in different baskets, just in case Clarkson does get fired for making racial or offensive comments on air.