Netflix is eyeing some more original content from the UK. The streaming service is reportedly competing with British television network ITV, and possibly even Hulu, to sign the three former Top Gear hosts for a new season of the cancelled BBC show.
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson was fired from his position back in March 2015 when he physically attacked a show producer. The BBC temporarily cancelled Top Gear as it sorted through the mess, but over a month later the series’ executive producer Andy Wilman and two remaining hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, all said they wouldn’t be returning.
Eventually, the BBC decided to bring back Top Gear with a new host, British radio and TV personality Chris Evans. And ITV, Netflix, and Hulu want in on whatever new version of Top Gear Clarkson, May, Hammond, and Wilson want to bring to the table to compete with the BBC’s reincarnated show. Variety notes WME is likely helping to advise the three original hosts on where to go next.
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Variety also reports Netflix may have put in a “sizable offer” of multiple seasons to pick up the show. The streaming platform already carries episodes of Top Gear dating back to 2011. Plus, having new, original seasons of the British car-driven show aligns with Netflix’s global expansion plans and its foray into the UK market with original series The Queen.
Hulu also has rights to Top Gear, with that streaming platform’s deal involving episodes all the way back to 2003. But ITV is a more recognizable name overseas if Clarkson, May, and Hammond wanted to play to their native country of England, as well as other European countries. And Hulu hasn’t expanded into nearly as many global regions as Netflix has reached.
We’ll have to see where the next Top Gear finally ends up parking.
