Top Gear is an Emmy award winning automotive show appearing on BBC television. Started in 1977, Top Gear had a major overhaul and relaunch in 2002. The incredibly popular series features three regular hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. The show also employs the skills of “The Stig”, a masked race car driver shrouded in mystery.

Some of the regular features on the show include:

Star in a reasonably priced car- A celebrity races around the Top Gear track in search of the best lap time. Lap times are recorded next to the celebs name on the wall of the studio.

Power Laps- The Stig races a featured car around the track to record the fastest street cars available.

The Cool Wall- Jeremy Clarkson, along with input from the others and the studio audience determine which cars on the market are “Seriously Uncool, Uncool, Cool, or Sub Zero”. Winners and losers are posted on the studio wall.

Challenges- Insane stunts with equally crazy objectives e.g., Cross the English Channel in amphibious car/boats made by the hosts.

Specials- Every so often Top Gear hosts a special episode in which the producers challenge the hosts to a set of objectives. One special having the trio cross Vietnam on motorcycles, to which they oblige.

With its breathtaking videography, crazy stunts, and witty humor it’s really no surprise that the show is popular. The brilliance is that the show is just as popular with people who have no interest in cars.