IMDb has ranked Top Gear as the best BBC series from 2000 onwards, placing the motoring programme at number one in its Best of the BBC listing.
Revival and presenters
The show, devised by Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman, premiered in 2002 as a revival of the 1977–2001 programme. It expanded on the original car-review format to include challenges, races, timed laps, and celebrity appearances on a special track. Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are among the best-known presenters.
Fan reactions
Viewers have praised the series on IMDb. One called it "hands down the greatest show about cars in the world". Another wrote: "Yes, this show is about cars, but then again it isn't. Mostly it's about extremes of opinion, dreams and fantasies, dares, one-up-man-ship, and taking everything just a little bit further. And it's also entertaining - very entertaining, which is what television is meant to be, and so often is not. I'm not all that interested in cars, and my son doesn't even drive, but we both love the show, and watch it religiously."
Many described it as the "best TV series ever", with one stating: "The best show on TV just keeps getting better." Another added: "While it can be argued that more substantial programmes exist, whether fictional or not, it is certain that Top Gear is an extraordinarily entertaining show with plenty to keep most on their bolsters. This is certainly due to the faithful backing of the BBC, but more importantly, to the three crazed lunatics who host the series."
Streaming availability
Top Gear is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
