Here is a spoiler-free "mini-review". Please blame the ever-changing weather and its consequences on your humble servant, not me...
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May do their antics elsewhere. Well, one had to go but the others followed their pal (1). From 2002 to 2015 they brilliantly turned a motoring programme (created in 1977) into one of the most successful brands of the BBC, a worldwide phenomenon. Their secret: under their tenure, Top Gear was actually a lavish sitcom about the adventures of three guys in things with wheels.
Enter English star presenter Chris Evans and American actor Matt LeBlanc (Episodes, Friends), with German professional motor racing driver Sabine Schmitz. The mysterious driver only known as The Stig is still there (they got custody!) Evans has to find his own style within the show but his UK/US pseudo-rivalry with LeBlanc has shades of The Persuaders. Matt LeBlanc seems to have a good time. His presence aboard is a great coup and global markets should adore that.
The new presenters bring some fresh air but the spirit remains the same. Top Gear is entertaining, spectacular and fun as ever. Clarkson, Hammond and May will return on Amazon Video in an upcoming motoring series called The Grand Tour.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj59
(1) Producer Andy Wilman left too.