Jimjam – it’s never really been about cars. They’ve always done features on cars, still do, but it’s an entertainment programme.
Disagree. Yes it’s an entertainment show/factual entertainment whatever. But it was certainly much more car focused. Check wikipedia if you want. They used to review about 4 cars per show, along with a car based set piece like racing Gee Atherton, or racing a bob sled in the evo rally car etc etc. Thrown into the mix they would have very short silly feature, these have gone on to become the show and they might typically have two cars in potatoes.
I also think people probably underestimate JC as a host. Look at the SIARPC guests he’s interviewed, generally with good humor and a good on screen bonhomie. I mean, not many people could face up to Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz in such a short interview and make it work imo. (Chris Evans being one probably)
Most likely longer interviews cut down. Clarkson’s talk show was absolute car crash tv (pun intended). If you want to see just how bad a host he can be, look it up on youtube.