Who Should Take the Wheel of the Next Top Gear Reboot? Readers Weigh In

When Amazon Prime rolled out the latest season of The Grand Tour without Clarkson, Hammond and May, the automotive world took a collective breath. Some were relieved, others a little uneasy, but everyone agreed the change would be a talking point for weeks.

Meanwhile, the BBC has quietly confirmed that it is dusting off its own legendary programme, Top Gear, for another reboot. The original trio is officially out of the picture, which means the network needs fresh personalities to fill some very large shoes.

We asked the Jalopnik community to shout out who they think belongs behind the mic and behind the wheel. The responses came in hot, loud, and, honestly, a bit chaotic – exactly the kind of thing you expect when you hand a group of gearheads a microphone.

Let Top Gear die – a surprisingly vocal camp argues that the show should be retired altogether. One commenter summed it up nicely: “If you can’t beat the original, just stop trying.” The sentiment is rooted in nostalgia, but it also acknowledges how hard it is to match the chemistry of the old crew.

Open auditions were another popular idea. Some readers picture a talent show where hopefuls demonstrate their ability to argue over a supercar while drinking coffee in a bunker. The catch? Many fear it would just become a parade of people trying to imitate the old trio.

On the more… eccentric side, a handful of fans suggested Doug DeMuro as the lead, noting his YouTube fame and willingness to showcase absurdly expensive rides. One writer quipped, “He’ll talk about a $500k Ferrari like it’s a sensible family car.”

Surprisingly, the legendary British comedian Rowan Atkinson popped up in a few replies. One enthusiast argued his track‑day experience and penchant for slapstick could bring a fresh comedic angle, provided he could find co‑hosts who would keep up with his timing.

More grounded suggestions focused on genuine car nerds. Names like Chris Harris, Jason Camissa and Marc “Elvis” Priestly were tossed around as the ideal blend of expertise and humor. A reader summed it up: “Every time they add a middling comedian, the show feels ‘meh’; give us the real gearheads.”

Across the pond, some called for a U.S.‑styled lineup, naming Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood. Opinions on that trio were mixed – Ferrara was “fine,” Foust “came across as an asshole,” but Wood earned a nod for his genuine enthusiasm.

Finally, a few fans advocated bringing back the real‑life stunt driver Ben Collins. His YouTube channel proves he can be both technically proficient and entertainingly goofy, making him a solid candidate to anchor a new era.

All in all, the poll shows no clear consensus, but it does highlight what people value: authenticity, chemistry, and a dash of humor. Whether the BBC rebrands the show or sticks with the Top Gear name, the next hosts will have to earn the audience’s trust on their own terms, not merely by standing in the shadows of Clarkson, Hammond and May.