The Grand Tour roared onto screens in 2016, captivating car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike with its blend of automotive adventures, irreverent humor, and the undeniable chemistry of its hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. This Amazon Prime Video series emerged as a spiritual successor to the iconic Top Gear, carrying forward the legacy of three presenters who redefined car shows. Over nearly a decade, The Grand Tour delivered thrilling road trips, absurd challenges, and heartfelt moments, cementing its place in television history. Although the original trio concluded their journey in 2024, the show continues to evolve with new specials and formats in 2025, sparking excitement among fans. This article dives into the show’s origins, its evolution, recent developments, and what lies ahead, offering a comprehensive look at a cultural phenomenon that refuses to hit the brakes.
The Birth of The Grand Tour
A New Chapter After Top Gear
The Grand Tour traces its roots to a dramatic exit from BBC’s Top Gear in 2015. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, who had transformed Top Gear into a global sensation, faced a turning point when Clarkson’s contract ended after a publicized incident. Rather than parting ways, the trio, alongside producer Andy Wilman, seized the opportunity to create something fresh. Amazon Prime Video, eager to capitalize on their star power, offered a platform to unleash their vision. The result was The Grand Tour, a show that promised bigger budgets, bolder adventures, and the same cheeky banter fans adored.
In November 2016, the series debuted with a multimillion-dollar opening sequence featuring 150 cars and a spectacle of excess. The hosts set out to explore the world, driving everything from hypercars to beat-up classics in exotic locations. The show retained Top Gear’s spirit but embraced a freer, less constrained format, thanks to Amazon’s deep pockets and relaxed oversight. Fans immediately connected with the trio’s camaraderie, which blended playful insults, genuine friendship, and a shared passion for cars.
Building a Global Phenomenon
From the outset, The Grand Tour aimed to be a global adventure. Each episode transported viewers to stunning landscapes, from the deserts of Namibia to the icy roads of Scandinavia. The hosts tackled challenges that ranged from hilarious to downright dangerous, such as racing across Mongolia in a homemade buggy or navigating Vietnam’s chaotic streets on scooters. These escapades showcased not only cars but also the hosts’ ability to turn mishaps into comedy gold. Moreover, the show’s high production values, with cinematic visuals and meticulous editing, elevated it beyond traditional car shows.
The series also introduced a rotating studio tent, which moved to different countries for each episode, reinforcing its global appeal. Fans flocked to these tapings, eager to see the hosts in person. While the tent segments featured car reviews and celebrity interviews, the real draw was the trio’s unscripted banter, which often veered into absurd debates about everything from engineering to British cuisine. This mix of chaos and charm hooked millions, making The Grand Tour a streaming juggernaut.
Evolution of the Show
Shifting Formats for Fresh Adventures
As The Grand Tour progressed, it underwent significant changes to keep the content fresh. Initially, the show mirrored Top Gear’s structure, blending studio segments, car reviews, and adventure films. However, by the fourth season in 2019, the hosts and producers decided to ditch the studio format entirely. Instead, they focused on feature-length specials, each a self-contained road trip with a distinct narrative. This shift allowed for deeper storytelling and more ambitious journeys, such as the epic “Seamen” special, where the trio navigated Cambodia and Vietnam by boat.
These specials leaned heavily on the hosts’ personalities, with each bringing a unique flavor to the mix. Clarkson’s bombastic enthusiasm, Hammond’s daredevil tendencies, and May’s pedantic wit created a dynamic that carried the show through even the most outlandish scenarios. The change also reflected the trio’s desire to avoid stagnation, ensuring that each episode felt like a cinematic event rather than a formulaic rerun.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its success, The Grand Tour faced its share of challenges. The hosts’ provocative humor, a hallmark of their style, occasionally sparked backlash. Critics accused them of insensitivity, particularly in early seasons when their jokes touched on cultural stereotypes. However, the trio often addressed criticism head-on, either doubling down or offering tongue-in-cheek apologies, which endeared them further to their loyal fanbase. Additionally, the physical demands of filming in extreme conditions took a toll, with Hammond suffering multiple accidents, including a near-fatal crash in Switzerland in 2017.
Logistical hurdles also tested the team. Organizing massive road trips across multiple countries required intricate planning, from securing permits to managing car breakdowns in remote areas. Yet, these behind-the-scenes struggles often became part of the narrative, adding authenticity to the show. Fans appreciated the raw, unpolished moments, whether it was Clarkson swearing at a malfunctioning vehicle or May grumbling about camping in the wilderness.
The End of an Era: One for the Road
The Final Special with the Original Trio
In September 2024, The Grand Tour delivered its emotional finale with the special “One for the Road.” Set in Zimbabwe, the episode featured Clarkson, Hammond, and May driving three classic 1970s cars—a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri, and a Triumph Stag—across rugged terrain. The special leaned into nostalgia, with the hosts reflecting on their 22-year journey together. Unlike previous episodes, which prioritized chaos and comedy, this one struck a quieter, more poignant tone. The trio’s banter remained sharp, but moments of vulnerability shone through, particularly as they bid farewell to their partnership.
The episode resonated deeply with fans, many of whom had grown up watching the trio on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Social media buzzed with tributes, with viewers praising the special’s heartfelt conclusion. The hosts themselves acknowledged the end of an era, with Clarkson stating in interviews that they had “done everything they could” in the automotive TV space. The dissolution of their production company, W. Chump and Sons, further signaled that this was a definitive goodbye.
Why the Trio Stepped Away
Several factors contributed to the decision to end The Grand Tour’s original run. First, the hosts, now in their 50s and 60s, faced the physical and mental demands of grueling shoots. Clarkson, in particular, expressed exhaustion with the format, noting that creating fresh content after two decades was increasingly challenging. Second, the trio pursued individual projects that demanded their attention. Clarkson’s hit series “Clarkson’s Farm” became a surprise success, while May explored travel shows like “James May: Our Man In…” and Hammond focused on DriveTribe and other ventures.
Finally, the hosts felt they had achieved their creative goals. The Grand Tour had pushed boundaries, from staging a car chase in a war zone to building a road in Madagascar. With little left to prove, they chose to bow out on a high note, leaving fans eager for what might come next. However, the story of The Grand Tour didn’t end with their departure.
The Grand Tour in 2025: A New Chapter
The Not Very Grand Tour: A Nostalgic Twist
In a surprising twist, Amazon Prime Video announced the return of The Grand Tour in April 2025 with a new format titled “The Not Very Grand Tour: The Power and the Glory.” Unlike previous specials, this series focuses on retrospection rather than new adventures. Richard Hammond and James May host the show, revisiting iconic moments from the show’s eight-year run, particularly celebrating the internal combustion engine. Jeremy Clarkson appears only in archive footage, as he shifts focus to other projects.
The first episode, released on April 18, 2025, takes viewers back to the trio’s time in Detroit, where they tested American muscle cars. Hammond and May share anecdotes about filming, offering fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the chaos and camaraderie. Three additional specials, collectively called “The Grand-ish Tour,” will follow later in 2025 and into 2026. While exact release dates remain unconfirmed, titles for these episodes have surfaced, promising more trips down memory lane.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of “The Not Very Grand Tour” sparked mixed reactions. Some fans expressed excitement at seeing Hammond and May back together, appreciating the chance to relive classic moments. Posts on X reflected this sentiment, with users like @ViralBased celebrating the trio’s legacy. However, others felt disappointed by the lack of new adventures, longing for the high-octane specials of the past. The absence of Clarkson as a host also raised eyebrows, though his presence in clips ensures he remains part of the narrative.
Nevertheless, the new format taps into nostalgia, a powerful draw for a show with such a devoted following. By focusing on highlights, Amazon aims to honor The Grand Tour’s impact while keeping the brand alive. The specials also serve as a bridge to potential future iterations, with rumors swirling about new hosts taking the wheel.
What’s Next for The Grand Tour?
Plans for New Hosts
Amazon Prime has confirmed that The Grand Tour will continue beyond the current specials, with new hosts set to take over. Richard Hammond hinted at this development in a September 2024 interview, though details remain scarce. The decision reflects Amazon’s confidence in the show’s enduring appeal, given its massive viewership and cultural footprint. Speculation about potential hosts includes familiar faces from the automotive world, such as former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris or DriveTribe contributors.
Introducing new hosts poses both opportunities and risks. The original trio’s chemistry was a cornerstone of the show’s success, and replacing them will require presenters who can carve out their own identity while respecting the legacy. Fans hope for hosts who bring fresh perspectives, perhaps incorporating electric vehicles or sustainable motoring to reflect the industry’s evolution. Regardless, Amazon’s investment suggests a long-term commitment to keeping The Grand Tour on the road.
The Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Grand Tour’s influence extends far beyond television. It inspired a generation of car enthusiasts, popularized automotive journalism, and proved that car shows could appeal to mainstream audiences. The hosts’ unapologetic love for internal combustion engines, while controversial in an era of climate awareness, resonated with viewers who saw cars as symbols of freedom and adventure. At the same time, the show’s global reach introduced audiences to diverse cultures and landscapes, often with a humorous twist.
Nikki Graham The series also paved the way for other automotive content creators, from YouTube channels to podcasts. Its success demonstrated the power of personality-driven storytelling, a formula that continues to shape streaming platforms. As The Grand Tour transitions to new hosts and formats, its legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment remains secure.
FAQs About The Grand Tour
1. Why did Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May leave The Grand Tour?
Gaga The trio decided to end their run after 22 years of working together, citing physical exhaustion, the challenge of creating fresh content, and their focus on individual projects. Clarkson’s success with “Clarkson’s Farm,” May’s travel shows, and Hammond’s DriveTribe ventures played a role. They chose to conclude with “One for the Road” to leave on a high note, feeling they had achieved their creative goals.
2. What is “The Not Very Grand Tour,” and how is it different from past episodes?
Prime Gaming “The Not Very Grand Tour” is a retrospective series that began in April 2025, hosted by Richard Hammond and James May, with Jeremy Clarkson in archive footage. Unlike previous adventure specials, it revisits highlights from the show’s history, starting with the Detroit muscle car episode. It focuses on nostalgia and behind-the-scenes stories, with three more specials planned for 2025 and 2026.
3. Will The Grand Tour continue with new hosts, and who might they be?
Riders Amazon Prime has confirmed that The Grand Tour will continue with new hosts, though no names have been announced. Speculation includes automotive journalists like Chris Harris or personalities from DriveTribe. The new hosts will likely bring a fresh perspective, possibly incorporating modern motoring trends like electric vehicles, while maintaining the show’s adventurous spirit.
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