What would make /Drive successful on NBC Sports Network?

"Nick drives Stick (not Stig)" (NickR) 05/20/2014 at 17:10 • Filed to: /DRIVE

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I've got to be honest... I've been pretty disappointed with the quantity of content available on the /Drive YouTube channel in the last few months. I primarily subscribe because of Chris Harris and occasionally watch one of the other feeds.

And while Chris Harris on Cars has been a thing I looked forward to every Wednesday, It's now something I look forward to every 3rd'ish Wednesday... Which is weird because it seems to me that there are plenty of new cars being launched right now (especially in the segment of cars that Chris is known for testing).

So when I heard this morning about the deal with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I figured that the lack of content probably was due to production capacity. You can only do so much, and my irritation over lack of content turned into genuine happiness for the guys that their offering of quality content to us gearheads was being rewarded with a place in the big league! Well done guys!!!!!

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But my happiness soon turned to fear because while there is room for everyone on YouTube, TV only has a finite about of space. And if your ratings aren't good enough you can be out in the cold much sooner than you thought. Not a lot of car programs have really made it. Actually I can only think of one... 5th Gear is tinkering around somewhere in the background with Tiff being, well Tiff. And Top Gear USA is a weak shadow of TGUK which honestly is a weak shadow of itself!

So how can /Drive break the trend?

I personally think that they should stay true to their current format and comprise the program of different segments, tailored to the diverse gearhead demographics. /Chris Harris on Cars, /Big Muscle, /Tuned, Test/Drive and maybe a special that runs as a series, like Inside Audi or Koenigsegg. I think that combining all the different interests of the different car enthusiasts will give the best possible viewer ratings, and while I might turn it on to watch Chris Harris I'll stick around for the rest of the show.

But what do you guys think? What do the /Drive boys need to do to make the program on NBC Sports network a success? This could be a breakthrough for gearhead TV if done right... Let's help them get there!!!!

mr_gofast > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 15:53

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i like the concept of the series like the 'inside' films being on one week and the other shows (i rarely watch) on an other.

EL_ULY > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 15:54

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needs more LEO!!!

Long live /SHAKEDOWN!!!!!!!!!

William Byrd > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 15:56

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Interesting question.

Step one, get viewers. If we all don't watch, nobody will.

Step two, work on the content. TG is funny, part of why I like it. Motorweek is informational. Perhaps there is a happy medium.

Step three, profit.

That's a very 50,000ft view of the situation though, their results may vary. :) I have more thoughts on this, no time to type. Back later.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 17:19

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Keep the split of competences. Harris for all the new car launches, Matt for Tuned, Musto for Muscle.

And once in a while bring the guys together for a roadtrip.

Klaus Schmoll > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 17:37

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Bring back Alex Roy! I know that some people found him irritating, but at least he has some personality going for him. His travels were quite entertaining to watch.

Nothing against Big Muscle, but Mike Musto has the personality of a washer/dryer on TV. It's always like "Wow... 350... rear end from XY company... burnout... rinse/repeat" I mostly don't even bother to watch the whole episode anymore, it's always the same. "Chris/Steve/Joe did such a great job on this ..." I just look at the car, decide whether I like it or not, and then turn off.

Alex Roy has that extra something. You may hate him, you may like him, at least you have an opinion about him. Mike Musto? Not so much.

Nick drives Stick (not Stig) > EL_ULY 05/20/2014 at 18:10

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I'm not sure Leo will fit in from a network perspective. They have other programs/presenters that report on motorsports news, so including Leo would defeat the purpose of other programs and take up unnecessary airtime.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/20/2014 at 18:39

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To be honest, they were all tired of being forced into one niche, thus a slowdown with changes.

LeoParente > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/21/2014 at 09:01

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OMFG, what if I have more than 1 skill? And I never was just a 'race reporter'. And I actually worked IN the auto industry along side these factory brand / car guys [Remember this 2015 Mustang video on /SD?].

I actually can still drive [road and racecars + communicate [like a racing 'debrief'] what's actually going on with the car - vs "Laugh. cackle. This feels great."], there's /ShakeDown University [knowledge anyone?], Commentary / Opinion, not just fact reporting [but THIS could be network + /DRIVE-'dangerous'] AND the Interviews I do [maybe a bit different from the normal PR spew?].

But, to your point.....who knows what's up for 'Leo'! And I can [try to] change if I have to [see Don Draper for details].

Nick drives Stick (not Stig) > LeoParente 05/21/2014 at 14:05

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I'm sorry, I should have been more specific... I meant that there was no room for a segment reporting on motorsports news (from a network perspective). It was by no means a criticism of you or you work, and as you can see by the comments, there is plenty of love for you in here.

Zhesty > Nick drives Stick (not Stig) 05/21/2014 at 18:36

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People watching NBC Sports Network?...