This Really Could Be The End For Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear

"Blake Noble" (blake-noble)
03/12/2015 at 17:13 • Filed to: Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

Jeremy Clarkson's latest saga continues, and it doesn't seem as if things are boding well for the BBC's beloved Top Gear television series. Based on recent reports, it seems that the end could be near for the British TV host, if not for Top Gear itself. Brace yourself.

According to Radio Times, a source close to Clarkson says that !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , even if it decides not to pursue further disciplinary action against him as result of an altercation with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon. Clarkson has been suspended by the BBC as a result of the incident it has famously referred to as a "fracas."

The BBC has decided to cancel the remaining episodes of Top Gear as a result of Clarkson's suspension. It will not be airing them at a later date, and as The Guardian reports, it could have to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! who broadcast the series to the tune of millions as a consequence.

So things aren't looking too hot for Clarkson and the long-running series he has been largely associated with. But here's where things really start to take a turn for the strange. According to The Guardian once again , it's rumored that the person who reported the incident to BBC brass !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or another crew member, as one would expect.

Clarkson's !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! about the situation, as evidenced through statements made !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , would seem to support that idea.

When Forbes contributor Ian Morris !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in an article released today, he offered a sobering theory about the current situation surrounding Clarkson, the BBC and Top Gear:

... that leads me to an odd conclusion. Namely, that perhaps those involved – like Clarkson – are bored. The show has run for longer than anyone, including them, expected. Bored people can, sometimes, look for ways to put an end to things, and if Jeremy wants to go and work for Sky making a different show, then belligerently arguing with the BBC and his producers is one way to get out. It's also important to note that all three presenters were weeks off signing new contracts that would lock them into the show for three more years.

So in other words, Clarkson has grown tired of the show and wants to sever ties with the BBC. The incident with Tymon was more or less a stunt pulled to get away from both.

Clarkson really might not be returning to host Top Gear in the future then. But what could that mean for the series? While it is possible the show would continue on in future seasons with remaining hosts Richard Hammond and James May, and a third party to replace Clarkson, the show would likely lose significant viewership. Although he has proven to be a controversial character, Clarkson has a large and loyal fanbase worldwide that arguably tunes into the show just for him.

If Clarkson leaves, his fans would probably leave with him. If Clarkson leaves, Top Gear loses a significant part of its staying power. If Top Gear continues post Clarkson, it's likely it wouldn't survive long without him.

It should be noted that Clarkson has not made a direct statement about his future with the BBC or with Top Gear, and this is speculation. But when left to draw conclusions based on current evidence, things are starting to look bleak. This looks like it could actually be the end for Clarkson and the beloved British motoring programme.

DISCUSSION (24)

My hovercraft is full of eels > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:20

They won't kill their highest-grossing show. BBC is not stupid.

Blake Noble > My hovercraft is full of eels
03/12/2015 at 17:21

The BBC won't. But Clarkson might.

TheHondaBro > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:22

I'd still watch without Clarkson. Sometimes his antics on the show annoy me.

misfitmascots > TheHondaBro
03/12/2015 at 17:25

You and me both

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:26

I'm honestly more upset about the 3 remaining shows being cancelled since they were already complete(minus the studio part) I would be perfectly fine getting my 3 last shows then no more Top Gear after that. But to just cut us off high and dry has left a real bad taste in my mouth.

I'm the biggest top gear fan but I could understand if they finished the season and not renew their contracts after that, but for god sake at least finish what you started.

For Sweden > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:26

He could just not re-sign with the BBC. No need to make it a National Conversation.

TheStigFarmer > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:27

put it out of its misery, I mean I'm fine with May and Clarkson but Scriptchard just rubs me up the wrong way. Can't act for toffee and (worryingly) doesn't actually seem to deeply like cars in the same way that the other two do - the MX5 drive last week was a prime example, no passion whatsoever just sounded like he was parroting the script.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > TheHondaBro
03/12/2015 at 17:27

Kinja'd!!!

PS9 > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:28

This new conspiracy theory is slightly more plausible, but still unnecessary. If he wanted to not do the show anymore...why not just refuse to sign the contract instead of just punching someone? It's not like the signing is at gunpoint, and it wouldn't be the first time someone's left top gear.

Justin Hughes > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:41

It could be a creative way around a non-compete contract. It's highly doubtful Clarkson could simply pack his bags and go do his thing at another network anytime he wants. But if the Beeb lets him go, maybe he's exempt from that stipulation. Who knows what's in the fine print?

The man in the iron mask > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:42

where have you been, this has been a main topic here and in the FP for more than a week now.

WiscoProud > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:48

I wouldn't put money on it. Top gear is the BBCs biggest show and is seen by 350 million people in 200 countries. With that kind of viewership he could bit the head off a bat Ozzy style on air, and still come back. The BBC would be incredibly shortsighted to let them get away.

Blake Noble > The man in the iron mask
03/12/2015 at 17:54

I've been around. Just wanted to throw my two cents into the cup.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 17:57

didnt you hear? Jeremy will take over Formula 1, hes going to bring Bernie down!

E92M3 > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 18:02

He wanted to be canned so he can start filming his new show featuring Chris Harris and Vicki Butler-Henderson.

Dr. Steve Brule > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
03/12/2015 at 18:25

You're the best.

ranwhenparked > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 18:26

The Top Gear brand is worth way too much money for the BBC to let it drop just because they lost 1/3 (or even all 3) of its hosts. There's the magazine, the website, the licensed remakes in foreign countries, the DVD sales, the TV specials, streaming, and the foreign distribution of the original series.

The BBC just spent over $20 million buying back Clarkson and Wilman's shares in the franchise in 2012, they wouldn't have done that just to cancel the show less than 3 years later.
It nets the BBC over $22 million in profits annually and is currently valued at some $150 million total.

You can argue that a lot of the success is due to the three current presenters, and it is. Losing Clarkson (and Hammond and May) would take a big bite out of its book value, but the point is that it is too valuable a franchise to not at least try to save by putting a new team in there. If the new host(s) fizzle out and the show bombs, fine, but at least an effort was made to preserve it.

McLarry > Blake Noble
03/12/2015 at 19:16

I doubt BBC would drop the show... If he didn't come back I guess they'd try for a reboot with new hosts, which is pretty much doomed to always be compared to its predecessor. I also wonder if James and Richard would stay on without him...they're kind of a package deal - at this point I think losing any one of them would kill the show, but Clarkson most of all.

I'd be mighty surprised if he's bored and just wants it to end...he's got the best job (in the world) on the best show (in the world).

McLarry > TheHondaBro
03/12/2015 at 19:16

I'd watch it too, but not with the same enthusiasm or loyalty...it would be like watching another TGUSA.

McLarry > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
03/12/2015 at 19:17

I could also see a case where they muddle through the season knowing it's almost over and end on a really crappy note... I'd rather this than that, but I hope it doesn't end at all. Ever.

Blake Noble > PS9
03/13/2015 at 00:56

This wasn't mean to be a conspiracy theory.

True, this isn't the first time a host has left Top Gear . It isn't the first time Clarkson left Top Gear, either. But when Clarkson left the first go-round, I believe the show died not too long after. And the reason why is simple: Clarkson was Top Gear . Just as he is now.

Blake Noble > WiscoProud
03/13/2015 at 01:05

The BBC knows Top Gear is its cash crop. Clarkson knows it too. But does he really care? The man has more money than he knows what to do with, and Top Gear doesn't belong to him any more. Just food for thought.

I know there a likely chance I'm wrong, the BBC and Clarkson will work out their differences and the series will pick back up. But I also think a future without Top Gear is just as likely.

Blake Noble > For Sweden
03/13/2015 at 01:12

Check out a comment made by Justin Hughes in this thread. He raises a good point: this could be about what's in the fine print of a BBC contract and working around a non-compete clause.

The media coverage could be an unintended by-product.

Then again, this whole thing could be just rubbish, as they say.

The man in the iron mask > Blake Noble
03/13/2015 at 03:17

Well it was a very good written 2 cents. Well written sir.