The Grand Tour (Amazon Prime Video motoring series)
A British motoring television series presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for Amazon Prime Video. Covers format, history, production, notable episodes and reception.
Overview
The Grand Tour is a British motoring television series produced for Amazon's streaming service and fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Created and produced after the trio left their previous broadcaster, the programme blends filmed car reviews, large-scale road trips and studio segments. It debuted in late 2016 and was released to a global audience on a weekly schedule, quickly becoming one of Amazon Video's most watched series launches.
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Format and recurring elements
The show mixes pre-recorded features with in-studio discussion. Long-form films often follow the presenters on international road trips, challenges or endurance tests. These are intercut with studio portions recorded in an on-location tent that served as a movable production hub during the early seasons. A purpose-built test track is used for timed laps and short performance tests, and the presenters regularly engage in a conversational segment about current car topics.
Production and development
Following departures from their previous programme, the three hosts agreed with producer Andy Wilman to develop a new series for Amazon. The initial deal covered multiple episodes across several years. Early plans envisioned a tent studio that could be relocated between countries; later productions modified this approach. Filming has taken place in many countries and the production values typically emphasize large-scale stunts and cinematic road-trip sequences.
Broadcast history and episodes
The first season premiered in November 2016 and established the show's mix of studio material and filmed specials. Subsequent seasons followed, though scheduling was affected at times by incidents and injuries sustained during filming, which delayed releases. The programme has been made available in many territories worldwide and was promoted with a weekly release cadence for its early seasons.
Reception and notable facts
The Grand Tour drew attention both for its high production costs and for continuing the chemistry and competitive interplay among its hosts. It has been praised for ambitious location shoots and criticised at times for its emphasis on spectacle over detailed technical analysis. Its premiere holds the record as one of the most watched first episodes in Amazon's history, and the tent concept, test track, and presenter trio are widely associated with the series' identity.
Further reading and official pages
Questions and answers
Q: What is The Grand Tour?
A: The Grand Tour is a British motor television series for Amazon Video. It is presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, and produced by Andy Wilman.
Q: How many episodes are there?
A: There are 36 episodes over three years. One episode is released every week.
Q: Where can the show be watched?
A: The show can be watched in 200 countries.
Q: What was the reception of the first episode?
A: The first episode was the most popular first episode on Amazon ever.
Q: What type of setting does each episode have?
A: Each episode has several parts made in a studio which normally takes place in a big tent that is moved around the world. There is also a feature called "conversation street" where Clarkson, Hammond and May discuss car related topics.
Q: When did season 1 start?
A: Season 1 started on 18 November 2016 and had 13 episodes.
Q: When was season 2 released due to injuries to Richard Hammond?
A: Due to injuries to Richard Hammond, season 2 was filmed a year later but its release was delayed until 8 December 2017. In season 2 the tent stayed in the Cotswolds for all the episodes
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com The Grand Tour (Amazon Prime Video motoring series) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/98083
Sources
- variety.com : "Why Jeremy Clarkson's 'Top Gear' Team Went to Amazon"
- twitter.com : "GMT, it's a British show"
- youtube.com : youtube.com/watch?v=-yLzAU48ruA&t=17m35s
- psneurope.com : "Lawo gears up for The Grand Tour with former Top Gear presenters"
- mirror.co.uk : "Mirror - Grand Tour"
- radiotimes.com : "Radio Times - Grand Tour Test Track"