Radio Times

I am a man. I have a car. It has four wheels and I quite like driving it. But, honestly, what else do you need to know? They go. Some faster than others. They come in different colours. Mine's blue and has got a CD player. They're also quite expensive. That's enough information, surely?

It would be altogether too easy and too obvious to devote the bulk of this piece to a character assassination of Jeremy Clarkson. But, hey, what's wrong with easy and obvious? The man's a prig, a smug boor who sports a ludicrous haircut and has an unfeasibly high opinion of himself. And that's just for starters.

The real wonder of Top Gear is how three unreconstructed schoolboys have persuaded the BBC to let them indulge their puerile fantasies for so long. This is nothing more than playground humour, riddled with clichés and pointless hyperbole, delivered in a grating, facetious drone.

It's all so irredeemably male. With inane and laboured analogies, each banal sentence they utter is littered with sexual connotations and lame innuendo, frequently misogynistic. At least the Stig has the good grace to remain silent and faceless.

Unbelievably there have been ten series of this drivel. Once you've seen one programme you've seen them all: they're indistinguishable. TV as wallpaper, now interminably repeated on bloke's TV.

Each episode features a new car its audience drool over but could never afford: they may feature different cars each time but the song remains the same. They also have ludicrous challenges that arguably seem to be designed more to provide an opportunity for foreign travel than genuinely test the engineering of the car. They must have a huge budget to waste.

And then, of course, there is "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", in which celebrities check out their own testosterone levels. You can understand why Gordon Ramsay, Simon Cowell and Jimmy Carr are game for a spot of self-promotion but what on earth has induced people of the stature of Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon to participate in this garbage?

This is television for the sad and mindless - everything you hate about blokes and then some. You can see them in the gormless studio audience standing around uselessly, fawning over each presenter's pathetic pronouncements, laughing to order as though drugged or hypnotised. These are people who get seriously turned on by all that talk of torque, understeer, traction control. This is nothing other than car pornography. I mean, just how fascinating are endless shots of cars driving along motorways?

This is a show that promotes dangerous driving and the worst kind of blokishness. It is advertising masquerading as programming. And in these ecologically minded times is it not irresponsible of the BBC to endorse a gas-guzzling sub-culture that glories in its own enormous carbon footprint?

Frankly, I would rather poke needles in my eyes than ever have to watch it again. 0 to 60 minutes and on to oblivion at the push of the remote switch.

Well, this thread is running on and on.......Several bloggers refer to the show's non-PC theme as an attractive feature. There are many of us who disagree with political correctness but you don't have to sink to the infantile behaviour of the Top Gear presenters in order to counteract it.

Man up, top gear is good fun.

My fifth post on this blog as it has been reported today that Top Gear is in trouble for broadcasting a spoof Volkswagen advert in which a man shot himself in the head because he had failed to buy a diesel car.

How low will this inane show go to try to maintain appeal to the imbecilic audience?

It was also reported that audience data showed that 204,000 children aged four to nine years old watched the show. I guess the rest of the millions of believer-watchers are perhaps older, but still exhibit a mental age of four to nine years old.

I'm intrigued also by the comment posted on 21st October by Sunny. Sunny says "i like how everyone here is leaving a comment and typing like their a bunch of f*****g aristocrats". Not quite sure what Sunny means, but it is true to say that the Top Gear non-believer commenting community can actually read and write.

I found this page fascinating - the article is funny to read, but better still are the comments.

ANYONE is free to have an opinion, so saying "if you don't like it, don't watch it" could be responded with "if you don't like the article, don't read it."

There's no point in being rude and criticising the journalist's skills just because you don't agree with his opinions. We're all different, just accept that.

i like how everyone here is leaving a comment and typing like their a bunch of f*****g aristocrats

You quite simply don't get the point of this program Mr Humphreys. It's not trying to purely be a review show, it's ENTERTAINMENT! The cars are unobtainable and what they do it silly yes, but it's not always got to make logical sense.

It is worrying that we have people on this planet that write pathetic articles like this one.

I agree with Turbosonic.

You're a Legend for this review of Top Gear!

I am female, 30, am educated to a high standard, read the Times and generally listen to classic fm or radio 4. I am also happily married. Looking at some of the posts on this there is apparently no way I should enjoy a programme like Top Gear. Rubbish - I love it. And the men, in their tweed and with their chauvenistic, un pc attitudes, are my kind of men. I find it hard to imagine them in stupid tight T shirts drinking too many shots on a Friday night and getting into a fight - which seems to be popular these days.

I drive an old astra but we can dream can't we? The programme is filmed beautifully and is a joy to watch. I have seen a couple of complaints about use of licence fee. I hate soaps but am not going to complain about the cost of them just because I don't like them! If you don't like it turn it off. Like I do with Big brother, X factor, eastenders, coronation street, etc etc.

I'm not sure which is worse, Top Gear or the sub-literate morons who have posted comments in its support.

So your car's blue with a c.d player. Is that the criteria you chose it on? Naive, illinformed and irrational, these are all words that spring to mind when I read your article. Why don't you take the pins you'd reserved for your eyes and stick them into your typing hands because I find your blinkered journalism as pointless and offensive as you seem to find Top Gear.

T. Edward Devilish

As a woman - one who LIKES men - I find your attitude towards males very suspicious. A couple of quotes from your piece. First: "It's all so irredeemably male". Why do men have to 'redeem' for being male Second: "Everything you hate about bloke and then some". The use of the second person, "you", implies that "hating blokes" is something universal. However, I would suggest that it's just you.

well bemerboy sums it up...if only i knew what he was saying..am i getting old or did i go to a school that teaches english proper(ly)....dumn down tv for a dumbdown generation

well bemerboy sums it up...if only i knew what he was saying..am i getting old or did i go to a school that teaches english proper(ly)....dumn down tv for a dumbdown generation

TG IS WELL WICKID AND JEZZER WOZ RIGT TO END ROVER THERE WELL RUBISH

BOTTOM LINE, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T WATCH IT. MUPPET!

I am female know nothing about cars and care less but love Top Gear, am intelligent enough to rercognise a pillock when I see one but these are our pillocks! the boys ans toys entertain me Clarkson gets right up my nose sometimes but so do some of my best mates!!

life has a way of being s**t at times and this show helps to unwind and have fun at some one else expense, so what if you cant play, i guess yourselves who dont like the show, should take your tv and go home and turn of your own light.

My fourth post on this blog, as I've just watched one of the latest series of Top Gear as a Sky+ recording. It's the one with Boris Johnson doing a lap. I've detailed before how I think Top Gear is for children and low-intelligence adults, but what struck me this time, having not watched since the last series, is how everything is just so tired and formulaic, just like the last series! Same not funny jokes and innuendo, same "test drive" of immensely expensive impractical vehicles, unfunny news, shameless promotion of all things German. On the last point the shows really should be renamned Top Gearman.

Not to be too dismissive, I guess it doesn't do anyone any harm (especially German car makers) and it's like a credit-crunch panacea for all the children who now have to do without the latest Nintendo and their low-intelligence parents who can no longer afford to go to the pub!

I completely agree with this artical...... whilst 7 yeards ago (and alitlle dumber) I would watch this drivel it is now more inane and pointless than 'Americas Next Top Model'........ if you want to catch this amazing show then check out Living 12+1 or something! Its time the BBC moved on from this rubbish and time that Clarkcon et al.. hung up their leather jackets (worn so they look 'down with the kids' and 'hip') and left us all in peace.

I couldn't agree more, Mr Humphreys; I also struggle to see the appeal of such a program. That my lisence fee goes towards jetting these three pillocks around the world to drive cars that none of us will ever be able to afford (and with them all the time extolling the virtues of speeding and just generally driving like irresponsible morons), is, frankly, infuriating. And apparently this is defended is 'comedy'? Everything that comes out of Jeremy Clarkson's moronic mouth makes me cringe and I would love dearly to punch him in his stupid smug face. I had planned to write a far more eloquent comment than this is turning into, by the way, but the sheer anger is making that endeavour nigh on impossible. The whole show is basically a monumental act of self indulgence, which seems to delight in expounding outdated notions that big engines (ergo increased speed and fuel consumption) are good things. Quite the contrary- the world is warming up, the population is increasing, the roads are getting busier, oil is getting more expensive (despite the best efforts of the British and US goverments, but that's another issue). Even the American market is tending towards smaller and more economical cars...but, of course, Jeremy Clarkson and the other 'comedians' still go around driving M3s and Buggattis with complete disregard to these factors, and persist in maintaining a snooty attitude towards green technology. And, inexplicably, the majority of people seem to enjoy watching them do it, which is actually quite depressing. But hey, that's just me thinking of the future.

I just wish that people started thinking for themselves, rather than just subscribing to someone elses (ie. Clarkson's) views to somehow assert their own(obviously insecure) sense of masculinity. And as for those females that enjoy the program- seriously, why? You are not doing yourselves any favours.

Well, that's it- rant over. I know that you and I will be in the minority, Mr. Humphreys, but I just wanted to demonstrate that you're not totally alone.

"top gear - most downloaded programme in the world (apparently) - thats got to say something hasn't it ?"

Yes, it does say something: namely, that there are a lot of idiots in the world.

Ive seen a few episodes of top gear and what i have come to think about the program is this....

Three men with the sense of humour of a two year old show around fancy cars which most of us cant afford and make sick jokes with their disguisting 'british' accent which when i hear makes me puke....they know nothing about cars....and they mostly favour their crappy british cars.and everybody knows that American cars are far far more better than british junk....

Bottom line... its the worst show ive ever seen.

Top Gear is enjoyable entertainment. Perhaps the original poster doesn't have the intellect to comprehend the humour, despite his obvious attempt to show how clever he is by using his thesaurus.

Top two people I would like to get in a boxing ring are Jeremy Clarkson and Jonathan Woss.Beat the smugness out of them.

Also, for all the half wits who say that if you don't like big cars you're gay or if you don't like it don't watch it....well i just want the program to be a bit more informative rather than the format it has now...maybe bring it back to the way it was when you may actually see your car model being reviewed on it..the fact the BBC changed the format to appeal to sun readers everywhere just illustrates the state of the UK society...well done lads

I have to agree with simon....it is the worst case of dumb down tv. I love cars and driving but to be subjected to yet another 200,000 pound car every week is boring. and the tasks..again...whats the point? I can see why tiff and quentin (two people who actually knew about cars) are not there anymore. To hear "POWER" from that oversized muppet has made me turn off the program when if i see it. Oh look he hates another non-british car..surprise surprise..Thanks but I'd rather get my information on a car somewhere else

I see Hammond has crashed yet again! Front damage to a Morgan. He needs to get a booster cushion.

I LOVE TOP GEARRRRRRRRRRRRR :-)

let me ask this man a question does he have a life.why do people like this who doesent like any programmes on tv there are a lot of people whoe do like top gear

I would just like to explain why I watch Top Gear. At first my son used to watch TG all the time on Dave. I would say "Oh no, not Top Gear again!" But over time I got hooked. I have no interest in cars, as long as mine gets me from A to B it'll do for me. However I do enjoy the silly banter, the challenges (definately weighted in favour of Clarkson) & the interviews with the Star in the Reasonably priced car. However,I have to confess that the main reason that I like Top Gear is ...... that I have developed a huge crush on Jeremy Clarkson.

And on that bombshell........

I'm a Girl I love Top Gear, it is one of the few programmes I look forward to every week. I think the point of it is that in a world of excessive pc and health and safety and blame, it's great to just watch 3 blokes c**king about, doing ever increasingly silly things while taking responsiblity for their own actions, like we all used to as kids that we can't or won't do now. There's nothing wrong with a bit if sexism and being a bloke, just as much as there's nothing wrong with sexism and being a girl- it really does work both ways. I think the filming/photography on the show is fantasic, it makes me want to travel to the far away places they visit more than any other travel programme.

Basically give Top Gear a break, they're funny, they enjoy their job therefore they get the viewers in, nuff said!

the guy who wrote this is obviously not a real man

i lovvvvveeee top gear....n im a girl....!!!!! u pple need to lighten up cuz top gear is suppose to be stupid...clarkson,May n hammond r mean to be silly....hammonds gorgeousssssss :p mays ok...clarkson......hahahaa looool ly hammond xxx

don't like top gear? turn over to something else then!

Or, at least write about TV you do like, if you have found something.

What makes me smile is that they seem think they are 'blokes' (and so, strangely, do a lot of other people, it would seem) yet James May looks like an ageing homosexual and the other lttle twerp looks more girly every time I see him. If that is being a 'bloke' - count me out! As for cars, I couldn't agree more. Priority is safety, reliability... and that' about it, really. Oh, and of course, if possible, low emissions - better still, no emissions. But it's so unblokish not to want a five litre v8. Oh well. I'll never be a bloke, I suppose.

Top Gear is puerile trash designed to appeal primarily to the kind of people prone to casting themselves as victims of that great mythical beast, "the PC brigade". To them, Clarkson is their king, no doubt Littlejohn their PM-in-waiting. It is absolutely classic dog-whistle television for the reactionary uninformed. The kind of humour and worldview will date in exactly the same way as a Jim Davidson 1970s special. Not because "the PC brigade" got their way - but rather because we'll have grown up and moved on. In the meantime, we still have to get through this immature spite-filled age of PC-backlash and Loaded-magazine-style boorishnesh. Enjoy it while you can, everyone. It will be shown to be on the wrong side of history.

I am a man. I have a car. It has four wheels and I quite like driving it. But, honestly...... you have missed the point by a runway length!

Cars that are too expensive, travel to parts I could only dream of, meeting the people that I would get arrested trying to meet.

This is why only a few minority people in the country watch this program. Sorry not just a few but 7000000 on the last BARB rating. Finally I am not alone in my choice of viewing. Oh and I will now go and buy the books as well because I now know that will annoy you even more

I MORE THAN TOTALLY AGREE WITH THESE COMMENTS. HOW I LONG FOR A RETURN TO THE APPROACH TO CAR AND MOTORING APPRAISAL THE BBC USED TO EMPLOY, PRIOR TO TOP GEAR, FOR A GROWN-UP AUDIENCE

1)

If you dont like top gear: you need to come out of the closet (not as an insult but are you are literally more feminine)

2)

You need a sense of humour to watch this programme and not to take it so seriously! Rather like Chris Moyles on Radio 1, Jeremy Clarkson etc say things to try to get people to react. it's those that are in on the joke who can laugh at it!

I am a twelve year old car nut, so you must be thinking that from now on I will just rant on about how Simon Humphrey's is wrong with bad grammar and lack of proper reason. But no! I hate this show not because of the content but the affects it has on my life through the sheep in my school.

Before I go any further I will say that I don't enjoy the show when perhaps I try to lower the standards of which my intellect can be spoon fed sustenance to prevent boredom. I don't find the comedy hugely offensive but simply believe that this humour would be better suited in a young child's show; although then you have the dilemma that the child would become brain dead early and develop a bad sense of humour that so many have acquired through this. Anyway this was a side-track and doesn't deserve a second thought, like the show.

The main thing that annoys me is that most my age try to imitate the buffoons that present the show which leads them into thinking that a Pagani Zonda F is the greatest and most practical car in the world. There is the problem! People think they know a lot about cars but in fact they are just spurting out mindless and untrue garbage. Which annoys me because, without being big-headed about it, I know about cars. I am always asked the question "Did you see Top gear last night?" then they go on to say "They had dis really fast red car that broke the record". Not the most informative thing aye. The show isn't about cars either its; about three people who have won the lottery. That's why I like to watch fifth gear instead. Sadly that's going in a similar direction as well. So in short, I don't like that three people are paid to live out their dreams by simply acting badly and putting on fake show's for the camera .eg. arguing and I don't like that anyone who watches it thinks they know about cars.

Now I know that I will get many nasty comments about these probably provocative statements such as the classic "don't watch it if you don't like it!" or my favourite "LET US ENJOY IT!". My response that I don't want this drivel available to watch as it numbs the already weak mind. I could rant for hours but I beleive that you have got the drift

Thank you for reading this if you have.

Get a life, if you don't like it don't watch it!

We are thinking of doing a documentary on the making of Top Gear,such an important,iconic and intelligent programme.

Turbosonic, at last. I read this blog in disgust at the idiosyncratic opinions of Mr S. Humphreys and wondered if anyone would bring this half-wit down to earth with the bump he deserves. Anyone can boil things down to the crass nature in which he describes Top Gear. Football for example could be looked at as a national treasure, something that installs passion and promotes sportsmanship within people, or as 22 neanderthals running around a green field chasing a pig skinned ball. There's no skill in this... Where next? Is Formula 1 just cars going around in a circle for innumerable laps and the same person winning all the time. This isn't writing, it's the expressions of a self-righteous hypocrite, who in his quest for fame and belittling actually placed himself in the same boat as his victim, Clarkson.

Granted he's a pompous Old fool with politically incorrect views, but his journalism and way with words is a far cry from the monotonous drivel you've come up with. In spectactular fashion you've managed to come out no better than him, degrading anything that you don't feel worthy of fitting inside your pretty little oil painted world.

I'm sorry if my argument gives you the impression that I'm a Millwall fan with a can of Calsberg by my side but that is simply not the case. I'm not a fan of football or Formula one and I prefer Chateauneuf de Pape to lager, however, this does not give me the right to demorolise the lifestyle choices of others, especially in the areas of frivalous entertainment. We are of course entitled to our democratic viewpoint but if you're are going to bitch about something, try not to end up becoming the very thing you set out to destroy.

As for your environmental drivel I think Turbosonic finished you off nicely, good work.

Why do people always have to take themselves so seriously? Lets admit it, you actually do like it, its just that you are ashamed of yourself for it, as you don't see it as something very "worthy".

What a brilliant article! It's nice that it was written by a man, expressing my views much better and more eloquently than I could have ever done. Of course, written by a woman would have been pointless. I passionate about technology in cars, F1, etc. But Top Gear isn't about it.

If they have the money to drag it on, series after series, it can only means that there are plenty of viewers enjoying it.

I'm not.

I get the distinct impression you have zero sense of humour. Are you Gordon Brown?

Fantastic, what a super debate of the 'intelligent ones' who voice their opinion loud and clear that TG is for children and idiots. Subjective discussion at its best. However, for all the well-written words of Humphreys and other like-mids, they surely must concede that all programmes must be entertaining. They can't possibly be entertaining to everyone, and sadly for Humphreys and the 'I hate TG' posse, they don't fit into this category because their brains are too big. Their multiple intelligences tell them Clarkson is a child in man's overworn, oversized clothing and that they should resent his obnoxious ways. Who's the idiot here? The 'children' who simply go about their lives enjoying the camaraderie and wild abandon of the TG crew, or the brainiacs who 'know' what the evil of this particular type of dumb-down TV is doing to them and won't allow themselves to enjoy even a moment of it. I'm guessing you guys are more interested in discussing carbon footprints or fiscal policy. Yeah, that does sound interesting.

Personally, I understand both sides of the argument (no e in argument by the way), and it comes down to opinion and I don't care much for Humphrey's. He may not care much for mine but can I bothered to go slagging off his precious programmes because they don't interest well-educated 30-somethings like me, ummmmm...I'm just off for a blast on my Suzuki SV650 (that's a motorbike by the way) and then I'll watch Jensen Button try to control his Brawn F1 car round one of the finest motor circuits in the world at speeds of nearly 200mph while battling 5G. Maybe you're right, maybe cars are just for getting from A to B, but if you are right, it's going to be one hell of a ride.

Top gear has a target audience of men - that's why it is shunted to the minority channel. Compare it with Hope Springs - female orientated, prime time BBC1. There is room for both. And BBC do know who the minority is. In my household we watch it as a family show.

If you dont like. dont watch it!

I think jeremy clarskon's a prat who only wants people to be able to drive as fast as they can, while trying to get away with breaking the law. Also, this 'programme' brteaks all sorts of decency codes - lying, mindless destruction, brainless insults and so on. I'd have thought ahat after hammonds little crash they might have started thinking, but, nothing's changed - they still hate safety laws.

Fair enough, but insulting people who like cars is a bit out and doesn't recognise that a lot of people watch it as entertainment, not for the cars.

Here we go again somebody expresses an opinion against something and the fanboys start bitching specifically Top Gear fanboys in this case "You don't like Top Gear!!!!" Is the writer of this blog getting death threats yet? I mean come on not everyone has to be into the same things. I like the OP don't really care for the show "Top Gear" and would rather watch a documentary about the illuminati or the JFK assasination rather then a piece of metal and plastic on wheels that i'll never be able to afford in a million years that's speeding over different motorways at a dozen different angles. YAWN Yeah I'll never understand the appeal of this show but that's just me

For the average person A car is a tool something to get from point A to point B It's something that is used to impress others

It's people like you, who can't seem to laugh at what is obviously a SHOW, that f**ggin sucks the fun out of anything. Lighten up! It's a TV show for crying out loud. And unclench your anus for once in your lives and relax. Sheesh!

My third post in the this blog and here I return to the theme of Mr Clarkson referring to the Top Gear audience as "apes". This witty yet objective assertion has since made me realise (as I stated earlier) that the Top Gear audience target is children and low-intelligence adults. To put this to the test I've reproduced some of the pro Top Gear postings in this blog and here is a verbatim cut-and-paste random selection from which you can draw your own conclusions:

#1

Your kidding, you hate top gear?

there seems to be alot of good progs gettin attacked here. get someone with sense to write about what they hate please.

#2

Top Gear is awesome, some people cant stop complaining

#3

who ever wrote this is just stupid so many people like it i think you should just keep your opinions to yourself and SHUT UP!

#4 (my personal favourite)

VERY RONG

Well if you do not have the appreciation to anyone's contribution to a good show.. you can continue to comments on the rest of the other show too. For all we know we love it!. Good work guys..

Well; hundreds of millions of people seem to disagree with you. Now I wonder why that is?

I am a woman. I don't have a car. I have no need for a car and being somewhat of a hippy I don't want to learn to drive.

Now I can accept that some people don't like Top Gear, but as a vegan, Christian, bisexual woman I should probably be more offended by Top Gear than most.

But I'm not. I rather like Top Gear. Quite alot...I blame Dave and university. And it isn't just pointless drivel, it is a factual programme which has educated me about cars by being cunningly disguised as 3 middle aged men, who should know better, acting like kiddliwinkles.

Also I think it's important to note that whilst we license payers are paying for Top Gear, Top Gear also is sold throughout the world has many DVDs and related merchandise. Now I don't know the figures on this, but I'm betting that Top Gear is one of the BBCs most worthwhile shows when it comes to the £££.

My word, you really don't like Top Gear do you?

You know, I have absolutely no interest in cars. I don't care a hoot about them. I'm forty and don't even have a driving license. They bore me so much, I'm thinking of suggesting a Top Gear challenge, where the team have to do their absolute best to get me to make some sort of enthusiastic sound as a result of a car.

Yet, despite this lack of love for the car, I love Top Gear.

Of course, I get a little bored at the test-track sequences, but the rest of the show is perfect. It's a mix of humour, information, frequently stunning camera work, and yes, utter pointlessness.

I personally find Jeremy Clarkson's immature humour very refreshing and funny. As a regular reader of his books and newspaper columns, I'm very able to see past the often deliberate poking of the Climate Change brigade that he does, and respect that he really is a very intelligent man, who just happens to be quite childish too. The climate-change brigade strike me as the stupid ones as they consistently rise to his baiting, which only encourages him further.

The show has a great mix of presenters to help counter Jeremy's laddish ways, and so I can't really see what's not to enjoy. Long may it continue....

Yep old jezzer and his lads are over paid towny yuppies.

...and don't forget Mr Clarkson is on record for referring to the Top Gear audience as "apes". As I said before, the programme is aimed at children and low-intelligence adults. And that's not just my opinion; it also seems to be held by Mr Clarkson!

You can't take this so seriously and frankley the show is for car lovers with the same viws as presenters and you are obviously jelouse o9f the popularity of the show and i don't think you should degrade everyone who does enjoy it for either its entertainment value or the cars that are fetured

VERY RONG

I,m afraid I'm going to come down somewhere in the middle of this arguement.The car thing is certainly over egged, the 3 of them really do not understand how to the vast majority of us a car is a tin box that gets us from a to b. Moreover, most of us are well aware of the pollution they cause and how we do not need the super powered gas guzzlers. I spend an inordinate chunk of my life in pubs and there are 2 things that will guarantee you will have a 5 yard exclusion zone around you within 2 seconds. Start talking about a) your hoilidays and b) cars. The 3 of them also need to understand that, again for the vast majority of us, owning a ferrari is not something we aspire to. It also annoys me that the races they have are so heavily (and obviously) weighted in Clarksons favour. On the other side of the arguement however, I have to say I do enjoy Topgear. It is entertaining and ,despite some of their shortcomings, the 3 are quite personable and funny. They are also pretty good at their jobs. Clarksons narration of the raid on St Nazaire was excellent as was James Mays beer holiday with Oz Clark. Richard Hammond is at his cheeky best in the science programmes he does. The format is basically successful and it is nice to se something non p.c., but they do need to understand that this is not the ultimate 'blokey' programme. Far from it. Cars bore most blokes to death.

who ever wrote this is just stupid so many people like it i think you should just keep your opinions to yourself and SHUT UP!

Top Gear is utter nonsense but it's also brilliant TV. Don't take things so seriously Humph

After catching part of last night's show (I just saw the small one of the three presenters, for no obvious reason, drive a lorry through a temporary building) I too googled "I hate Top Gear" and found SimonHumphreys-RT most excellent critique and the supporting comments.

I have become a Top Gear hater and non-watcher over the last few years. In fact since the return of Jeremy Clarkson and the church format was introduced with all the unquestioning believers surrounding the three preachers.

I dislike it because:

It is targeted at children and low-intelligence adults. For the latter, the problem is they don't understand how their minds are being controlled

The challenges are ill-conceived, and are cringingly obviously staged, like one of those awful celebrity-only game show. In one scene a car was filled with water and hilariously the doors popped off! I have two engineering degrees so writing somewhat informed perspective, the doors popping off (in unison) through the pressure of the water is physically most unlikely to happen, unless the whole thing had been staged for the ready amusement of the assembled congregation.

So like other commentators I think Top Gear as become an embarrassingly bad TV Show and more painfully I know from personal experience it is exported worldwide. I travel to many countries on business and often in conversation I am told "I watch your funny TV show about cars called Top Gear". I don't know if they mean they find Top Gear is funny or what is funny is the deprecation of all things UK by the preacher-trio. You can be sure that I'm then too embarrassed to ask!

I googled "I hate top gear", just to make sure I wasn't on my own!

I'm not usually a hater, but the show sucks.

"And in these ecologically minded times is it not irresponsible of the BBC to endorse a gas-guzzling sub-culture that glories in its own enormous carbon footprint?"

By your way of thinking, the internet and all broadcasting are bad by proxy in that they are an electronic means of entertainment, which cost the electricity bill payer money, the phone bill payer money, and the tv licence bill payer money...and of course the electricity used to power these things...and the studio lights, cameras etc...

Really, you are too hypocritical to argue this point.

I love top gear. That's the end of it. So does a lot of other blokes, like me. You could go on ahead and poke needles in your eyes.

top gear is one of tv's most loved programmes. This is because it is just an innocent bit of fun, three mates indulging in friendly competition and providing light entertainment. Jeremy Clarkson might be outspoken, but you have to admit that caravans are for boring people who like to iritate real motorists, and of course GORDON BROWN IS AN IDIOT. By disliking this programme you are in the minority and it is pandering to minorities that has ruined this country. Long live Top Gear

I'm sorry, you can't start an article by completely slating Jeremy Clarkson, and then go on to write the rest of the article in his style exactly - it's a bit hypocritical.

The small one can stay (doing his Saturday show for kids). The one with long hair can continue with Oz (doing alcahol related shows). Clarkson can be sacked. Repeats of the pathetic show can be banned or destroyed.

Even though the idea was entertaining, it is simply repetitive now. Every show looks like the previous one. Fast car and burning rubber on a runway, oh yawn. A bit of laddish chat. A "challenge" which is a re-tread of every other "challenge".

So, yes, I turn it off and look for something that isn't so painfully tediously tired. If other people want to watch it, that's fine, but why can't we have a motoring programme that is at least partially about the cars and not just about the presenters?

I am a 40+ yr old single male of the Northern Persuasion who has never driven a motorised vehicle of any description in my life and, due to living in one of the most vehicle unfriendly parts of the country, have no intention of doing so. However I fully and absolutely enjoy watching Top Gear in its current format. I know that it is totally non-PC and anti environment - that's the point!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mine is may Top Gear continue to do what it does best - entertain.

Lets face it this programme reflects our current state in rock britania - we all know its a joke but still carry on regardless. Only effing celebrities can afford the expensive c**k wagons on display and only sensible people buy the affordable cars.

Whoever decide to write this terrible peice, it has to be said seems to think even more of themself than the aforementioned Jeremy Clarkson. Well done to you good sir, you have the ability to use a thesaurus, and it would appear that you have given yours a thorough bashing whilst writing this article. I have to say, the use of unnescessarily large words, which you appear to love, and must feel very proud of yourself for using, mearly makes you sound stupid. Enjoy reading your word of the day callender, and we I shall enjoy watching TopGear, oh yeah, and so will several million others!!!!!!!!

'This is nothing more than playground humour, riddled with clichés and pointless hyperbole'. Yes, it is, and that's why we love it!!

'everything you hate about blokes and then some. You can see them in the gormless studio audience standing around uselessly'. well actually my own mother came to the filming of an episode with me when we got tickets, and she loved it. Also, the vast majority of women I know watch it and enjoy it, they don't find it sexist or ridiculous, and can take it for exactly what it is - an entertainment programme, and just about the only worthwhile programme to watch on the tv nowadays.

I wish people wouldn't keep saying "If you don't like it, don't watch it". That doesn't apply to the BBC. If you have a tv, you have to have a licence, to pay for the BBC, even if you don't watch BBC. It's about time the BBC was privatised and everyone paid directly for what they watched. Then the CHAVS of low intelligence could pay for Top Gear and let the rest of us not be forced to subsidise Jeremy Clarkson and the other overgrown schoolboys.

I am a 49 year old woman with no love of driving or interest in cars. I adore Top Gear. It is one of the funniest programmes on television. Jeremy Clarkson is very talented as a presenter, author and journalist. I am afraid he is a great deal more talented that you, Mr Humphreys. This whole article reeks of sanctimonious sour grapes.

Turn over then and watch celebrity cooking on ice in the jungle then. No one makes you watch it, however its very clear you do as you seem to know all about it. You are clearly missing the point. Most men I know, and quite a few women as well come to think of it, would love to make a living doing what Clarkson and co do, but the simple fact is, we can't. However, we can spend an hour a week taking our mind off the credit crunch and how we are going to afford the next pair of shoes for our kids, by pretending we can drive as well as the Stig does, and understand what understeer means, and wishing we could shell out £100,000 on an impractical car, before we have to go and sit in the traffic jam on the M60 the next day. Its just fun in a way that the situation in Gaza isn't, and as unimportant as Big Brother in the scheme of things, so lighten up. There are far more serious things to hate, and life really is too short.

Shut Up. Stupid people.

Top Gear is by far the best thing on TV.

End of story.

Well, I don't find them overly blokeish and offensive and I'm a girl who is interested in green issues. I have a Ford Ka and it moves, which is all I care about. The programme is just entertaining. Something which, incidentally, Simon Humphries is not.

Top Gear is awesome, some people cant stop complaining

I agree with everything he says.

I'll save Simon the bother - I'll stick pins in his eyes for him. And I'll even bring my own pins.

As ever, if you don't like something, turn off. Or you could switch over to Comely Strict Dancing or whatever bile is broadcast elsewhere. If ever there was a melting pot of mediocrity, egos, hyperbole (I admit I had to look that up but moaning and whinging in print is not my job) and general cr4p, that's it. But I choose not to watch it and I suggest you do the same if you don't like something. However, as you're paid to whinge, I doubt if you will. Shame....

Mike

what an absolute and utter left wing arse

go away

Jeremy Clarkson ruins the program. He spouts populist rubbish which surely he can't actually believe?! Sometimes its like watching Daily Mail TV with "political correctness gone mad" and "speaking for the loud minority" (ok that should be silent majority to be true DM, but the actual truth is different). I actually don't mind a lot of the excess that they spend on this program as it is entertaining which is whats needed. I just can't stand JC standing on his jelly constructed soap box. I also agree that if you don't like it turn it off, but you'd be suprised how many people say that about this program in support, but complain in the Daily Mail about Jonathan Ross being on tv and themselves not finding it entertaining. Contradiction, the sign of a true brainwashed Mail reader

"And in these ecologically minded times is it not irresponsible of the BBC to endorse a gas-guzzling sub-culture that glories in its own enormous carbon footprint?"

On the contrary it's refreshing to see anyone who will stand up to the prevailing orthodoxy that says man is 100% responsible for climate change and that anyone who denies this is beyond the pale. Hardly think the BBC can be accused of endorsing the 'gas-guzzling subculture' when so much of its other output seems to endorse the eco-fiction that constantly assaults us.

(and as mentioned below, anyone who doesn't like TG can always turn it off).

Go away, Simon Humphreys.

Just...go away.

I love how 90% of the people who have put this show down have said its "Entertaining" Isnt that the point? Its aentertainment show. Thats like moaning that Eastenders isnt very realistic but its a good soap.... If you want a factual educational car show watch 5th Gear, If you want to be entertained watch Top Gear and if you think there shouldnt be car shows in the first place watch The Royal instead! But then once again, its not very realistic is it (We dont even dress like they do in that).

I think the adjective that James May would use to describe this bloke should be attributed to this bloke....

My god man, you are really sad, seriously if you don't like it, don't watch it. You might think that Jeremy Clarkson is a 'prig' whatever that is, and a 'smug boor' but hes entertaining, and surely thats why we all watch TV for, isn't it?? to provide us with entertainment As the wise man himself would say, 'if you don't like it, go and watch Midsummer murders'!!

"This is nothing other than car pornography." Yes. Good, isn't it? Right, I'm off to paint my nails and do my OU arts course for a bit before I settle down with the other girls to watch Top Gear and drink brown beer. We're not all what you think, dear.

Well I agree the anti-green things annoying.

Clarkson does occasionally say stupid and irritaiting things and he is aware as are we of the massive space his ego takes up.

But for all that I disagree with if you watch the show simply for the sake of it is genuinely great fun and quite a laugh.

I wish they'd test the Tesla Roadster though, its the BBC obvious way of slipping green and good car in.

Why is everyone saying things like "If you don't like it, don't watch it", when your clearly reading an article you don't like, and then commenting on it.

If you don't like it, don't carry on reading it? :)

Mr Humphreys, you have just called 385 million people 'sad and mindless'.

AHHHHHHHHHH how can anybody write such rubbish. top gear is the greatest show ever!!!!!!!!!

clarkson for PM

So what form of televisual splendour does SIMON HUMHREYS-RT actually find acceptable. Heartbeat?

I have a video of Top Gear and some needles. I'm sure that your ridiculous cliche of a 'conclusion' would not withstand the test.

Great show, shame that all three presenters have very unfortunate hair styles !

I don't like cars. I don't like shows about cars but Top Gear has little to do with cars. Its just three blokes being big kids nothing more and highly entertainint it is to. I would much rather this than god forbid another "reality" show.

I am an 18 year old female student, and at first sight of this article's title was, I confess, slightly incensed, being a lover and watcher of Top Gear.

Upon reading the wreaths of indignant comments posted in response, I was like-minded in expressing my concern and distaste for this very harsh and pretentious opinion of a widely enjoyed entertainment show, and fully prepared to say my part.

After reading more and more comments though, and being slowly worn down by the repetition of the same arguments mirrored down the page, I found myself wondering why I cared so much.

No one agrees on everything, everyone disgrees on something. It is a TV programme. Can't everyone calm down and let it be? Surely there are more severe issues in our modern and broken world then this.

I can't believe the people that are gobbing off about how stupid and mindless the viewers of Top Gear are. What's the weather like up there on your pedestal? Top Gear is a show that is designed to be entertaining, fun and exciting. It fulfils this criteria perfectly. It's not supposed to be about car financing, petrol prices, global warming or any other stuff that The Times reports on. It is a breath of fresh air on an otherwise bland Sunday night. If you don't like it, and find it that it excites you so much you have to change your incontinence pants watch the Antiques Road Show instead.

Your kidding, you hate top gear?

there seems to be alot of good progs gettin attacked here. get someone with sense to write about what they hate please.

this article is a load of rubbish, top gear is a hugely loved and enjoyed programme nationwide, just because you dont get what youd like (which is pobably stock market boards flashing on the screen every 5 seconds) dosent mean everyone else isnt

As for the comment from the American, did you go to school, if so was grammar optional?????

Jeremy Clarkson isn't funny - and now it looks as if he isn't man enough to apologise either.

In a world of Political Correctness Top Gear is a welcome relief of ENTERTAINMENT. Obviously its not to everyone's taste (an interest in cars helps) but with 7 million viewers in the UK and over 380 million worldwide alot of people do not agree with the writer of this article. Clarkson and Hammond testing 200-300 thousand pound sports cars is what the public want to see. We want to see what the cars we can only image owning can do not just seeing them static from 3 foot away at a car show. Long live Top Gear!

f**k top gear, in one of there show's they said don't go to America, i'm American

The reason I stopped buying Fast Lane magazine in the late eighties was even then I disliked Clarksons attitude towards anyone who didn't share his rather unpleasant political views and while I still love cars and am unlikely to be able to afford even a second hand version of my ideal car I still twenty years later find the man offensive. I admit I do enjoy Hammonds enthusiasm and Mays knowledge good to watch and I also understand the role Clarkson plays in this triumvarate he does set my teeth on edge, his denial of the effects of climate change or more likely the attitude that "I won't be around so why should I care" is distressing and downright irresponsible. I have seen several programmes where all three have driven dangerously on public roads and do think they set a poor example in certain cases, in particular to the Max Power generation I have seen too many of these kids badly injured or killed because of foolish driving to condone that sort of example. All that said I do enjoy the programme generally apart from throwing things at the telly when Clarkson comes out with some of his more inane comments. Remember it is not speed that kills, it is innappropiate speed that kills you, others and deprives people of a son, daughter, father or mother.

Although I am exceedingly tempted to use this space to swear violently at you, Mr. Humphreys, I shall resist. You are in no position to comment on other peoples opinions. Would you like it if I wrote a blog saying I thought you were a useless reviewer, with less talent then a hedge with a pen sticking out? No? Then don't attack other people's hobbies and interests.

If you don't like top gear you are a girl... or a man wearing a dress...............

I think you shot yourself in the foot when you said, "But, hey, what's wrong with easy and obvious?"

Its called ENTERTAINMENT!!!! You miserable man. Top gear is awesome, and has done things which no one has ever bothered to do,, like venture to the north pole in a car.

I have a suggestion for you... If you don't like it don't watch it.

I also find it quite rude that you keep referring to it as a blokes tv show, I'm sorry but I (and alot of other FEMALE friends) watch the show because we also love cars. It's not just men who take an interest in cars. As for being immature, I have to say that whinging about something you don't like ON THE INTERNET is so pre-teen it it almost hurts.

I'll tell you what I'll personally poke your eyes out for you if you like?

Oh, dear. Aunty Beeb shepherding another conked out old crock on and on, way past its sell-by date. Talk about throwing good money after bad. Series twelve, and it looks like a foray to the Far East. I mean, how much of our licence fee did that cost? Still, there's about as much chance of Clarkson getting the boot as their is of...errr...well, Jonathan Ross. Come to think of it, he's probably the only person working for the Beeb on a similar salary. As Car magazine said of the MG Midget in it's 1978 review, "Oh death, where is thy sting?"

3 sad b******ds driving their sexual extensions. It's only a matter of time before they kill themselves. Just a surprise its not happened yet

"Frankly, I would rather poke needles in my eyes than ever have to watch it again."

But I bet you will.

if you don't like it then don't watch it. simple problem simple solution. i am an absolutely huge fan because of the charm and wit of the program with the challenges getting more and more ludicrous and entertaining.

Simon,

I don't like strictly come dancing or coronation street or eastenders but i don't bang on a bout it.

If you don't like a program don't watch it, there are plenty of other channels to choose from, simply.

I like the footballing Aygos and the attempts by celebs to test their skills, but not car races on public roads at excess speeds and without sleep in expensive cars we mere mortals can only dream of. It glorifies both bad driving and excessiveness. And that stunt to the North Pole was just appalling.

But isn't it great that someone can be so politically incorrect and get away with it for so long (well one of them only just...). Or is a Ross moment lurking round the next bend?

Mafioso - I'm sorry. I was about to write a scathing reply to your posting. But now I read it again the irony has shone through. Brilliant! The bit about how Top Gear encourages poor driving and how the stunts will have a detrimental effect on our society. Then the bit about how YOU object to "Top Gear" as you are a licence payer(like everyone else in this country) - feigned arrogance of the highest calibre. And your closing masterpiece about a health warning because whilst you're not stupid many obviously are - quite phenomenal. Wish I could have written something like that. Thank you for brightening my gloomy day.

Reading down the comments i've seen people who hate the show label those that like the show 'sad and mindless', 'idiots', 'immature', 'deluded' and 'stupid' and that's without reading all the way to the bottom of the page.

I find this incredible and utterly offensive. My girlfriend has a different taste in music to me but you don't find me insulting her because of this. My parents go to the opera which I personally find boring yet I don't insult them because of it. This is because I respect people's choices and interets.

Go ahead, criticise the show as much as you want, everyone is free to have an opinion, but how dare you make a general assumption about the person I am because of the TV show that I watch.

The whole popularity of Top Gear is based on its ability to engage with pure, natural, uninhibited masculinity.

That's right.. it is NATURAL. We are MEN. Women like MEN, not 'guys' afraid/socially conditioned to surpress desires or testosterone fueled urges.

Its no surprise that Top Gear has an enormous cult following, as it engages with masculinity, which, believe it or not, is something that 50% of the population is should, in theory, be able to relate to. Pompous p***ks who look down upon it are the sort of stiff, inhibited people who feel awkward outside of their narrow comfort zones and feel nervous talking to attractive members of the opposite sex. Losers. This last bit is very true, do not ignore it.

The whole popularity of Top Gear is based on its ability to engage with pure, natural, uninhibited masculinity.

That's right.. it is NATURAL. We are MEN. Women like MEN, not 'guys' afraid/socially conditioned to surpress desires or testosterone fueled urges.

Its no surprise that Top Gear has an enormous cult following, as it engages with masculinity, which, believe it or not, is something that 50% of the population is should, in theory, be able to relate to. Pompous p***ks who look down upon it are the sort of stiff people who feel awkward outside of their narrow comfort zones and feel nervous talking to attractive members of the opposite sex. Losers

I cannot believe how childish and irresponsible this programme has become. I am aware of the programme's popularity but surely,the antics(and I sincerely mean "antics")of Jeremy Clarkson and his colleagues have nothing to do with careful and serious driving but more to do with taking part in dangerous stunts purely for the audience's and viewers' entertainment.

Of course,none of these stunts take place on general roads and motorways but it can only encourage the many careless and selfish drivers who are already causing concern on today's roads.

The "blokish" and extremely idiotic stunts Clarkson and his mates promote can only have a detrimental effect in today's society.

I am sick to death of being told by the BBC and viewers that if you don't like it,don't watch it! That is a facetious and completely irrelevant comment to make. I am a licence fee payer and strongly object to this sort of rubbish on TV.

At the very least,a comment or banner at the beginning and end of each programme warning drivers against the danger of recreating these stunts is necessary......yes,some of us are not stupid but neither do we want to be entertained by the brainless antics of Clarkson and cronies.

Top Gear is just for 'men' who think they know about cars but can't tell their a*se from their elbow. Good 'entertainment' but that is all. It's so fake that it is actually cringworthy.

Old half hour Top Gear on a Thursday...how I miss you!

The thing is thats what makes top gear. i love it and so do alot of other people.

Simon, how sad is it that you wasted time that you will never EVER get back to write a load of crap about how much you dislike something! I hate Desperate Housewives, luckily my TV comes with a button that magically allows me to change to another channel. It's amazing, try it sometime. Oh, as for your sweeping generalisation about Top Gear viewers......I'm a teacher with an NVQ, HND and a BSc, don't pigeon-hole viewers as 'sad and mindless' because the show is not to your taste. I could do the same with you but, what's the point? After all, doing such a thing would be pathetic and immature.

The amusing thing about this Blog is that most of the replies are better written than the actual Blog.

The real tragedy is not the show itself but that so many people seem to find this kind of thing worth arguing over. If you don't like it, turn it off - that's what I do.

The fact that so many like it anyway would seem to suggest that it's here to stay.

OK, cards on the table, I don't like it. On the occasions that my remote-control hand is sleeping, or I'm in somebody else's house and I catch myself watching a bit of TG, I find it offensive, narrow minded, very badly informed and of practically no social use whatsoever, but I'm afraid to say I feel the same way about a long list of current TV programmes. TG is symptomatic of the current zeitgeist that promotes an attitude now called 'provocative' but previously known as 'in-your-face'. These are not high-brow arguments. I cite Big Brother (and almost all other so-called 'reality' TV' programmes). TG is one of the reasons I try not to watch very much TV at all. I would like to be either entertained or informed and this does neither. So what exactly DOES it do?

Well, I'm the sort of person who believes that if a Gentleman's Club wishes to bar female members they must be allowed to do so if only because this would serve to separate these narrow minded men from the women they so clearly despise. And yes I know this argument fails to stand up when applied to something like the racist banning of ethnic minorities from Golf clubs etc. My point is that like-minded people should be allowed to congregate and perform their weird rituals in peace as long as it doesn't affect anyone else.

That's where I find TG to be sadly lacking because it very clearly promotes a self-interested attitude in drivers that clashes with the attitudes of cyclists, pedestrians and many other road-users or those of an ecological bent. In these troubled times it doesn't appear to be easy to justify its existence. If these people were all doing it on their own time I wouldn't care but it's prime time TV and the taxpayers are footing the bill.

Now, back to the Gentleman's Club: Others would have you believe that inclusiveness is the way forward and it is necessary to educate these men and allow the women in so that a more egalitarian existence can be allowed to take root.

In Top Gear? You're having a laugh. It would be chaos.

The crucial point to remember is that there is NO MIDDLE GROUND. For the most part I choose not to involve myself in arguments of this kind. I prefer there to be some kind of a chance of agreement if only to disagree. Top Gear, unfortunately, seems to be designed in a deliberately antagonistic way to appeal to certain kinds of people who will then defend it against 'attacks' from those who find it crass.

There are so many more important things in this world to worry about.

Simon you are pathetic! Love it or hate it, who cares about your opinon? Just don't watch it. In my opinion you fell line hook and sinker for Jeremy's obvious provocation. He is the Victor Meldrew of the car world, and good for him! I am a bloke, I believe I am respectful of the environment and my fellow man (sorry, fellow person) and I modestly hold two University Degrees,and I absolutely adore Top Gear. It is cheeky, frequently provocative, sometimes pointless, but oh so refreshing! Let us compare what is comparable... try Fifth Gear for size; how mind-numbingly boring, with its politically correct mix of the fatman, the blonde, the hasbeen racing driver... it makes me sick everytime I wtry to watch it. Top Gear is disrespectful, excessive, laced with a second degree humour which you sadly missed altogether. I feel sorry for you.... Go on driving your Eurobox, and live your tedious passion-free safe life.

I don't know who you are Simon, but I have some needles for you to poke your eyes with!

A Top Gear fan

Iop Gear is entertaining and fun. A simple principle that attracts many viewers. Go write about important issues happening in the world, you remind me why many journalists get a bad reputation. Write something worthwhile will you .... faceless people writing rubbish .... whatever the guys say on Top Gear they aren't hiding behind a laptop are they? Leave them be ... as my old mum used to say "if you can't say something nice. don't say it at all" Ten series ... makes it a winning formula in my book.

I am amazed these posts are still coming in over 6 months after the original blog. It just goes to show Top Gear's popularity, it fact it's one of the few programmes I watch on the beeb.

I find your comments on Top Gear really quite entertaining in that you seem to have completely missed the point for the show. You say that 'The real wonder of Top Gear is how three unreconstructed schoolboys have persuaded the BBC to let them indulge their puerile fantasies for so long.' This really makes me wonder whether you ever had a real childhood. Surely this is the beauty of the show - three rather likeable characters (in my opinion doing all the stuff you always wanted ) to do when you were a youngster (and, in the back of your mind, still want to do). This show is about reliving that childish curiousity in most of us, bar you evidently, and for 60 minutes providing a getaway from the harsh restraints of reality. Clarkson and his minions test the things we aren't in a position to do ourselves, whether it be pointless wonderings such as 'I wonder whether you could play a game of football using cars' or simply to drool over the car you could never afford but still love dearly.

'And then, of course, there is "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", in which celebrities check out their own testosterone levels. You can understand why Gordon Ramsay, Simon Cowell and Jimmy Carr are game for a spot of self-promotion but what on earth has induced people of the stature of Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon to participate in this garbage?'

This comment of yours really seals my prejudice against you already. Has it never occured to you that maybe it's just a bit of fun, seeing which stars are secretly budding racing drivers and petrolheads? It appears to me you're taking this show much too seriously, and perhaps need to stop finding pleasure in being 'different' and hating one of the most loved programs on TV, and join the crowd - you know you want to. Or maybe you'd rather keep polishing your prize doorknobs and shooting evil looks at anyone that looks remotely cheerful.

God knows why RT employ you.

"I think the only person who could make the show more obviously scripted is Jimmy Carr - and that says a lot..." so you prefer watching shows that don't have a script? like big brother? even quiz shows are scripted. so what? as for Top gear my only criticism is that they keep getting facts about the congestion charge wrong. i work in the enforcement department and it gets a bit repetitive seeing people writing in saying "They said on Top Gear..."

Other than that it's a bloody enjoyable show. and for reference, i cycle to work!

I bet the comment below me was made by a fat, bald construction worker who attends the recording of Top Gear every single week without fail; All the while hoping that he may receive a shred of acknowledgement from one of the presenters…

Anyway, Top Gear is a terrible program. Not so much because of the people presenting it, but because of that fact that every single word that comes out of any of their mouths is so obviously from a script. I think the only person who could make the show more obviously scripted is Jimmy Carr - and that says a lot…

how can u possibly be so stereotypical 2 call the whole top gear audience "sad and mindless"!

u quite blantantly dont no each individual who watches this show; yet u stil feel u hav the right 2 sum up the thousands (if not millions!) of personalities in 2 words!

also, u refer 2 J.C as having "an unfeasibly high opinion of himself" while u obviously consider yourself a more inteligent person than the masses of top gear fans slightly hypocrytic dont u think?

"This is nothing more than playground humour, riddled with clichés and pointless hyperbole, delivered in a grating, facetious drone."

Sounds to me like a better fitting description of your criticism of Top Gear rather than the show itself.

i DON'T sit and watch the programme when it's on FIRST SHOWING, i find out what was on and watch the bits i'm interested in (IF any ?) AFTER ! !

I prefer Fifth Gear as it's more based around testing CARS not crashing them or racing them against SKIERS ?!?

I agree it's a bit silly drooling after a car i can never own, but, we all look at houses/holidays etc we aren't ever likely to own/go on ???

FatSadSteve.

I'm a part qualified accountant, with a degree in physics...consider myself relatively intelligent and well adjusted. I'm not particularly 'blokey', and can't stand football....however I find Top Gear to be funny and entertaining...I'd much rather watch something lighthearted than something depressing like Eastenders, or watch those clowns on Big Brother.

Do I think it's cerebral, a work of literary art? No. But it's fun to sit and watch for an hour without having to think too deeply - I do enough of that at work.

I resent being called, as a fan of the show, 'sad and mindless'. I don't normally comment on stories in this way, but quite frankly I was so offending by this work of 'journalism' that I had to respond.

Mr Humphreys - instead of criticising the work of others (for what are critics, other than vultures feeding off the creations of others? - they themselves make nothing), why don't you turn your hand to the creation of a television show? After your comments on the audience at large for Top Gear, and your expression for a preference of sticking needles in your eyes over watching it, I'm sure there would be a large audience for a programme showing you doing just that. Food for thought for the BBC, I'm sure. If you don't like something - learn how to work your remote control (this is how I manage to avoid Big Brother for the 16 weeks that it's on the airwaves)

You call the show 'irredeemably male' - I'm assuming you're a male with a name like simon, but you don't like it? but the show appeals to a sizeable chunk of men (and indeed women) - so you're basically saying you're better than them, you sound like Frasier, think you're above the uneducated masses, it's fine if you don't like it - but it's one of the biggest draws on the BBC and is a huge success internationally, fine if it's not your cup of tea, but i don't go around hating on what you like - opera or interpretive dance perhaps, you don't like? then don't watch, the rest of us will

I agree its drivel! Which is precisely the reason to watch it. It's better drivel than the other drivel on BBC and ITV.

i would rather let the bbc fund one of the best shows on tv than some of the s#*! on tv these days!

In regard to Alan below, you summed yourself up mate, wen you said you drive a 911.

TV involving very fast cars and people doing stupid things in them can be quality entertainment if done right but I think of recent they have become stale. I used to be an avid watcher but I find the whole thing a bit boring now.

I cant stand top gear too, its on now and my kids love it, but they are 11 years old.

The presenters are just too much in love with themselves to bear, its their pathetic egos that annoy me. Yes what sort of pathetic people stand for 6 hours tittering at the stupid comments. Tonight I stood it for 5 minutes before getting fed up of their stupid innuendos. Its a program for teenagers or mini cooper driving women.

I love cars, drive a 911 and know more about cars than they will ever learn, but cannot stand this anachronistic rubbish.

How can seeing an Austin Allegro trying to jump backwards over 70+ cars NOT be good tv?

Surely you must have found the Arctic special entertaining?

"This is a show that promotes dangerous driving" ? WHAT?

Mr Humphries do you wear beige ?????

Waste of time writing this blog, i admit everyone has an opinion and fair enough, but my god, to have the time to write this about what is probably at the moment one of the best shows on TV by an absolute mile is ludicrous. You need to lighten up and have a sense of humour.

I think you're missing the point of Top Gear. You might as well complain that Monty Python's version of "The Holy Grail" is historically inaccurate.

I am not a man. I do not have a car. I watch very little TV because I find the bulk of it boring, idiotic, formulaic or just obnoxious. But I love Top Gear. It makes me laugh out loud, and that is much sweeter medicine than whatever sour concoction this critic swallowed!

I think the fact that there is a 2 year waiting list to be a member of the audiance shows that the program is a hit which must mean it is going nowhere in a hurry i feel sorry for the sad mr humphreys, if you dont like a program because its not interesting to an individual then you do not watch it but mr humphreys has a good knowledge of the format which surely means he watches it so i must ask why? Do everyone a favour either stop watching or keep your thoughts to yourself because your only doing this to annoy the people who do enjoy the program.

What narrow minded twaddle.

learn the true art of arguing and a ill give you a better response!

mr taylpr, you and mr humprries should join the grumy old sad gits club.

yesh ive never herd of enyone so narrow minded. we can all make our own top gear aprecation and taylor,humpries hate club.... i wonder who will win.... i gess ill never know seeing as im one of those "idots" you refferd to except.. oh yea. im an a grade student,gifted and talented, and hugly sucessful in life, how clever are you!

I believe that your view seems, im sorry to say, incredibly narrow minded and sounds like that of what may think would come out ,only,from an exasperated wifes mouth!

not so!!

firstly, the fat they you felt the need to resort toinsulting jerimys hair ,shows from the out set that you are not ready to give this show a chance and would use even the most pointless point of argument causes you to lose any respect you may have gained for standing up for what yu believe in as you have structure your argument well but with poor points which in many ways can be applied to shows you watch not doubt. structure is the key to any sucessfull program. try looking t something u watch youll soon be predicting the out comes far more easily than on top gear.

next time if you dont wantto watch top gear why not just change the channel,im sure you can find some "mindless drivel" to watch instead of useing your time to insult an obviously hugely popular and sucessful program suitable form both sexs

im sorry, ys you give a good point, but it is also rubbbish in that you completly miss the point of what top gear is about.

as a girl many are surprised of my love of top gear but it has a good structure ,as do all shows, if u watch aprogram enough u can recgnise these similarities bettween programs, and thats why you become an avid watcher.

you dont watch a program if there is not structure or similaritie between eppisodes,because you can learn to familarize yourself,so get bored quickly give up

yes obviously alot of people would aggre that all you need to know about a ar is that it works, and so does top gear.

its great to watch these 3 men racing and being,admitabley,childish aout cars and its thereyouthfull ness which is soo enjoyable. top gear is not ment to be informative in a highly usefully way for the every day viewer,but tis program helps you leve the box and imagine which car u would want if you could affored it and it has given very uefull safety information in the past both purpsly( the safety rankin) and accidently) the caravan fire.)

surely this program should be praised for the way in withch it has such a great structer and variety , not slated for this

i you dont want to watch it then you dont have to, but please dont try and belitle it for those of us who have enjoyed it for so long,because, you are,indirectly ,insulting us as a viewer!

Why is someone whining about something reasonably worthwhile in entertaining people and giving vague ideas of what's on the market motor wise at the moment? Sure it's a bit childish at time, but we all need to have a youthful streak somewhere. The segments such as the caravan trip or the road trip around the USA were brilliant to watch, but then I do also find some of the presenters comments slightly less educated. On the whole I like it so I watch it.

If you don't like it to the degree that you want to stick needles in your eyes, then DON'T WATCH IT! I personally have many personal views on the questionable intellectual capacities of those who watch Big B(r)other and even take part in it, and can best summarise daid view as such: I don't like it so I find something better to watch. I suggest you do the same if you find Top Gear so intellectually devoid... There's so many channels to watch and the amazing innovation of the Satellite Dish or even a DVD player to keep you from watching any channel that specifically has Top gear on at the time.

Get a life, enjoy it, and watch things that you aren't so inclined to moan about than watching them anyway and then complaining that it's rubbish.

I quite enjoy it for what it is: a carefully scripted, well-rehearsed show that creates an illusion of spontaneous humour. We understand that it's a cash cow for the BBC so the guys cannot be allowed to improvise as the financial risk is too great, but we suspend out disbelief and enjoy the witty pretence anyway. The writers consistently come up with something entertaining both for their three 'characters' and also for the unvarying subject matter. You've got to admire the 'product' if nothing else.

I agree its drivel! So I don't watch it any more...

Top Gear has utterly lost the plot. If you want to see cars then Fifth Gear took off when the old Top Gear left off. He can't even drive very well. Trouble is no-one dare stand up to Mr Clarkson and his 'personality'; not that you can tell what he is about to say all the time, but you can tell what he is about to say all the time; same old, same old lugubrious delivery, yawn. I have some time for James May and no time for 'can I sound butch?' Richard Hammond'. Besides, I fancy VB-H!

Oh dear, how unbelievably sad that someone should take so much time to write about something they obviously don't like. The fact that the show has a huge fanbase is argument enough that the show is obviously entertaining to a great many and deserves it's rightful place. To try and elevate yourself above these fans of the show by showing such an elitist attitude only confirms that you are truly pompous and idiotic - moreso than the great Clarkson himself. Sure, Jeremy, Hamster and Captain Slow are all outspoken blokey blokes - but they, along with a huge number of men (AND women, might I add...) decide to make a show on a subject that ignites their passion. And we love it. Sorry to sound like a broken record, but as many have said, if you don't like it, why bother watching it? Your attempts to attract attention and downgrade the show are obviously going to be futile... do you really think you'll get all manner of people nodding along and agreeing like some party of churchill dogs when they read your blog? I'm sorry to inform you, but unless someone already hates the programme like you clearly do, you just sound like every viewer who ever wrote to points of view - spending valuable time in their lives finding fault with things they don't enjoy, instead of concentrating on and praising things they do like. Your blog has no effect on Top Gears fanbase, Mr Humphreys....

sorry im just going to totally disagree with the writer of this blog...firstly you have forgotten one crucial thing...it is not just guys who watch this! i am a girl, who watches this, as do most of my girl friends! we watch it for its funny comments, beautiful cars and because we ENJOY IT!!! does this mean we are "sad and mindless"? and "testosteroney"? and "the worst kind of blokishness"?? no it does not!

not only do we watch top gear, we go to MPH, a car show which the top gear presenters present as well because we are genuinely interested in them and not as car pornography, but because they are beautiful and it is fascinating how they make them work i think you have severely judged the show and only looked at it at face value!

i would advise you to actually watch a show before critiscising it

I could not agree more with the blogger. I used to watch Top Gear quite avidly but stopped when I couldn't tell one show from another. It's always the same: the people who are pro Top Gear reply by saying "Why don't you watch something else?" or "Why don't you just drown/kill yourself/stab yourself with needles", etc. This only serves to underline the point that the blogger has made - people who like Top Gear are idiots who probably like watching screensavers. To suggest that channel changing is the answer is to suggest that everyone should just sit at the BBC trough and eat up, regardless of quality or, more appropriately here, meaning.

For all the idiots: criticism of something one does not like does not suggest that the writer is wasting time or has little else to fill their lives with (just look at the number of replies to see that he is not alone!) To suggest that complaint is petty is like eating a bad meal and then paying the bill (see licence fee). I'm not surprised thickos would rather do this, however.

I think it's great to have a motoring TV show - lots of people buy and drive cars after all - but why does it have to be so dumbed down and samey?

Get a life Mr Humphries.

If yo dont like it don't watch it!

The fact that someone has gone to great time and trouble to create a blog knocking something they don't like clearly shows a sad individual who cannot move on with their life to do something more rewarding instead.

Unless this individual happens to be a journalist - whose main purpose is to get paid, usually by making controversial outlandish comments that attract interest.

Top Gear has never been more popular right now. That says it all really. Many times I've had tears streaming from my eyes whilst fighting for my breath and nearly died laughing watching that programme. And it also appeals to my love of supercars and technology, in this dreary world full of mundane boring salesmobiles and peoplewagons. For me, and no doubt millions of others watching it, it's entertainment at it's very finest. Long may it continue.

I used to love top gear in it's old more serious foremat.It was then much more interesting to us car buffs.The cackling audience adds nothing to the show and should be done away with too.

It seems that your attack upon top gear is borne out of an elitist attitude toward the people who are entertained by the show. You make snide and crude observations with no regard to consider why people love the show so much. Perhaps such an attack on Sex and the City would cause all manner of sexist replies. This article is no less sexist. You make cheap comments that anybody with a bee in their bonnet about Clarckson could easily have made. This is so unashamedly biased that it is worthless. Whether or not i do like the show.

It's kind of ironic how your journalistic style there seems almost Clarksian. Silly boy.

It doesn't offer a decent realm of criticism on cars, obviously. It's entertainment, otherwise it would be on the list of factual programmes on the BBC iplayer.

But the bottom line is why should I give a Hot potato coin if you don't like Top Gear. Is that really worthy criticism of television. Shouldn't you be delving throughout the channels trying to find something worthy of watching that isn't actually being seen instead of watching something over and lambasting that something with a large fanbase, one which even reaches towards Guardian reading lefty academics. If not, please lead a campaign towards ending all programmes produced by Simon Cowell.

This is an excellent blog, it's everything I feel about Top Gear. Obviously it is incredibly popular with a vast number of mindless idiots and they're all clearly shocked that anyone could dislike this rubbish.

I should add that I don't watch Top Gear but I have often had to put up with people at work reliving all of the hilarious gags and stunts that they saw on the last show. I'm sure it will continue for another decade at least. Lucky us...

The car bit's rubbish.

It's TV for idiots, and the sad thing is there are so many idiots who find this drivel entertaining.

i'm not going to bash Mr Humphreys for his opinion. Everyone's got one and his is no less valid than anyone else's. I can only express my own. I truly enjoy watching Top Gear - it has me giggling like a school boy.

As - what I would consider- a reasonably well educated Professional, I know that barring a lottery jackpot win I will probably never get the thrill of regularly driving the machinery featured on the show. Watching someone else enjoying these cars so blatantly is, whilst maybe not the next best thing, at least gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Like people have said elsewhere, if you don't like it, don't watch it. If your problem is that its a waste of the license fee, well, I don't dig the horse racing but over the last few days it seems that Royal Ascot's been plastered all over the BBC news and they have even got the weather girl broadcasting from the course. The BBC is necessarily a broad church and i think it gets an undue kicking from a lot of sources. The facts are it needs to nurture its successes in order to have them subsidise the niche programming - I am no expert but i would imagine that this is why shows like Top Gear and Dr Who for example have bigger budgets and are heavily promoted worldwide.

I'd just like to congratulate the writer of this post.

Untill they show Jeremy f***ing Clarkson getting run over by his GT f***ing 40 its NOT A F***ING COMEDY!!!!

To all those who complain about the cost of Top Gear from the Licence Fee the programme more than recovers the costs to make it and is the most sold programme by BBC Worldwide.

Oo sweet jesus what planet are you living on its quite obvisous that people over rule you blog and that top gear is a very worth while show on the bbc i wud much rather watch that than any other show on the tv. J.C is practically everyones idol of a teenage boy!

I dont know why you have even botherd posting this blog at all!

I like nearly everthing about Jeremy Clarkson from his dislike of the French to his non PC approach to global warming. I also find TG very entertaing so go stick your head in a bucket of poo Simon Humpreys who ever you are.

You have summarised exactly why it is so popular! Long live Top Gear!

Guardian reading, bicycle riding, left wing academic here. Yes, interesting article. Tel you what Simon, why don't you try and think why millions of people tune into listen to laconic, clued-up and incredibly badly behaved, middle aged schoolboys playing with expensive toys.

It's because we'd all love to do it. Top Gear is fun, enormous fun and a 60 minute fantasy period for everybody who enjoys the sheer frustration and utter joy endemic to motoring. And Clarkson a prig? Have a good hard look in the mirror before coming out with statements like that. Clarkson may be opinionated, but he does a better line in self-deprecation than almost anybody else on television. He's witty, informed, clever and along with Hammond and May, fantastic company on a Sunday evening.

What else…? Oh yes, as a fan I am apparently sad and mindless? So that must also apply to Helen Mirren and Gambon and who else…well that well known dullard Rory Bremner, plus Patrick Stewart, Timothy Spall, Carol Vorderman, Joanna Lumley, Tim Rice, just to name a few other members of society's flotsam…oh yes, and Stephen Fry, of course, clearly the least intelligent, most mindless person on the box.

You're an ill-informed idiot Humphreys. If you really want to reduce a huge carbon footprint and save the world a lot of trouble, I can recommend you take a really long swim, say between Penzance and Bermuda.

I'm a woman, I have a car, I love driving it and I love this show, so much so that I actually went to see it being filmed, and yes I'm sure that there were plenty of sad and mindless people there but strangely I didn't meet any, I'm not and neither are any of the people I went with. I personally didn't do much fawning although was quite keen to get a couple of pics of the Stig and Mr Hammond and all my laughter was genuine, even after the 2nd take. I'm sure it wasn't your intent to be rude and unpleasant about the people who enjoy this programme or to unfairly stereotype us. Yes, it's puerile, some of the "tests" are obviously set up, extremely silly, and JC is regularly and spectacularly un-PC (thank goodness something is these days), but any programme that Sir Ranulph Fiennes appears on can't be all bad surely (probably one of the best "stars" ever). They manage to draw "Stars in reasonably priced cars" because they either want to plug their new book/film, get some free publicity, get paid well to do it or maybe, just maybe, they enjoy cars and the challange of beating fellow celebs on the laps. All the cars are out of my price range but at least this way I know what to buy when I make my first million!! I don't do sport, history, reality TV or soaps so please leave me something funny to watch that isn't from America!!!

The problem here is that Simon Humphreys probably owns a caravan and Clarkson may well have gone speeding past at the first opportunity in his GT-40 and Humphreys feels a little upset. Needles in eyes please Simon, at least it might shut you up.

Get stuffed... This is one of only a very few things worth watchinig on the box. It's great entertainment, well informed and about the only place you get to see a Lotus against an Apache helicopter gunship. I suppose you're one of those Gaurdian readers who'd have us all living in hermetically sealed, environmentally friendly habitats and only use a bicycle when it's absolutley necessary. Go away and give us all some peace to watch Clarkson and Co.....

Top Gear is above everything else, tongue in cheek, hence it's worldwide popularity (yes, I have seen it in places like The Philippines let alone the US). Believe me the BBC wouldn't still keep running if they couldn't make a packet selling it abroad.

As for Simon Humphrey, head up arse. That in itself makes it even more difficult to understand him as he clearly talks through the same orafice.

I can't believe that you think that. You should try sticking needles in your eyes instead then.

Starting your article with "I am a man. I have a car." Does not qualify you as an authority on this subject any more than anyone else. I know people of both sexes, people who are interested and people who couldn't care less about cars who like this program. I suspect the reason is the humour (which you obviously do not get). I can appreciate that you do not like this program, we all have different taste, but that is no reason to insult those who do. Just because you do not like it does not mean those who do are "mindless." You appear to be putting yourself on an intellectual pedestal with comments like that, one I doubt you deserve with respect to the viewers of Top Gear.

As does my fellow guest I too struggle to transcribe my own inarticulate thoughts. So all I can say is great blog! To the argument that it is the most downloadable programme in the world, could it not just be the case that the majority of the world are in fact "sad and mindless"? (never believe anyone that either begins or ends a sentence with "apparently")

Do us all a favour and get rid of such TV licence-guzzling presenters. They are like cars themselves, i.e noisy, overrated, expensive to run, smelly from the rear end....in all but one respect: cars can keep going ages after a couple of pints!

And there lies the crux, the very reason why men adore, perhaps even worship, their cars. A car does not criticise or nag, it doesn't mind whether you have poor taste in music, and it puts up with the most banal of conversation without judgement. It is warm, cosy and womb-like, it has a rather phallic gear stick (whatever would Freud make of that, had he treated men and not women?) Basically it allows men to gratify all their repressed and unfulfilled wants from infancy. It even has an umbilical cord (seat belts!)

All programmes like this do for me is make me want to shove my foot through the TV screen...but sadly I am a mere girly. This must be why I don't like cars!

Well I would rather watch something like Topgear or a Picture Britain than the kind of peeping tom moron who want to watch Big Brother and all the other fly on the wall programs or all the twits who watch soaps because it is marginality a bit better than there own lives so if you don't like Topgear than switch it of as I do when Big Brother ect is on and maybe you could push of on your push bike? in the mixed belief that you are saving the planet or down to your local church talking to your imaginary friend ect

well, I think I talking him down off his perch. He's probably writing to Points of View as we speak

Clarkson is smug with a high opinion of himself? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. If Top Gear can't penetrate your thick fog of pretension then that's your loss. Bloke-ish, yes. Peurile, maybe. Entertaining, definitely.

I'm a latecomer to Top Gear. I've always been aware of it but never really watched it. I've read a few of JC's non motoring books and love his sense of humour. Top Gear now get's watched regularly!

1)"It's all so irredeemably male" - what about being male is irredeemable? And why do we wish to be redeemed? What is wrong with being a man? Why do you feel embarrassed about your manhood?

2)" These are people who get seriously turned on by all that talk of torque, understeer, traction control. This is nothing other than car pornography. I mean, just how fascinating are endless shots of cars driving along motorways?" - why shouldn't they like it? The viewing figures would seem to suggest that, while you personally may prefer not to watch this admittedly specialised interest piece of programming, a lot of other people do. The reason it ran into 10 series is that it's actually entertaining to some people. I would rather die than watch any of the many cooking programmes on tv, but I at least accept that many others do!

I totally disagree. I too am a man, and I have a relatively boring car, but I enjoy watching the program, partly for the car aspect, and partly as a comedy show.

There are different programs for different tastes, and motoring programs make up a very small part of the BBC's content. There's nothing wrong with enjoying cars out of our price range, other people like to watch travel programs, art programs, fashion programs, all showing things that viewers may not be able to afford.

As for the environmental aspect, we have free speech, and many other programs encourage travel, consumerism and wastefulness to a greater degree.

So the male humour is not to your taste, but it is to many other people which is why Top Gear is so popular, even with people not that interested in cars. I assume you did not see the recent Top Gear Ground Force special for sport relief. I, and many other, considered it one of the funniest things on television for a long time.

I, along with millions of other viewers (around the world), are eagerly awaiting the new season...

Those who don't get Top Gear never will.

I don't lilke Football so I don't watch it, but others do and I respect that.

TOTALLY AGREE!!!!

I'm just waiting for the episode where Clarkson crashes - I'll have popcorn for that one!

Top Gear is like a relic that should have stayed undiscovered. It’s a show for the rich or deluded, that now serves no purpose in relation to informative television. And we the people are footing the bill for a show that is so out of touch for the ordinary man. It’s ideal for the breeding of the hooded wearing louts that aspire to be nothing of value in society; Other than to be a strain on modern society, with their vibrating stereos on wheels. How ironic that Jeremy Clarkson was involved in an altercation last year by the very people this show appeals to. The presenting is so appalling, and worst of all predictable. The presenters must be thinking how on earth they are continually being paid by the Beeb and spawning rubbish shows with the same tired predictable presenting style which is Hammond and May trying to be Clarkson light and not being able to characters in their own right. Over the top sensationalism and laughing at they only jokes how sad. The Top Gear specials are an insult to us all. The time money and people power must be immense. Ridiculous, whimsical races that have no relativity or believability; edited to an inch of a every pixel, made to make us believe that there is any drama involved at all, pitiful. The BBC’s standards have certainly dropped. It’s not without consequence either the great unwashed are paying for this in more ways than you’d think.

i love topgear

i love the stig

i love jeremy

simon doesnt understand comedy

I Hate The Stig!

Apart From That I Like Top Gear!

I Hate The Stig!

Apart From That, I Like Top Gear!

Why is there shows about cooking? Why is there shows about nature?

The same reason why Top Gear is on. You are talking from a minority view here because all these shows on are to entertain people interested in these topics. Isn't the BBCs point for providing the public with programmes to "inform, expain and entertain"? The BBC are certainly doing this, I am not interesting in cookery programmes at all as I cannot cook but I appreciate them being on there, I just choose not to watch it.

If you dont like it - DONT WATCH IT.

Simon your a stereotypical accountant you need to loosen up it's a laugh not a documentary. Stop complaining and use your time to do something worthwhile like have a go at Big Brother, The Jeremy Kyle Show etc... Ok Clarkson can be big headed and self-righteous, of course climate change is happening. But Hammond and May are alright and you couldn't do a better job of it than any of them, even if you tried. Topgear's at least a good bit of entertainment that doesn't make the British people look like idiots unlike BB, East Enders, Cory ...

I have very little interest in cars. Like you I believe, it goes thats enough.

But I love Top Gear. I dont care that I'll never be able to afford the cars, I dont care that they dont tell me the most there is to know about engineering. I watch it because it's a bit of a laugh.

Your criticism of Jeremy Clarkson is fair enough, but what you failed to mention was that he is also funny and entertaining.

Surely not a relation of newsreader John Humphreys (a big fan of top gear as shown in the Peel P50 segment in the last series) because if you were I am sure he'd b**ch slap you in submission and if he is a relation I will gladly hold his coat whilst he did so.

I drive a ten year old 1 litre Nissan Micra, the automotive equivalent of pot noodle, I couldn't care less about fast expensive cars as they just seem to me to be a way of advertising how much money you have by owning a totally impractical car. Certainly on our congested and under maintained road system nobody's going to be able to go very fast for very long in them.

I still like top gear though, it is fun and entertaining, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have an excellent chemistry and cameraderie and they are very funny.

Sure Jeremy Clarkson acts acts like an unreconstructed eighties thatcherite - a persona he adopts with ease and irony - spouting colonel blimp-isms with a twinkle in his eye as if daring you to have a go at him. He's opinionated, impatient and argumentative, but he's not boring, joyless or humourless.

More to the point, he rather enjoys scandalising the righteous and PC - witness the controversy when they lit pipes up on stage - the screaming from the anti smoking lobby and the likes of Harriet Harmon was a joy to listen to.

James May is parodying himself as the British tinkerer, the man who fiddles about with engine parts in a shed, possibly while smoking a pipe and wearing slippers.

Richard Hammond is the would be fashion icon (in his dreams perhaps) and perennial naughty schoolboy.

They are all exaggerating parts of their characters for entertainment value - and occasionally putting themselves at some risk to entertain us.

No-one should really believe that what you see on the screen is all there is to these men and you'd be a fool if you did.

This show is about fun and entertainment, it is a million miles away from a serious and sober discussion about which is the best mid-price family saloon to buy and thank goodness for it.

I never write in to anything like this, but having mistakenly clicked on the article I was interested to see how excited people are about Simon's article. I must admit I do not know many people with Simon's attitude to Top Gear as I am a 45 y/o male from Essex and the majority of blokes I know would agree with me in saying we like Top Gear a lot. It's one of those programs that incite opinion. I think this is the key to the show, that there are opinions. Proper one sided bugger what the large car companies and high brow journalists think opinions, even between themselves ( although slightly contrived) there are huge differences of opinions. This incites debate, surely this is good? Personally I think Jezza plays devils advocate a lot of the time just to ensure there is this sort of debate, it keeps him and the show in the viewing figures they have become accustom to. I also think that the latter series are more contrived than earlier. But I do not know of another program (even on the Beeb) where My wife my three kids 16, 14 & 9 G, B B. Will all sit down and enjoy. My 9 y/o will even hunt it down on cable for re-runs. It's good fun. BTW I like the way that when i used the spellchk supplied by this web site it didn't recognise the place Essex, gave me the option to change to Wessex or Sussex.

I like the programme and it's about 'fun' and 'having a laugh'. Perhaps Simon Humphreys cannot comprehend such a notion?

Whilst I entirely disagree with the sentiment of this piece, it is not the content which I find so disagreeable. It is rather more the arrogant and frankly disdainful tone. As a television critic I suppose Simon's vocation is in fact to tell all and sundry what his opinions are on television programs. Yet what he has done here is embark upon a rant directed at anyone with the temerity to watch Top Gear. His sniping and irksome language beguiles me more than the thought that big brother will be back for endless new series, or even that at some point in the next 24 hours I will be force fed a headline featuring Britney Spears or Amy Winehouse.

Far be it for me to embark upon a personal attack, but it seems the entire purpose of this article is to do just that upon Jeremy Clarkson and indeed anyone that views the show. And so, responding in kind, I find this to be the controversy courting, useless and vapid commentary of a bitter and frankly boring journalist who has entirely missed the point of the program about which he is writing. It is light entertainment, not a submission for the Turner prize.

The real wonder of Top Gear is how three unreconstructed schoolboys have persuaded the BBC to let them indulge their puerile fantasies for so long. This is nothing more than playground humour, riddled with clichés and pointless hyperbole, delivered in a grating, facetious drone.

If we ignore the negitivity that you spin on this comment, you can see just why Top Gear is liked so much. It is about light entertainment, watching something where three people can do something they obviously enjoy. If it is such a bad show, with such mindless, deluded viewers, why then, were the ratings so high in comparison to Big Brother, another popular show of this generation? Top Gear has been going for years and has generated both good and bad press over time, as well as appealling to a wide audience and providing what they want and yet still pulls in viewing figures and popularity.

Obviously, you would happily sit and watch something else. I respect that, but if you hate something so much, why even bother to take the time to write about it? Perhaps, like those sad, mindless people, who are turned on by cars, as you stated, you are in fact, turned on by the controversy you've tried to create here. I'm afraid all you've done is made yourself out to be a humorless, sad person, who perhaps needs to invest in a sense of humor, other than an opinion.

The explanation of Simon Humphreys' hatred of top gear is one of simplicity and is this: Simon Humphreys does not like 'fun'.

I wonder when he last actually enjoyed a good bit of old fashioned 'fun', with laughter and all that stuff.

Top gear is a fun show, with beautiful cars that simply can't be complained about, (if you want to hear mediocre statistics about day to day, average cars, go to a ford dealership)and three boyish, immature, fun-loving, and truly english presenters. And thats why pretty much everyone who has a TV will watch it if it's on.

hi. im a 16year old boy who has a moderate interest in cars and has already decided on a 900cc rover for his first car.

I completly agree with simon (i can write alot) humphreys. I really do.

and it is for all the reasons that simon hates top gear. that we bloody love it.

:-)

Simon's comments are frankly ridiculous - firstly he sounds to be a frustrated journalist who is jealous of the success of Clarkson et al., hence the attack on him.

Top Gear is in NO WAY a show that informs about cars of the type that most of us real-world drivers will have. That's not the point - there are other shows for that, and they are as dull as ditchwater. Top Gear is about entertainment. And that it does very well. Why have the BBC "indulged" this? Because it's one of their highest-viewed programmes, that's why.

Yes, the cars featured on it are irrelevant for 99.9% of the viewers. So what? I have forgotten more about cars than most people know, and I'll never be rich enough to own anything other than a 10-year old shed. I'd still like to know about things that I'll never experience first-hand, in the same way I'm happy that Suzi Perry exists.

Car pornography? Sounds to me like Simon is ashamed of himself, and therefore thinks anyone else who is "sad and mindless" enough to have an interest in a subject he doesn't like is beneath contempt. Fortunately that's not the case. Car bores are boring, yes. But that's not the case with TG.

Promotes Dangerous Driving? How does it do that? All of the "cocking about" is done on their test track. I see far worse driving every day of the week, from people who take no interest in their car, driving ability or the outside world. Most people who are genuinely interested in cars take a pride in their driving, and understanding concepts like understeer and oversteer makes you a safer driver on the roads, not a more dangerous one.

What is wrong with competition? The Star in a Reasonably Priced Car is a fun test of people's driving abilities. Having taken part in many car races, I would defy anyone to do so and not enjoy themselves. It's fun, and a good test of your abilities to see if you can go faster. Why would people like Gambon and Mirren do it? Probably because they have a sense of fun and are also competitive and perfectionists as well.

As for "Ecology", before you make any more ill-informed comments like that, take yourself on a trip to Africa, India, China or anywhere else in the developing world, and take a deep breath of air near any road. THERE you'll see true damage being done to the environment and planet, with cars running unleaded fuel in a terrible state of disrepair, pollution on a massive scale. The cars that TG tests are nearly immaculately clean in comparison.

I think that Simon is spot-on in his assessment of the show.

My particular objection to Clarkson is that IMO he is a highly intelligent guy who plays at being the Daily Mail's pinup ("it's political correctness gone mad") just because he can and because gets paid a shedload of money for it - not out of any particular conviction.

And for all those that have pointed out the function of the Off button on the remote (and complained that Simon is spoiling their viewing fun) - this is a forum where you talk about TV programmes isn't it???

If you can't have a whinge about your pet peeve here, then where can you? Doesn't mean you have to agree with it, but do try and come up with arguments a bit better than "well my 8 year old and I like it and if you don't then why don't you go back to Newsnight".

And thats why Top Gear is so popular!

Its far Better than old Top Gear that was far more informative and generally..boring, watching Tiff Needell drive around some mountain for the 10th time that month (intrestingly he now presents a show similar to it on C5)

Simon, if you feel this strongly about Top Gear, God only knows how you feel about Big Brother and other so called 'reality tv' shows. Top Gear may seem daft, but when I switch the telly on I like to be entertained, and Top Gear does that, and then some, and when you strip away the laddish humour, your informed as well.

So long may top gear continue - imho.

Hey Simon - here's an idea! If you don't like it, DON'T WATCH IT!! And certainly don't be a self-important imbecile and assume that the rest of the UK (and the world) feels the same as you. The viewing figures speak for themselves (most watched show on BBC2, 2nd most watched BBC series worldwide, most downloaded British show on the internet!). You may be one of those "a car just gets me from A to B" people, but for the several million people in this country who aren't, this show is the best thing on TV - in fact it's the only TV show I actually watch! Also, are you aware that almost 50% of the viewing audience is female? My sister and her husband watch this show religiously, despite having no interest in cars whatsoever. Why? Because it's FUNNY! Why oh why does everyone feel they can't find something funny because it doesn't fit in with their ideals? Humour is simply something that makes you laugh, however purile, immature or stupid it may be. Simon, I'm afraid you find yourself in a minority here, so while you're at it, why not attack Match of the Day and try to get football banned!

EDIT: I should have read some of the other posts here first! Seems I'm not alone... I will NEVER understand why some people have such an over-inflated sense of self-importance that they feel they simply MUST attack a TV show that they hate, and therefore spoil the enjoyment of others. Top Gear has been on the BBC since the 70's and in it's current form for 10 series - it simply has to be popular to have survived that long. Can anyone think of 5 other shows that have lasted that long? I have a serious dislike of at least 90% of the shows on TV, but I understand that they appeal to other people, so I wouldn't try to attack them in a public forum, but maybe that's because I DON'T confuse my opinion with fact.

Well, I completely agree with Simon Humphries. I think he's well and truly hit the nail on Clarkson's long head.

I'm surprised about all your whinging and smarmy little attacks on Simon - there's no need to get personal.

While many of you agree, I'm afraid I'm one of those few people who see through Top Gear's facade and that it's toff nosed piece of over-funded garbage. Their banter is painfully rehearsed, the direction ludicrously self-congratulatory.

I enjoyed reading Simon's blog, it reminded that Top Gear isn't a man's programme - but a show for tosspots.

"Frankly, I would rather poke needles in my eyes than ever have to watch it again. "

I have some here waiting....

Hmmm... Now I seem to remember leaving a comment in defence of Top Gear. Some APE must have deleted it overnight.

Top Gear is more intelligent and stimulating than you care to think. It must be one of my favourite TV programs and I don't even care that much about cars.

Richard Hammond has nice hair. (now leave my post alone)

Wow, Mr. Humphreys! You've certainly started something here! So you hate Top Gear and just felt you had to blog about it? Pity you didn't jot it down on the back of an envelope and use the spare room to do your shopping list.

Now listen up. TG is transmitted and watched world-wide. People talk about it the day after it's shown. Usually to say what a fantastic show it was and how they thoroughly enjoyed it. I have an 8 year old great nephew who is a terrific fan and is absolutely devastated that he is not old enough to even be in the audience! And he was most impressed that I've been to a recording.

Just over 2 and a half years ago my father died. In the following months I 'discovered' Top Gear, a show which until then had escaped my notice. I watched it, sat up and took notice. The three 'schoolboys' as you scathingly described Jeremy, James and Richard made me laugh and helped me through my grieving process. I found their antics and the car reviews therapeutic and alternatively laughed and cried whenever I watched.

I doubt very much that any other show would have helped the way Top Gear helped me.

So if you don't like Top Gear, please don't bother watching it and posting your negative comments. I don't like...let's see...Eastenders, Big Brother, Rosemary & Thyme, any costume drama. Football. Rugby. Tennis. Golf. Horse racing. I think Eastenders is all about the cast shouting and screaming at each other. I think Big Brother is like watching paint dry. I think Rosemary & Thyme is twee. I hate football. I hate rugby. I hate....oh, you get the picture? But I can't be bothered to sit at my computer and fire off insulting words at all those involved in the production of these shows. Because somewhere in the country there will be fans. People who would fight tooth and nail to defend their choice of TV watching...their interests, their hobbies.

Top Gear is our interest, our hobby. Our choice of TV watching. It's watched by MILLIONS, worldwide, Mr. Humphreys. It's enjoyed by MILLIONS, worldwide, Mr. Humphreys. It makes the BBC MILLIONS, Mr. Humphreys.

So, I ask you, as my fellow fans have asked you. What do you like to watch, Mr. Humphreys? I look forward to putting up a blog...Why I hate...Mr. Humphreys' favourite TV show.

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOP GEAR IS A FABULOUS SHOW!!!!! IF YOU HATE SOMETHING SO MUCH WHY ARE YOU WRITING ABOUT IT AND WASTING YOUR ENERGY, LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!!!!!!! and why do you watch Top Gear if you hate it so much, what is going on????Just get on with your life, i dont understand why people do this, dont you have anything better to do?????? MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOP GEAR RULES!!!!!!!!!!

I like Top Gear. It is one of the best shows shown on TV at the moment. I can't wait for the next series to come on. The show to me has a good mix of car reviews and humour. I think it is great, much better than Ch 5's Fifth Gear which I never watch.

"This is television for the sad and mindless"

I would be a bit more worried about somebody who couldn't find the 'OFF' button on his television...

You don't like Top Gear? Fine, don't watch it. You have that choice. But I don't consider myself to be 'sad and mindless' and you seem to think all of Top Gear's millions of fans worldwide are.

I'm a woman, I don't drive, I don't particularly like cars. So why do I love Top Gear? I like to be entertained. I like to see these people doing the job they love and making me laugh. The show is beautiful to look at, lovingly put together. My family and I find the challenges the best part of the show. It's all great fun to watch.

Personally it's the chemistry between the show's presenters that's the main draw for me. That kind of genuine understanding of each other is incredibly rare and wonderful to see.

I don't have a blind love of the show. Very occasionally I feel they go too far. But generally I love everything about it.

I hope you find something else to watch on Sunday nights Mr Humphreys. Whatever it is, I doubt it'll even come close to being as entertaining and fun as Top Gear.

As an ex pat living in the USA, I have to watch Top Gear on BBC America which by the way is NOT free and we are a full series behind the UK and it is so refreshing to see a proper motoring show, not like the rubbish shown here.

How anyone can say that Top Gear is anything but brilliant and entertaining bemuses me and I sure hope that they continue to make the program in which case Mr Humphreys had better make sure that the needles are sterile. By the way, this wouldn't be the same Mr Humphreys from "Are you being served".

Demondaveusa

"It's all so irredeemably male", writes Simon Humphreys.

Well, for those of us who do not read the Guardian, holiday in Provence and eat lentils by the dustbin-full, we like that. Television is so irredeemably female, so Top Gear is a beacon for those of us who are not trying to impress women with our faux metrosexuality.

I would suggest that Yorkshire is not as wet as you, Mr Humphreys.

(Before you get upset at the insult, you did refer to people who like Top Gear as "sad").

Maybe Mr Simon Humphreys could better use his passion and time in sorting out the NHS, solving the worlds energy needs or feed some starving kids. Or just watch something else sunday 8pm and stop wasting everyones time.

Personally love To Gear along with quite a few billion other people world wide so for all you people who hate the show could I please make a suggestion, you have a button on the front of your TV with the word OFF on it why dont you try using it.

I would like to know why Mr. Humphreys feels it is alright to call the readers of his review sad and mindless. i probably would not like allot of the television that he watches but this would not cause me to insult him. also he says top gear is endless car reviews. well actually it is mostly not it is mostly road trips such as the one across Africa. also if top gear is SO bad why has it won one Emmy, and the National Television Award in the Most Popular Factual Programme category in 2006&2007.

can Mr. Humphreys answer that

Anything that I could say would just be going over the points already made by Sharky and Turbosonice. All I will say is that Mr Humphreys, you are an idiot.

i dont even have a proper interest in cars but i find top gear entertaining!

and i agree with the above post completely, compared to the other rubbish on tv Top Gear is great entertainment

I'm happy to agree with anyone who knocks T.G. How patronising is it to'vamp up' boring footage with jerky(got to keep the thickos interested)and focus switching camera work,loads of overdubbed music(got to keep the thickos interested),repetitive challenges where everybody arrives within 0.7 seconds of each other in a realistic and totally unplanned way,but they've got to keep the thickos interested as the general public's too dense to stay awake otherwise - or am I on to something here.

On top of this is the total inability of the 3 wonders to take up the cudgels on behalf of the massively over-regulated drivers upon whom the programme is dependant,and do anything positive,"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)springs to mind.These three have a bloody good platform to use,seems they're too scared for their salary.

Here's a blog defending the show for all you fans:

www.radiotimes.com/blogs/102-why-i-lovetop-gear

Helen

RadioTimes.com

I think the most objectionable fact about Top Gear is the presenters being paid from our television licence fees.

I assume the BBC is also liable for the insurance of cars and the juvenile antics of the presenters - with a legion of health and safety advisors in attendance no doubt.

If this program is so popular, let it be made by independent producers and shown on a commercial network.

If the BBC did drop Top Gear and no commercial replacement was forthcoming, fans could always stand by the nearest motorway to watch cars going past at speed if that is their idea of entertainment.

t

B-) Please just enjoy the programme for the fun and the reviews of cars it gives us. Like the previous comments, I'll probably never own a supercar or drive one round a racing circut, but I can dream and watching the Boys and Stig doing it instead is great. I am a girl/woman and I enjoy the girly programmes like Gok Wan's HTLGN too. But that does not stop me loving Top Gear too!!

I like a show that does not pander to the metrosexuals and PC brigade and actually sets out to entertain (and, yes, Inform) men about things that interest them. I don't actually drive, but find the show fun.

I was all set to defend Top Gear, being - you know- a girl and loving the childish school boy antics of the three. I have to say it never seems that anybody minds Old Captin Slow and the Hamster, just Clarkson who is the most awful bore but that just makes it all the more fun when they beat him. I love Tp Gear, but the specials are the most wonderful things on earth - the one in Africa recently was stunning "Oliver!".

However, reading the comments - yuk! I can see why you might not like Top Gear if this was the audiance associated with it. Anti-men? Dear God. Grow up! There is no femenist concpricy against you. And nanny-state? Wahhah! The Government are looking after my health! WAHHHA! I'm a big baby.

*sigh* I don't think Top Gear is to blokey at all. I do roll my eyes at Jeremy Clarkson but he's a pundit. And besides, we can always snigger about the £500 take out of his account - the self pompus arse.

Completely agree with the previous comment. Is there something wrong with being male and enjoying "testosteroney" things? I have a car, I love driving and I am interested in cars. I am also interested in sports and other "blokey" things, yet I somehow manage to not be a mysoginist, nor do I find drinking 20 pints down my boozer and starting a ruck a particualrly fun thing to do. If I did, my girlfriend would not stay with me. Nor would she tolerate "the worst kind of blokishness" Simon Humphreys is talking about.

Back to cars though. Even though in all possibility I'll never own a supercar or anything close to one, I still I like to know about them. Some people are train spotters, some are plain spotters, some collect stamps, some indulge in collecting old forks perhaps. What exactly is your problem with that Mr Humphreys? Perhaps we should all share your hobbies and interests and only watch what you deem as entertaining, educating and responsible television? The point you're making about Top Gear encouraging dangerous driving and endorsing a gas-guzzling sub-culture is a feeble attempt to justify your views.

Dangerous driving has existed long before Top Gear and will continue to exist as long as people exist unless we somehow manage to geneticaly modify the human race, so everyone is always born a future model citizen without a single irresponsible or rebelious gene, and programmed to always obey every rule and law of how one person should be. That or actively take all control away from the driver and have every vehicle controlled via government satellites. Then again, this is probably Mr Humphreys' perfect vision of the future.

As for gas-guzzling sub-culture, that will also exist as long as there is "gas". It is not up to Top Gear to educate people about environmental awareness. There are enough institutions that do that already and everyone already knows the predicament our environment is in. It is up to the individual to make the right choices. Nobody buys gas-guzzling cars because they watch Top Gear. People buy gas-guzzling cars if they want them and if they can afford them.

Despite "the worst kind of blokishness" on Top Gear you're talking about, I know a lot of women who like the show. One of them is my girlfriend who doesn't drive, has never had a car, nor a particular desire to have one. The show has been going for so long because there are a lot of people who like it. To call them all "sad and mindless" like Mr Humphries does is quite a generalisation to say the least.

I for example hate soaps, Big Brother, X-Factor, makeover shows, or anything found on daytime TV so I don't watch any of that because I find it sad and mindless. Yet I know plenty of people who love some or all off that and yet they are not "sad and mindless". You have the right to have an opinion on the show but not on people you don't know anything about. Everyone with their own intricacies but Mr Humphries is not in a position to say who is sad and mindless based on people's favourite TV shows.

So what ARE your favourite programmes Mr Humphreys?