BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- NBC has ordered a pilot for
the international hit series "Top Gear" from BBC Worldwide America it was
announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and
Universal Media Studios. The world's leading car series franchise features
unique celebrity guest participation and high-adrenaline action
entertainment.
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"'Top Gear' is a proven international hit which fits perfectly into
NBC's line-up of programming with male appeal, including 'Sunday Night
Football' and 'American Gladiators,'" said Silverman. "We're always looking
for innovative ways to partner with our advertisers and this show offers a
great platform for the latest in car culture."
"We've had our eye on 'Top Gear' for a while now and think this show
can really click with viewers," added Craig Plestis, Executive Vice
President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC
Entertainment. "The concept taps into America's obsession with cars and is
unlike anything else on television."
"Since its revival over five years ago, the UK show has been a
phenomenal success. The bar has been set so high, that replicating it will
be the challenge -- one we truly relish," said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice
President Content and Production for BBC Worldwide Americas. "Casting is
well underway and we are confident that Americans will fall in love with
the attitude and irreverent spirit of 'Top Gear.'"
One of the UK's most popular all-time television franchises, "Top Gear"
will feature super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, time trials and
road tests, and assess the performance of some of the most ordinary and
extraordinary cars on the planet.
The series, which premiered in the UK in 1977, is consistently BBC
TWO's most-watched program in the UK. "Top Gear" also reaches over 150
million households globally and made its stateside debut on BBC America in
2007.
"Top Gear" has been the recipient of various awards including National
Television Awards, BAFTAs, Broadcast Award, Royal Television Society Awards
and an International Emmy Award. Top celebrity guests have included Helen
Mirren, Hugh Grant, Simon Cowell, Ewan McGregor and Gordon Ramsay.
BBC Worldwide America recently wrapped "Clash of the Choirs," a
successful four-night live event for NBC. The company is currently
producing the first season of "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann" and will
begin the sixth season of "Dancing with the Stars" in March.
About BBC Worldwide America:
BBC Worldwide America has headquarters in New York and Los Angeles, and
brings together all of BBC Worldwide's businesses in the U.S. BBC Worldwide
is the main commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximize the value of
the BBC's assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invest in
public service programming in return for rights. The company has six core
businesses: Global Channels, Global TV Sales, Content & Production, Home
Entertainment, Digital Media and Magazines.
SOURCE BBC Worldwide America
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Related links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk
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AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
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CONTACT:
Wendy Luckenbill of NBC, +1-818-840-2543,
wendy.luckenbill@nbcuni.com; or Alex Fulton, +1-212-705-9335,
alex.fulton@bbc.com, or Christine Shaw Davis, +1-818-299-9699,
christine.davis@bbc.com, both of BBC Worldwide America
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