The Grand Tour Reboot Season 1 Review
The new Grand Tour is a fun and ambitious attempt to prove that the format can soldier on without the much-loved line up that previously helmed it and, perhaps against all odds, it has honestly succeeded.
The new season of The Grand Tour has officially begun on Prime Video, with a fresh trio of hosts - Thomas Holland, James Engelsman, and Francis Bourgeois - taking over the reins from the iconic original hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Despite the loss of the much-loved trio after 22 years together, the new series appears to be thriving.
In a charming opening sketch, the new hosts pay homage to Clarkson, who appears on his Diddly Squat Farm, setting the stage for the show's continuation. The new Grand Tour retains the original format, combining themed segments with in-depth road trips across the US, Malaysia, and Angola. Despite a possible reduction in budget, the show maintains its high production values, showcasing stunning vehicle footage and executing expensive ideas with finesse.
The most significant change is the dynamic chemistry between the new hosts. Holland and Engelsman, both from the popular YouTube motoring channel Throttle House, possess a natural ease in front of the camera, and they exhibit genuine camaraderie with each other. Bourgeois, who comes from a social media background rather than traditional motoring journalism, is a surprising addition but quickly becomes a standout presence.
His enthusiasm for his new role is evident, and his knowledge of cars is impressive, ranging from trains to high-performance vehicles.
The show's presentation benefits greatly from Bourgeois' unique style, blending his passion for trains with his enthusiasm for cars. His ability to seamlessly transition between being knowledgeable and youthful is particularly engaging. One standout segment features a comparison between expensive restomod vehicles - a Totem GT Super and a Prodrive P25 - with Bourgeois' endorsement of the latter proving invaluable to the episode.
The restomod concept, which involves updating classic cars with modern internals, is a recurring theme that could've been explored more deeply.
When asked about the reboot without the original trio, Holland jokingly remarked, "Only a moron would take that job," yet the sentiment echoes the challenges faced by Top Gear in finding suitable replacements after Clarkson's departure. Early indications suggest that The Grand Tour has successfully navigated this transition, proving that the format can continue to captivate audiences without the familiar faces.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
