The Grand Tour Ends & Why It Should Stay Dead

On That Bombshell… (No Spoilers!)

So, have you seen it yet? The final-ever episode of The Grand Tour? Well, when I say final, I mean, there’s talk it might not be the final. But should it be brought back? That’s the real question. If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t worry – no spoilers here – but let’s talk about where The Grand Tour leaves us, why it (and before it Top Gear) worked for so long, and why trying to revive it or replace Clarkson, Hammond, and May would be massive mistake.

Last night, I watched the episode “One For The Road”, and while it was brilliant, you could almost feel the energy fizzing out. It’s like that end-of-term feeling – everyone knows it’s over, but they’re cracking out one last hurrah. The cars, the locations, the usual contrived situations, the comments designed to offend entire nations – yep, all the familiar tropes were there. But this time, it felt like we were closing not just a chapter, but the whole book.

Why Clarkson, Hammond, and May Can’t Be Replaced

Clarkson, Hammond, and May aren’t just TV presenters—they’re three middle-aged blokes who managed to turn their overgrown man-child antics into a cultural phenomenon. Clarkson’s bombastic bravado, Hammond’s excitable Labrador energy, and May’s reluctant-professor vibe formed a unique trio that transcended the cars. Yes, it was ostensibly about the vehicles, and the journeys, but what people tuned in for was them. Their chemistry – the bickering banter and ridiculous challenges – made Top Gear and The Grand Tour unmissable. You weren’t just watching a car show; you were hanging out with your car mates.

Top Gear tried to reboot after Clarkson’s infamous punch. In fact it tried several reboots, and each time it failed. Miserably. Trying out a conveyor belt of presenters to replicate Clarkson & Cos unique format, didn’t work because it was all about the camaraderie between the trio. You can’t manufacture that kind of chemistry in a lab.

Why The Grand Tour Should Stay Dead

After 22 years of Clarkson, Hammond, and May doing this across Top Gear and The Grand Tour, we’ve reached the end of an era. Sure, they could attempt a reboot with new presenters. They could bring in some unknowns. But it would be a hollow imitation – a watered-down version that just wouldn’t have the same magic. Audiences don’t want a replacement trio – they want these three.

And let’s be real, the guys themselves have said they’re too old for this. Clarkson has gone on record saying he’s too fat to get into the cars he loves and not interested in driving the ones he doesn’t. He’s moved on to tractors and sheepdogs on his farm show, and honestly, good for him. May is probably more interested in building WWII aircraft in a shed somewhere, and Hammond is busy with his Smallest Cog project—essentially his own attempt at making a farm-style TV empire of his own.

Have Car Enthusiasts Moved Online?

Here’s the bigger question: Do we even need shows like The Grand Tour anymore? Let’s think about this. Car enthusiasts aren’t waiting around for a TV slot every Sunday night anymore – they’ve moved online. YouTube is where the real action is now. Channels like Doug DeMuro, CarWoW, and yes, BrownCarGuy are thriving. And why? Because people want authenticity, not scripted banter or carefully orchestrated stunts. Online, you get real passion, unfiltered, straight to your screen.

Want to see a classic Toyota AE86 drifting around a mountain pass? It’s on YouTube. How about someone restoring a Ferrari 308? Done. And unlike TV, where you’re stuck with whatever they decide to air, you can pick exactly what you want to watch, whenever you want. Plus, you can leave comments, engage with the creators, and feel like part of a community. Try doing that with Jeremy Clarkson – good luck getting a reply.

The Future of Car Content: Digital is King

The Grand Tour couldn’t exist today if it started fresh. The landscape has changed. Enthusiasts have shifted to platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where they can interact directly with creators, get instant feedback, and engage with a whole community of like-minded petrolheads. You don’t need a big production budget or a TV network behind you to make engaging car content anymore. All you need is passion, a decent camera, and an idea.

Automotive YouTubers and Influencers have built massive audiences without the need for lavish production. It’s just about real people, real cars, and real enthusiasm. And with the digital revolution, it’s faster and more of-the-moment. There’s no waiting.

So, What’s Next?

We don’t need another Grand Tour reboot. It’s time to close that chapter, that book even, honour the legacy of Clarkson, Hammond, and May, and move forward. They’ve given us more laughs, jaw-drops, and cringe-worthy moments than we ever deserved, but it’s time to let them drive off into the sunset.

The future is digital, and for car enthusiasts, that’s a very exciting prospect. Whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or something else, the passion for cars is still alive – it’s just found a new home. So, let’s tip our hats to the legends, but embrace the new era of car content.

Car content is alive and thriving – it’s just not on the TV anymore.

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