So, with whom do YOU watch Top Gear?

[eolise]

I hope this thread is allowed and that there isn't a similar one.
Otherwise: Excuses and a lock!

So.... with whom do you watch Top Gear? Or do you watch it alone? And where? And... what is watching it for you?

I've always watched Top Gear with my brother. In the morning I buy ice cream and ice coffee which I mix with eachother and there you have THE Top Gear drink.
We watch it on my brother's room, as he has the biggest tv-screen (as in: bigger James ;D).
Watching it for me includes: James, James, James and..... James. Oh, I forgot CARS?? Right.... No, but it's quite interesting, as my brother ALWAYS likes the cars Jeremy chooses and I ALWAYS seem to like the cars mostly that James chooses (poor Richard...). ;D And we're continually like: "Ermmmm, why would you like HIS choice?! Look at that, that's absolutely NOT the best car" etc etc.
Thereby, my brother gets goosebumps when hearing and seeing cars like Lamborghini and I only get goosebumps - and more - when James appears on the screen ;D Okay, okay, I agree it's more normal when you get goosebumps with the first.
I think it's quite interesting to see us laugh and talk and shout and what not if people would be observing my brother and me.

[key]

My son found Top Gear on BBC America back in 2004. He was/is a car lover. Being Mom, I wanted to know what he was watching (he was only 10) We have been watching ever since.
{Same room larger set. ;D}

Matthew is more a Jeremy fan. Likes fast anything, plays drums, has wavy/curly hair, loves to joke. I am more a James fan. Have to really focus, love music and books, cycling, art....la la la.

Because of the show, I now know car makes and models better, applicate the design process and, I am learning the mechanics.

Plus we're both having fun.

As for James May's choices in cars -some of them have been so unfortunate on the road trips...and so very funny. (and sexy)

oh, I usually have popcorn and Matthew likes chips.

[grizabella]

Well, there are only two choices: either I watch it alone (preferred method) or with my 5 year-old son. He naturally only watches the cars (cannot understand English and cannot read subtitles yet - so only visual for him).
Since I don't drive I watch it mainly for entertainment. It's better than most so-called comedy shows (which I usually hate). And I especially like the chemistry, if you will, between the TG3. It's just enjoyable to watch, simple as that. And I suppose I cannot help learning a bit or two about cars as a side-product, which I don't mind at all, nothing wrong with beautiful cars being presented by a darn good looking and witty man (or sometimes either of the other two, I can live with that too ).

[Wyvern]

Well... I've been watching Top Gear since the 1980s, and I think I probably developed a thing for Jeremy around 1988/89. He was tall, posh and a bit ridiculous, with his silly hair and his tight jeans - oh, lordy. In the early 90s I used to live in Birmingham, where they used to film TG, and I used to daydream about stumbling upon one of their shoots but I never did. I carried on watching after Jeremy left - his replacement was this rather nice chap, James something or other...

I was gutted when they took it off air, because it was something I sometimes watched with my dad when I was a kid, along with Formula 1 and Top Gear Rally Report It had been on as long as I could remember (I think I was about 4 years old when it started, back in 1977), and when I used to watch it on my own in my student days it used to make me feel all warm and fuzzy if I was missing home.

Funny thing - back in the mid 90s, when I'd moved back to Devon, I was writing a lot of sketch comedy and during a brainstorming session I suggested a sketch based on TG. When everyone looked at me blankly, I wailed incredulously "What? Am I the only person here who watches Top Gear?" And amazingly, I was! Funny how things change.

When TG came back in 2002, I watched it with my (now almost-ex) husband. He had no interest in cars, couldn't drive and had no intention of learning, but he found it funny and entertaining. I actually preferred watching it on my own because he'd often make smartarse remarks, but my best mate - one of the people who'd been at the scriptwriting session I mentioned above - was now hooked too. Watching with her and her husband was always fun. Since I moved away from Devon again, I really miss those evenings. A bottle of wine, a takeaway and Top Gear... good times.

And of course, now I usually watch new episodes with Mayfayre ;D And when I'm at home on my own during the daytime, I often flick over to Dave and let the boys keep me company. I don't mind watching on my own, but I enjoy it even more with people who enjoy it as much as I do. Of course, in the absence of other people, these days I often watch new episodes with friends all over the world via Twitter.

Top Gear is one of those things that has made a difference. I've been through a difficult few years, but it has always been one of those things that could put a smile on my face. It made me want to learn to drive again, many years after a serious accident put me off the road, and the enthusiasm all three boys exhibit for engineering in their side projects encouraged me to follow my dreams and go back to university. It would be an exaggeration to say that TG changed my life or anything as melodramatic as that, but when it came to the things that made me take charge of things and sort myself out, it was a welcome push in the right direction

[eolise]

Wow, thanks all, very interesting!!

May 21, 2011 21:29:44 GMT Wyvern said:

Top Gear is one of those things that has made a difference. I've been through a difficult few years, but it has always been one of those things that could put a smile on my face.

YES, exactly! I am sort of manic depressive, use meds, only go out the front door when I am going to walk the dogs or have to go to the groceries, so Top Gear evening is something that REALLY matters to me, something I'm already looking forward to, for next Friday, on the next day it was on the telly.

May 21, 2011 17:58:01 GMT grizabella said:

Since I don't drive I watch it mainly for entertainment. It's better than most so-called comedy shows (which I usually hate). And I especially like the chemistry, if you will, between the TG3. It's just enjoyable to watch, simple as that. And I suppose I cannot help learning a bit or two about cars as a side-product, which I don't mind at all, nothing wrong with beautiful cars being presented by a darn good looking and witty man (or sometimes either of the other two, I can live with that too ).

I don't drive either and yes, it's far better than other (comedy) series on tv. I wished though, I had my drivers license, as I really LOVE speed. My mum's ex was a cardealer and we often went driving - sometimes a bit faster than other times ;D
Thereby I used to know quite a bit about cars, as I really like technic. I've forgotten about most of it though... but since watching Top Gear I am doing my utter best to learn a bit about cars again.
And yes, I totally agree about nothing wrong with cars presented by, exactly, James ;D

[xjsarah]

My OH and I watch TG together these days. All very cosy!

[eshalda]

I like cosy. I watch it with my OH and whoever else may be around. One thing for sure, the TV is never switched off whe TG is on.

[eolise]

What's.... an "OH"? Yea, TV is never switched off here either. My brother's TV was disturbed for a couple of minutes just when Top Gear started and I totally freaked out even though we have other TV's.... ;D

[jess_lou]

I watch TG with the OH and my two children. My hubby loves TG too, but not as much as my son. He is obsessed!! He is nearly 6 and he absolutely idolizes Jeremy. He's so funny, if people ask him, and they do often, who's your favorite on top gear, he always says, "I like Jeremy best because he's fast and loud. But mummy is in love with James!!!"

That's ma boy!!!

[devil-may-care]

"OH" is Other Half. Or significant other, if you will.

I generally watch new episodes of Top Gear with MOH. Usually he's quite interested to see what the boys are up to. But if he's in a bad mood, he either doesn't want to watch it at all or behaves like a 5-year-old at the movies.

Considering the time change, we usually watch new episodes while having dinner. I can have the download ready by 8pm at the latest! ;D

If I want to watch a specific episode or challenge, I will watch it by myself. I have all the new format episodes on both the computer at home and at work. ;D

Once in a while MOH will be in the mood for TG. Sometimes he'll watch a whole series, episode by episode. Sometimes certain challenges like the race to Oslo or the Polar expedition - his favorites.

I began watching TG because I was told by my Swindon-native neighbor, that the guy from Drink To Britain was on it. So I gave it a chance. Series 12 was my introduction to TG. _{I'm still blaming said neighbor for everything!} ;D ;D

As Grizabella mentioned, I love the chemistry among the guys. that's something you rarely see that is genuine and not put on for the television. I also love the cars. Being in the States and a rural part of it at that, I rarely get to see any interesting cars let alone the spectacular ones these guys get to try! ;D ;D
Having said that, I did get the chance to see Ken Block. The rally circuit drives right past my shop windows!! ;D ;D

[meimichan]

I watch with MOH. It's his fault I even know about the show. MOH is a major, MAJOR petrolhead. When we first met, his place had car posters all over the place, we still get car magazines delivered here, and I'm pretty sure most of his internet sites of choice involve cars.

But knowing how much I tune out when he goes on about cars, he started me out on YouTube clips from the BBC channel, and I think the first thing I saw was the amphibious car challenge, and I was laughing so hard I was in tears, then youtube clips of them trying to kill the Hilux. then I think he just started playing full episodes whenever we were bored off his computer. So I've actually been watching and adoring this show for several years. A lot of the car reviews are wasted on me, but I'm here for the humor and the three guys, they work so well with each other. This show is one of the few that no matter how crap a day I've had will reliably make me laugh, no matter how many times I've seen said episode. James was my favorite right from the start. LOVE that man's dry wit. Plus he might be the only person in the world with a worse sense of direction than my mother, but that's honestly a really tough call. (My mother has ended up lost in Flint when she meant to go to Ann Arbor...*headdesk* Guess who got to bring her homework along and go with my mother whenever she needed to go anywhere new to insure she'd get there and back home? Kids, the old-school sat-nav! ;D)

[flatin5th - Knight of the NC]

We have Top Gear tea at our house. My eldest son comes round and we watch it while Mrs F cooks tea!

And if there is a Grand Prix on the same day - Mrs F has LOTS of time to cook tea, as me and the bairn will watch that together too!

(The bairn is 25 now, and still likes to watch car programs with his dad ;D ;D ;D, or maybe he just likes to have his mother cook free tea for him! )

[eolise]

May 25, 2011 13:40:58 GMT jess_lou said:

I watch TG with the OH and my two children. My hubby loves TG too, but not as much as my son. He is obsessed!! He is nearly 6 and he absolutely idolizes Jeremy. He's so funny, if people ask him, and they do often, who's your favorite on top gear, he always says, "I like Jeremy best because he's fast and loud. But mummy is in love with James!!!"

That's ma boy!!!

Oh gawd, that's hillarious!!

May 25, 2011 13:46:51 GMT devil-may-care said:

As Grizabella mentioned, I love the chemistry among the guys. that's something you rarely see that is genuine and not put on for the television.

Totally agree with you on that!

[dit]

I've been watching TG for many years, used to watch with my husband who was a real petrolhead who specialised in Lotuses (Loti?), once built his own Morgan replica etc. I've been crazy about cars since even before I learned to drive at age twelve (don't panic, it was off-road, on sand-flats near where I lived!)

It has to be said that my hubby gradually noticed that there were aspects of TG other than the cars that were interesting me! He was a cool guy though, he registered a smidgen of jealousy (just so I'd know) but then let me get on with it, just teased me gently about it occasionally.

I watch on my own now but I'm still keen on the cars as well as the guys (well, James in particular, goes without saying!). it's fair to say that laughing at their banter helped get me through some difficult times.




Edit: Not entirely on my own - I usually have one or two cats with me!

[eolise]

Wow, dit, learning to drive at age 12 off-road, that must've been great!!

Yea, I see what you mean about laughing at TG helped you get you through some diff times...

I lied at first too!!! I do not watch it with my bro only! There's always a couple of dogs sitting on my brother's bed as well! ;D

[antonia]

I watch it with my hubby and sometimes the child joins us?(if she can be bothered to get off the computer).We also watch all of the eps on Dave.My OH is one of the least jealous people known(so he says.Funny that cause when ever James is on telly he insults him) so I drool and he lets me get on with it. Then at the end of watching always pipes up "Don't ask me to grow my hair".

[jess_lou]

May 26, 2011 10:30:16 GMT antonia said:

Then at the end of watching always pipes up "Don't ask me to grow my hair".

I asked my husband (who has a shaved head) to wear a wig. As good natured and accepting as he is of my crush for James, his response had two words. The second one was "off". Haha!

[antonia]

May 26, 2011 12:12:28 GMT jess_lou said:

May 26, 2011 10:30:16 GMT antonia said:

Then at the end of watching always pipes up "Don't ask me to grow my hair".

I asked my husband (who has a shaved head) to wear a wig. As good natured and accepting as he is of my crush for James, his response had two words. The second one was "off". Haha!

Glad I'm not the only one who's OH says this.My OH is also a big tall 6ft 5"(very manly looking) skin head,he refuses to wear anything flowery and I've only seen him with hair(shaved)when he was young.He wore a wig once for a laugh and he looked like a butch Neil from the Young Ones!

[jess_lou]

May 26, 2011 13:29:19 GMT antonia said:

May 26, 2011 12:12:28 GMT jess_lou said:

I asked my husband (who has a shaved head) to wear a wig. As good natured and accepting as he is of my crush for James, his response had two words. The second one was "off". Haha!

Glad I'm not the only one who's OH says this.My OH is also a big tall 6ft 5"(very manly looking) skin head,he refuses to wear anything flowery and I've only seen him with hair(shaved)when he was young.He wore a wig once for a laugh and he looked like a butch Neil from the Young Ones!

My OH is an ex rugby league player. He's is just beautiful, but he describes himself as a 'cube'. The thought if him with James style hair is hilarious.

[dit]

My husband had 'James-y' hair, went for years only having it trimmed twice a year (by me). When he hit 40 and started to go grey he got a woman who worked for him and was an ex-hairdresser to trim it a bit shorter, and I always hated it!

[kt]

The OH and I found TG on the US telly quite a few years ago--we loved it, but then it disappeared. When it resurfaced (or when we got the proper satellite to rediscover it...?), we were overjoyed. These days, we watch as a family-the OH, the girlie and I. Oh, and the dog, too. Jeremy can almost always get the OH to bust out laughing, and we've introduced his folks to the show via the Vietnam special. The girlie has roped in several friends during sleepovers, trying to get them to see how funny and cool the show is. (She's 13) They love to tease me about my crush, but it's always good-natured. Looking forward to being in the UK soon and a trip to Hammersmith for a pint!

[eolise]

Interesting, KT, especially the last sentence *dies of enviousity*

[crumbs]

I watch TG with Mr Crumbs. I watch any repeats alone.

Mr Crumbs thinks TG is getting formulaic and is starting to show ambivalence which is a shame.

We started watching Top Gear years ago - Mr C has always been very interested in cars and motor racing. He used to work in the car industry (British!) before it was crushed.

I always enjoyed it but started to take a special (!) interest in 2005 when James hair, eyes and voice attracted me. Then I googled him and dicovered he was a musician and an intelligent writer. Job done!

[eolise]

Mr Crumbs? Who might that be, your OH? I understand those things attracted you

[crumbs]

Yes, Mr Crumbs is MOH!

[eolise]

Okay, I see.
Anyway, I watch basically everything containing James with my brother, whether he wants to or not. ;D Simply because I have to share what I watched the other day.

[SiljeMari]

I mostly watch TG alone in my apartment (since I've lived alone since august, and doesn't have anyone to watch it together with), but I have seen it a few times with my parents when I've been home
I've managed to get both of them like it, even my mom who is not interested in cars at all! ;D ;D But she seems to like their humour just as much as I do, and says that's the only reason why she watch it.
Every now and then, I get a phone call from my dad; "Yesterday, I watched Top Gear again!! And they where doing..." and then he retells me the whole episode with great enthusiasm

My best friend is a great TG-fan too, but I don't think we've seen it together yet.. We mostly share funny moments and have a laugh when we meet at the shopping centre or something

[eolise]

Jun 7, 2011 23:30:01 GMT SiljeMari said:

I mostly watch TG alone in my apartment (since I've lived alone since august, and doesn't have anyone to watch it together with)

Ahhhw, that sounds so.... lonely! *hug* I only like watching TG when I'm not alone.. but you don't have a choice

It's great that you got your mum to watch it! I know for sure my mum would never watch it, but then.... she totally loved a scene with dogs involved and she really like the 3 their humor ;D

[pesepheny18]

I majorily watch Top Gear alone, but now I am back living at home I sometimes watch it with my mum or my brother. TG Dvds I watch alone, but sometime my brother pops his head in the door to see what one Im watching. I have lunch watching the boys on bbc knowledge (perk of being unemployed).

I came addicted to Top Gear at a time late last year when I was made redundant and very depressed and for sometime it was the only show to make me laugh and forget my own problems. I am visually and impaired and unable to ever get a license, but have always loved cars it's in my blood.

Top Gear and James' audio books have been a great comfort recently I moved back home to my parental home and on the train heading back to where I am living I got a bit emotional and had a bit of any anxiety attack,as I had been lving where I was for nearly four years and a lot had happened. I just put ear plugs and listened to James read Car Fever for the trip home and it helped settle me down.

My uncle passed away last month of cancer and the night before he passed I was watching the Plane vs car challenge and thought of my uncle as he used to fly crop dusters and he was a big rev head. I travelled to Queensland for the funeral and that night was talking to my cousin about my uncles love of fast cars and found out my cousin too is a big fan of Top Gear and likes James the best, his sister rolled her eyes when we had our discussion about TG. Before going to bed that night I listened to Richard read As you do.
In the early morning the day after the funeral I couldnt sleep and was a bit upset about the fact mum and I didnt get up to Qld to see him before he passed etc. I decided to watch one of the episodes on my iphone before trying to go back to sleep.

Top Gear to me is like a non medical anti-depressant I can switch it on and it numbs everything else for awhile, so I can sometimes face reality again. Thank goodness for my iphone, itunes and audible its been a life saver the past couple of months.

I think Ive said enough, I apologise if I bought the thread down a notch, but I wanted to share and have been meaning to.

[eolise]

Audio books of James?? My god, should really purchase them... Listening to his voice... what he says....

Thanks, Pesepheny for sharing your story, I kind of hoped people on here would post things like that, I like something to be told in details, which you have been doing. I'm sure it is not quite easy for you to share, as it sounds you've had such harsh times...
It's interesting that most people on here started watching TG to forget about their real, troubled life.