Discovery Networks Nordics Orders Trio of Top Gear Local Versions

Discovery Networks Nordics has commissioned three new local versions of the BBC Studios entertainment format Top Gear.

Nordisk Film TV, a Banijay Group company and BBC Studios Nordics’ production partner, is set to produce the new versions of the show for Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The Danish and Swedish remakes of Top Gear will air on Discovery Networks Nordics’ Kanal 5, while the Norwegian version will run on TVNorge. Production on the local adaptations is set to commence in the fall, with premieres slated for 2020.

In Denmark, the Top Gear presenters will be TV personality and car enthusiast Felix Smith, actor Dar Salim (Game of Thrones) and former race car driver Jesper Carlsen. Sweden’s presenter lineup includes six-time Speedway World Champion Tony Rickardsson; actor, comedian and musician Marko Lethosalo; and TV personality Adam Alsing. For Norway’s Top Gear, stunt driver and Formula Drift World Champion Fredric Aasbø; musician and TV personality Esben “Dansken” Selvig; and TV host and vintage car collector Petter Schjerven will host.

To date, BBC Studios’ Top Gear has sold to more than 200 territories around the world, with local versions produced in China, South Korea, the U.S., Australia, Russia, Italy and France. The format showcases motor vehicles with stunts, challenges and road trips, with local hosts at the center of the action.

Eivind Landsverk, Nordic program director for Discovery Networks Nordics, said: “We are so excited to have the privilege to make local versions of one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands. Our mission at Discovery is to power people’s passion, and auto is one of our core fields of entertainment. That said, the magic of Top Gear lies in the show’s ability to attract not only the motor and engine super fans, but also those who do not know the difference between a Lada and a Lamborghini.”

Jan Salling, head of BBC Studios Nordics for formats and productions, said: “To have one local version of Top Gear land in the Nordics is exciting but three at once takes it to another level. Audiences in these countries are in for a real treat with their very own fellow citizen petrol heads taking control of the wheel and presenting this iconic show Nordic style.”

Peter Hansen, chief creative officer for Banijay Nordic, added: “It’s an absolute privilege to be reimagining one of the world’s most legendary unscripted titles for the Nordic audience. Building on our existing partnership with BBC Studios Nordics and relationship with Discovery Networks Nordics, we look forward to adding our own spin to the brand to fuel three new must-watch series.”

Duncan Gray, Top Gear’s commercial director, commented: “The continued success of Top Gear France, a BBC Studios production for RMC, has shown that well-made local Top Gear formats can create their own style and find their own audiences. Having worked with Banijay and Discovery Nordics in the initial planning for this, I’m sure they will continue this success and create some outstanding Top Gear TV for the Nordic region.”