Top Gear Moves to BBC One, Sells to Viacom18

BBC Studios has struck a deal with Viacom18 Media for the latest season of Top Gear to air on the Indian entertainment network’s English entertainment channel, Colors Infinity.

This multiplatform deal with Viacom18 will make season 27 of Top Gear available to Indian viewers.

Season 27 introduces a new presenter lineup, with comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness and cricketing legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff joining motoring journalist Chris Harris.

Stanley Fernandes, VP of distribution for BBC Studios South Asia, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Viacom18 to bring the latest series of Top Gear to India. Audiences are going to love the new trio taking control of the wheel and taking the series to another level. Expect plenty of thrills, spills and laughs.”

Ferzad Palia, head of VOOT Select, youth, music and English entertainment at Viacom18, added, “Indian viewers are big fans of fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping automotive content. Globally, Top Gear is recognized as the most popular motoring entertainment show, and we’re thrilled to showcase series 27 of this iconic show to viewers in India. Adding another genre to our bouquet of offering, Viacom18 continues to deliver the best of English entertainment to its audience.”

Additionally, the BBC has revealed that the motoring entertainment show is moving to BBC One for its 29th season later this year. The new presenter lineup has been a hit with viewers and critics alike, and their debut season on BBC Two last June attracted an average consolidated audience of 3.8 million viewers, making it the channel’s most popular program of 2019.