Top Gear Timeline ( Real )

show_launch
April 22, 1977

Top Gear Original Launch

Top Gear originally launched as a conventional motoring magazine show on BBC in 1977.

show_relaunch
October 20, 2002

Top Gear Relaunch with New Format

Top Gear was relaunched with a new format including car reviews, races, and studio segments featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

incident
September 20, 2006

Richard Hammond's High-Speed Crash

During the filming of a jet-powered car segment, Richard Hammond was involved in a serious crash but survived with injuries.

show_launch
November 21, 2010

Top Gear USA Launch

Top Gear USA, an American version of the show, launched on History Channel.

controversy
March 25, 2015

Jeremy Clarkson's Suspension

Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC following a punch-up with a producer, which eventually led to his departure from the show.

departure
June 26, 2015

Departure of Clarkson, Hammond, and May

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May left Top Gear after disagreements with the BBC, moving on to create 'The Grand Tour'.

host_change
August 5, 2015

Chris Evans Named New Host

Chris Evans was announced as the new main host of Top Gear following the departure of the original presenting trio.

host_change
July 4, 2016

Chris Evans Resigns as Presenter

Chris Evans stepped down from hosting Top Gear after receiving negative feedback and poor ratings.

host_change
November 30, 2016

Matt LeBlanc Joins Top Gear

Matt LeBlanc, former Friends actor and car enthusiast, joined Top Gear as a main presenter.

production_update
January 10, 2017

Top Gear BBC Studios Relocate

Production of Top Gear moved to different BBC studios to accommodate new filming requirements.

show_relaunch
May 28, 2017

New Top Gear Format Launched

Top Gear relaunched with new hosts and a refreshed format focusing on challenges and car reviews.

host_change
March 26, 2018

Chris Harris Becomes Main Presenter

Motoring journalist Chris Harris officially became one of the main presenters of Top Gear.

anniversary
April 22, 2017

Top Gear Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The show marked its 40th anniversary since original launch in 1977.

Top Gear Timeline ( Fictional )

show_launch
March 1997

Launch of Top Gear

The TV show Top Gear premieres, introducing audiences to its unique blend of car reviews, challenges, and humor.

character_introduction
1998

Introduction of The Stig

The mysterious racing driver known as The Stig is introduced as the show's test driver, becoming an iconic character.

host_change
2002

Clarkson, Hammond, and May Host Era Begins

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May become the main hosts, defining the show's modern style and popularity.

segment_introduction
2002

First Celebrity Lap with Star in a Reasonably Priced Car

The show debuts the celebrity segment where famous guests race to set times in the 'Reasonably Priced Car'.

segment_development
2003

Challenges Become Core Segment

Challenges such as building amphibious cars or cross-country races become a staple, showcasing creativity and humor.

brand_expansion
2009

Top Gear Live Tours Begin

The show expands its brand with live tours featuring cars, stunts, and the presenters performing for fans.

host_departure
2015

Clarkson's Departure from the Show

After a controversy, Jeremy Clarkson leaves the show, marking a significant change in the lineup.

host_change
2016

New Hosts Take Over

Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc take over as hosts in an attempt to reboot the series with a new style.

host_change
2017

Rebirth with New Presenters

New presenting team including Chris Harris, Rory Reid, and others refresh the show maintaining its core themes.