autoevolution
 

Netflix Makes Bitter Remark About Amazon's Deal With Jeremy Clarkson and Co., Hardy Har Har

From the beginning of time, history has thought us that there are two types of losers: those that learn and get better and those that are sore. Would you care to guess which one is Netflix in this write-up?
Jeremy Clarkson striking the 'Loser!" pose 1 photo
Photo: BBC 2
Ding dong - you've guessed it. As most of us Top Gear enthusiasts are aware by now, Jeremy Clarkson and the two other amigos are no longer an asset of the BBC. Top Gear is now Chris Evans' turf, which is why Jezza, Slow and the Hamster signed an immensely expensive deal with Amazon Prime for a yet-to-be-named show. So what does Netflix has to do with it?

Before Jeremy, Richard and May signed with Amazon, the three amigos and executive producer Andy Wilman talked with Netflix and ITV for their post-Top Gear gamble. Netflix's take on the £160 million ($246.3 million) contract with Amazon goes like this: "Clearly it wasn't worth the money to make the deal." Rubbish!

Neil Hunt, the company's chief product officer, told that to Digital Spy in an interview, after suggesting that Jeremy Clarkson and his sidekicks "sold themselves for way more money" than their actual value. Do you smell sour grapes? We sure do. In contrast to Netflix, British broadcaster BT Sport played it way cooler.

Speaking to The Guardian, BT Sport managing director Delia Bushell declared that the boys represent "a fantastic franchise." Delia also highlighted that Netflix would've made better sense because Top Gear is hot stuff in the United States as well. Delia may be on to something here, but think about it for a second. From Amazon Prime's point of view, the outfit struck 24k gold with this apparently too expensive deal.

There is a market for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in all four corners of the world. By signing the likely lads, Amazon just acquired the proverbial goose that lays golden eggs. For those three, car and non-car people will pay a few bucks or pounds sterling extra for a one-year subscription.

What Amazon Prime gains with this car show will hurt Netflix in the long run, provided that Amazon will continue to come up with original video content. It's as easy as that, Netflix! Now go back to the drawing board and make House of Cards great again because season 3 doesn't live up to the hype. Sorry, Netflix!
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories