‘The Grand Tour’ Revs Up With New Hosts

Prime Video has tapped Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman to helm the revamped “The Grand Tour,” which returns later this year with a fresh lineup two years after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May concluded their run.

The six-episode series will see trainspotter-turned-petrolhead Bourgeois team up with the YouTube automotive duo behind Throttle House for a globe-spanning motoring adventure. The new installment promises challenges across diverse locations, from navigating the Angolan desert in track vehicles to immersing in Malaysia’s automotive scene and testing American performance cars in California.

Studio Lambert produces the series, which aims to preserve the franchise’s DNA while ushering in a new chapter with younger talent.

“The saying ‘big shoes to fill’ spring to mind. Well, in this case it’ll be like Mo Farah running in Size 14 wellies — it’ll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister inducing but will overall be an interesting watch,” Bourgeois said.

Holland brought his characteristic humor to the announcement: “When I first heard they were rebooting ‘The Grand Tour’ and replacing Clarkson Hammond and May, I said ‘only a moron would take that job.’”

Engelsman noted the evolution of his partnership with Holland: “I’ve worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence.”

Tara Erer, head of U.K. and Northern Europe originals at Prime Video, emphasized the stakes involved in recasting the streamer’s most-watched unscripted U.K. original series globally.

“Finding the right successors was no small feat – but we’ve absolutely struck gold,” Erer said. “We’re beyond excited to pass the keys to Thomas, James, and Francis, three standout talents who emerged from an extensive search. Each bringing distinctive talents and energy that will propel the series into exciting new territory while capturing the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of this beloved franchise.”

Original executive producer Andy Wilman added: “We are properly happy to hand over the baton to Thomas, James and Francis, because quite simply – they are doing it right. Not only do they have passion and knowledge, but more importantly they are in no way cardboard cutouts of the old three. They have a delightful chemistry that’s all of their own making.”

Tim Harcourt, chief creative officer at Studio Lambert, said: “‘The Grand Tour’ has humor and a pure love of cars at its heart. It’s been a delight to find and film a brilliant new trio who take these values across the world from Angola and Malaysia to California and Didcot Parkway.”

Holland and Engelsman have cultivated a substantial following through Throttle House, their YouTube channel boasting millions of subscribers and 75 million annual viewers. Canada-based Holland specializes in high-performance vehicles and works as an automotive journalist and amateur race car driver, while Engelsman brings an enthusiast’s perspective exemplified by his ownership of a Toyota Century limousine originally built for Japanese royalty.

Bourgeois commands a social media audience approaching six million followers, primarily through trainspotting content. However, the U.K. personality also holds credentials as a mechanical engineer with professional experience at Rolls-Royce. His technical expertise extends to identifying vehicle makes by engine sound alone.

Phil Churchward, Tim Harcourt, Stephen Lambert, Alex Renton and Nia Yemoh serve as executive producers for Studio Lambert, with Hilary Berkshire and Diana Focke as production executives.

The new series launches globally across more than 240 countries and territories on Prime Video later this year.