They’re Back! Clarkson, Hammond & May Confirm Surprise Grand Tour Return
The Grand Tour Gets a Fresh Start: New Hosts, Old Friends, and Big Adventures
TL;DR: The famous car show The Grand Tour is back with three brand-new hosts—but don’t worry, Jeremy, Richard, and James are popping in to say goodbye and pass the torch.
What’s Happening with The Grand Tour?
Imagine your favorite teachers are retiring, but before they go, they introduce you to the cool new teachers taking over their class. That’s basically what’s happening with The Grand Tour.
- The original trio—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—finished their run in 2024 with one last special episode.
- Now, a new team of three is stepping in to host the show.
- But the original guys aren’t disappearing completely—they’ll appear in cameos (short guest appearances) to help welcome the new hosts.
Meet the New Hosts
The new presenting team brings a mix of internet fame, car expertise, and fresh energy:
| Host | Who They Are | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Bourgeois | A trainspotter (someone who loves watching and filming trains) and secret car lover | Became famous on TikTok and YouTube for his wholesome train videos |
| James Engelsman | Co-creator of the popular car YouTube channel Throttle House | Known for honest, fun car reviews with his partner Thomas |
| Thomas Holland | The other half of Throttle House | Together, they’ve built millions of fans reviewing everything from supercars to budget hatchbacks |
Why this matters: These aren’t just random people—they’re genuine car enthusiasts who grew up watching shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour. They’re fans first, hosts second.
What Did the Original Hosts Say?
Co-creator Andy Wilman shared the news at the Buckingham Literary Festival. Here’s what he had to say:
“We’ve got three guys coming soon with a new Grand Tour and we’ve got behind them. We’re really supporting them. Our guys are in the shows doing cameos, so we’re wishing them well because we do want to pass that baton on.”
Even Jeremy Clarkson gave his stamp of approval earlier. In a funny video, he reviewed the new hosts’ “CVs” and officially approved Francis Bourgeois, saying:
“He’s the train man from the internet.” Approved!
When and Where Can You Watch?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Friday, 4 September |
| Platform | Prime Video (Amazon’s streaming service) |
| Episodes | Six all-new adventures |
| Free Trial | 30-day Prime Video trial available |
What Kind of Adventures Are Coming?
The new season isn’t just studio talk—it’s global road-tripping with a purpose. Across six episodes, the trio tackles “motoring’s most pressing questions” in extreme places:
- Angolan Desert – Driving track cars across sand dunes
- Malaysia – Exploring the country’s vibrant, unique car culture
- California – Testing cutting-edge performance cars on iconic roads
Think of it like: Top Gear specials meets Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, but with more tire smoke and worse jokes.
Why This Feels Like a Proper Handover
This isn’t a reboot that ignores the past—it’s a continuation with respect.
- The original hosts chose to appear in cameos.
- The creators publicly endorsed the new team.
- The new hosts earned their spot through years of car content creation.
It’s like a relay race where the runners actually high-five before passing the baton.
Summary
- The Grand Tour returns 4 September on Prime Video with six new episodes.
- Three new hosts take the wheel: Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland.
- Clarkson, Hammond, and May appear in cameos to pass the torch.
- The show keeps its globe-trotting, car-challenge format—now with fresh voices and perspectives.
- You can watch with a free 30-day Prime Video trial.
FAQ
Is this a completely new show or a continuation?
It’s a continuation of The Grand Tour format with new hosts. Think of it like a new season of Doctor Who with a new Doctor—same show, new energy.
Will Jeremy, Richard, and James be in every episode?
No. They’ll appear in cameos (short appearances) to help introduce the new era, but the new trio runs the show.
Who are Throttle House?
James Engelsman and Thomas Holland run Throttle House, a massively popular YouTube channel where they review cars with humor, honesty, and zero corporate polish. They’re real enthusiasts.
Do I need to watch the old seasons first?
Not at all! Each season is pretty standalone. But if you want context on the “baton passing,” the 2024 finale special is a sweet watch.
Can I watch outside the UK?
Yes—The Grand Tour is a Prime Video Original, so it streams globally wherever Amazon Prime Video is available.
Final Thought: Change is hard, especially when a show feels like old friends. But sometimes, the best way to honor a legacy is to let new voices carry it forward—while the originals cheer from the sidelines.
