After losing out on former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson’s new show, Netflix has turned its attention to the revamped Top Gear itself.
Last month, the BBC hosted a preview of the new Top Gear, which includes former Friends star Matt LeBlanc as a co-host, to worldwide buyers in Liverpool. According to The Guardian, Netflix executives were there and have already started talks with the BBC. They are in the very early stages.
Netflix is probably interested in the new Top Gear since its main rival, Amazon, is home to Clarkson’s new series. There were rumors that Netflix was interested in Clarkson, but ultimately passed because he was asking for too much money. Amazon reportedly spent £160 million (around $226 million) for Clarkson’s show, which features his two former Top Gear co-hosts as well.
LeBlanc’s involvement probably makes the new Top Gear even more appealing for Netflix. The actor, who stars in the U.K. series Episodes, joined the show in February. TV host Chris Evans, Sabine Schmitz and Chris Harris are the other new Top Gear hosts.
Netflix and the BBC did not comment on the reports. The new Top Gear will debut on BBC2 in May.