Hitting the scalability barrier, latest example: Top Gear Australia

You really should read Joel On Software. Because sometimes, it is not about software, it's about understanding some basic, some might say trivial, things that might sound obvious until it's too late.

In his article called 'Big Macs vs. The Naked Chef' written seven years ago Joel have explained why attempts to 'clone' a success by putting it down to a set of rules, and then making someone else follow them as automatically as possible are bound to fail. It sounds trivial until you actually see someone trying to do it. Obviously, the producers of Top Gear Australia never read that article, just as most of other TV producers engaged in a trendy show format trade.

Personally, I am not a big car fan. I can not nearly afford any of the fancy vehicles that are "reviewed" on Top Gear, not by a long shot. Needless to say, I could not care less whether a Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster goes from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds or in a century because chances are I will never see one in my lifetime. Then why, would you ask, I watch the Top Gear and enjoy it so much?

Because of the crew and the style and the production quality and the uniqueness and the humor and the uncompromising quality of every little thing they do in each episode. The hosts of the show, Jeremy, Richard and James, have developed an outstanding chemistry, and have perfected their distinct personal style which make the show very enjoyable even for someone who does not know the difference between a super charger and a turbo charger and will probably use neither in his life.

Why would anyone even think of creating another show, just like Top Gear, with the same studio, the same crowd and the same Stig, in Australia but with three completely different hosts. Do they really think it could be successful, just because of the similar camera work and decorations?

Some say, that attempt to clone Jeremy Clarkson has gone out of control, and that Stig is in fact a Finnish rapper. All we know, there is still only one "Top" Gear out there.