Spanish-Language Network Is Now Airing ‘Top Gear’
Spanish-language television network HITN is revving their engine as the first Hispanic network in the United States to air “Top Gear”. According to a network press release, HITN began airing seasons 14 through 16 in early May. The program will be available in English with Spanish subtitles.
The BBC program has charmed auto fans through its hilarious look at car culture. The hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, showcase the latest industry news and products through their chummy banter and impressive knowledge. The hosts of “Top Gear” have earned their claim to fame by showcasing the best in high-end sports cars and diesel engines, which are 20-40% more efficient than gasoline models. With efficiency and durability like this, the cars are able to weather even the most outrageous stunts, making this show a perfect fit for auto nerds and thrill seekers alike.
With attributes like this, it’s no surprise that “Top Gear” became the most-watched show in the world in 2015. With its growing success in the United States, the English-language show will finally be available for a Hispanic audience. According to the press release, HITN will offer the show to the 44 million households it services.
“HITN is proving once again that it fills a gap in US Hispanic television by becoming the first Spanish-language network in the country to offer Top Gear, one of the world’s best-known and established automotive series,” Erika Vogt Lowell, Programming and Acquisitions Director at HITN, said in the press release.
As the Spanish-speaking population continues to grow in the United States, more television networks could make accommodations for the Hispanic population than ever before. Spanish is currently the second most-spoken language in the world, with 387 million native speakers. There are 37 million Spanish speakers in the United States alone, according to Pew Research. This number has gone up 233% since 1980.
Lowell said in the press release that the addition of “Top Gear” to their program list is intended to diversify their content and appeal to a wider audience.
“We are confident that the series will captivate Hispanic viewers, allowing us to continue our rapid audience growth in response to the quality and variety of our programming.”