New Clarkson, Hammond, and May show slammed as ‘shameless cash grab’
Fans thought they were getting one more taste of the chemistry that made Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May television legends. Instead, many viewers walked away disappointed — with some now accusing the trio’s latest project of feeling more like a quick money-maker than a true comeback.
The Return Nobody Expected
After more than two decades together on Top Gear and later The Grand Tour, the iconic trio appeared to bring their journey to an emotional close in 2024.
Their final adventure through Zimbabwe and Botswana was presented as the end of an era — one last road trip before the cameras stopped rolling for good. For many fans, it felt like the perfect farewell.
So when Prime Video announced a new series of retrospective specials, excitement immediately returned. The format promised unseen reflections, nostalgic moments and fresh commentary from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
At first glance, it sounded like a celebration of everything fans loved.
But once the latest special arrived, the reaction online quickly shifted.
Fans Say Something Felt “Off”
The newest episode reunited Clarkson with Hammond and May once again — but instead of excitement, many viewers were left frustrated by what they saw.
Across social media, criticism began spreading almost immediately. Some fans complained that the show offered little genuinely new material, relying heavily on old clips and recycled memories rather than fresh adventures.
One particularly harsh reaction labelled the programme a “shameless cash grab”, arguing that it felt more like a collection of nostalgia clips than a proper return for the legendary presenters.
Others admitted the experience felt strangely depressing, with some viewers saying it was difficult watching the trio look back on past adventures instead of creating new ones together.
For a fanbase deeply attached to the chemistry and unpredictability that once defined the show, the quieter retrospective format appears to have created disappointment rather than excitement.
The Problem With Saying Goodbye
Part of the backlash may come from something much bigger than one television special.
For years, Clarkson, Hammond and May represented a style of entertainment that felt chaotic, spontaneous and impossible to replicate. Every road trip, breakdown and argument carried the feeling that absolutely anything could happen next.
Now, fans are facing the reality that those days may truly be over.
That emotional attachment may explain why reactions have become so intense. Some viewers simply wanted one more unforgettable adventure — not a reminder that the journey has already ended.
Still, despite the criticism, one thing remains undeniable: people are still talking about the trio. Even after all these years, Clarkson, Hammond and May continue to spark debate in a way few television partnerships ever could.
And perhaps that’s exactly why letting go has proven so difficult.
