In a world with so much turmoil, writing about the potential demise of a TV channel devoted to automotive programming might seem shallow. Nevertheless, here I am.
This Hemmings piece by Tara Hurlin reports that the show Roadkill has ceased production, along with other Motor Trend shows such as Hot Rod Garage and Roadworthy Rescues, and that the Motor Trend production company is shutting down. The Motor Trend+ app shut down in March and Motor Trend streaming content is, for now, only available on Discovery+/Max. Shows that have already been produced will air through 2025, but I think the handwriting is on the wall for the Motor Trend channel.
As I loathe the parent of TouYube, the fact that many of these shows may continue in some form or another on that “platform” is of no solace to me. In actuality, I hardly ever watch the Motor Trend channel, anymore. (For example, I tried to watch an episode of Roadkill but could only get through 2-3 minutes.) I cancelled my Motor Trend+ subscription long before the 12-month period ended.
I liked shows like Wheeler Dealers, especially the original version with Edd China, Auto/Biography, Flipping Bangers and Junkyard Gold. I liked Fantomworks and Bitchin’ Rides although I have stopped watching the latter as I have grown tired of the show’s “shtick.” Of course, Velocity/Motor Trend is where I discovered Everyday Driver. I guess I don’t really fit the demo of those who continue to watch Motor Trend TV although it sounds as though that channel will become a victim of changing audience preferences and the proliferation of online platforms.
Those in charge of Velocity/Motor Trend foresaw the day when their dedicated cable/satellite channel would cease to exist. That is why they created an app, but–apparently–it was not well received. Maybe people would watch Motor Trend as long as they didn’t have to pay for it directly.
Yes, the only constant and all that. My wonderful wife and I already pay close to $100/month for Hulu + Live TV. We have access to Amazon Prime programming, not that I ever watch anything except Everyday Driver. We have Roku and Samsung TV, both of which are free. We are not going to subscribe to Max.
I would like to read your thoughts about the Motor Trend TV channel and the likelihood of its demise. If you were a frequent watcher, will you try to watch similar shows online?
#GoodbyeMotorTrendTV?