Top Gear new series: First episode attracts lowest audience in a decade

Viewing figures for the first episode were lower than expected, following a popular backlash and lukewarm critical reviews

LeBlanc hosting ‘Top Gear’

Looks like the popular lambasting the new series of Top Gear received has had some effect on the show's numbers.

The premiere episode of the new series, co-hosted by Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, attracted its lowest audience in a decade; the Telegraph reports it drew an average of 4.4M viewers, with a peak at 4.7M. The last time the show dipped to 4.7M viewers was in 2006.

In comparison, the final episode of the last series did considerably better; with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May bowing out with 5.8M viewers. Evans had previously stated that he would be "disappointed" if the show attracted under 5M viewers.

"If we had to guess about the number of viewers we are going to get on Sunday night, you have got to say you would be disappointed if it was under 5 million. Five million-plus would be great, after that it doesn’t matter," he stated.

However, it should be noted the new Top Gear outperformed the last time the show launched in 2002, with Clarkson & co.; the first episode only acquiring 3.5M viewers.

Evans took to Twitter after the show to insist it was a hit in a disjointed tangent, stating; "The new Top Gear is a hit. OFFICIALLY. 23% audience share. 12% MORE than the opening episode of the last series. These are the FACTS."

Indeed, Top Gear was still the most-watched show in its time slot; topping Antiques Roadshow on BBC One and the British Soap Awards on ITV.

Though critics were decidedly unimpressed by the first episode, many cautioned that it's natural for a new presenting team to come off a little stiff, with hopes that the new show will settle into its stride in the coming weeks.