BBC’s ‘Road Trippin’ May Face Cancellation After Initial Backlash

Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris have returned to BBC One with their new series ‘Road Trippin’,’ but recent reports suggest the show might be axed after just one series. The second episode, airing tonight, features the duo traveling to Ikaria, Greece, exploring local lifestyles and engaging in activities such as fishing, goat milking, and rock climbing. Despite the intriguing premise, the show has encountered significant criticism from viewers after its premiere episode.

The BBC decided to launch ‘Road Trippin’’ in the wake of halting production on ‘Top Gear‘ in December 2022. This decision followed a serious accident involving presenter Freddie Flintoff, which led him to temporarily step away from television. ‘Road Trippin’,’ occupying the prized Sunday 8 p.m. slot once held by ‘Top Gear,’ has not succeeded in capturing the audience’s attention as hoped.

Sportscasting.com’s odds currently indicate a strong possibility that the show may not only be moved from its prime slot but could also be canceled after one series. The likelihood of the series being cut before airing all scheduled episodes has been pegged at 2/1. Andy Newton, a spokesperson for Sportscasting.com, provided insights into the situation, saying, “After the new-look ‘Top Gear’ faced challenges following the Freddie Flintoff incident, the attempt to revive its spirit with ‘Road Trippin’’ has met with mixed reactions.”

The audience’s response on social media platforms reflects their dissatisfaction with the absence of Freddie Flintoff in the new series. Comments from viewers, as captured on X, express a sentiment that the dynamic between McGuinness and Harris feels incomplete without Flintoff’s presence. Meanwhile, fans have expressed disappointment with the content, some labeling it as “trash,” while others question the motivation behind its production.

Despite efforts to attract viewers with engaging content, the show’s future appears uncertain. The producers hoped to fill the gap left by ‘Top Gear’ with vibrant travel experiences featuring McGuinness and Harris. However, the initial reaction suggests a challenging road ahead for ‘Road Trippin’.’