Jeremy Clarkson suspended over "fracas" with producer

Assuming an ITV deal is in the works for all three stars, the interesting part isn't a show the three do together, it's the programmes they make individually because an ITV deal would almost certainly be exclusive.

The sort of programmes Richard Hammond makes would easily fit work on ITV and probably be more popular than their other prime time factual shows.

James May's shows wouldn't fit quite so well. They're a lot more 'BBC 2' and might not be the best fit for ITV4.

It's similar for Clarkson's (excellent) documentaries. They fit perfectly on BBC 2 but wouldn't on ITV- they'd be more suited to C4.

Surely if a show is popular, that is the only qualification needed for a show that 'fits' ITV.

I can't help thinking of those seeming paradoxes where moving a person from one group to another raises the average intelligence/quality of both groups.

No reason why ITV Studios couldn't pitch those docos to BBC 2 or C4 as an indie.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/08/top-gear-jeremy-clarkson-james-may-richard-hammond-itv-bbc

Jeremy Clarkson + Richard Hammond + James May + Andy Wilman + Peter Fincham + boss of itv entertainment and comedy + itv not confirming or denying = ???

I'm sure they were all just meeting for a lovely cup of tea and there's nothing in it. Whilst I accept nothing has been confirmed, an itv announcement is surely in the offing. It's basically Jonathan Ross all over again.

It's only in the offing if a) you know for sure that they've not spoken to anyone else; and b) they've managed to come to an agreement with the BBC that lets them take the Top Gear format with them.

Neither are certain by any means.

I doubt ITV are the only people that the ex-Top Gear four-some are talking to. I suspect they will be meeting multiple suitors... I still wouldn't bet against a Netflix deal.

I wouldn't underestimate ITV's ability to sell overseas. Many of the UK shows they produce are distributed internationally, which would ensure this show is sold to the broadcasters who have Top Gear.

The advantage of Netflix is that they are likely to deliver a greater degree of editorial independence than ITV, who will need to keep advertisers happy. (Car companies spend a lot of money advertising on ITV...)

In fact it would probably end up on BBC America/Canada/Brit etc

Do you mean produce or commission?

Isn't quite a lot of the ITV content on BBC America commissioned by ITV from Independent production companies rather than being made by ITV Studios? (The BBC commissioned, "The Graham Norton Show", counts as an ITV Studios production now I guess since they bought the indy, So Television, which makes it)

To be honest I don't see many ITV Studios shows here : http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/ (Some of the Gordon Ramsay stuff?)

Commissions for their own channels.

For example Broadchurch and Midsomer Murders (branded as Inspector Barnaby) are shown on France Televisions.