Top Gear format heads to Finland
June 9, 2023
BBC Studios has licensed the Top Gear format to Finland’s Nelonen channel and Ruutu streaming service to create a Finnish adaptation of the popular motor series. The Finnish adaptation will be presented by comedian, musician and author Ismo Leikola, former elite Ice hockey winger Teemu Selänne, and actor Christoffer Strandberg, and is set to air in the spring of 2024.
The licence to Finland marks the eleventh adaptation of the format globally, following adaptations in South Korea, France and America.
Jan Salling, Head of BBC Studios Nordic, said: “A Finnish adaptation of Top Gear has been something we have wanted for a long time. Finding it a good home at Nelonen is really exciting, we are confident that with the amazing talent attached and with the very safe production hands at Rabbit Films we have the best possible chance of ensuring this is a long running success.”
Lasse Nikkari, Head of Formats & Branded Entertainment at Nelonen, added: “Nelonen is thrilled to announce the addition of Top Gear, the renowned BBC Studio’s format, to our programme slate. Finland, celebrated for its legendary WRC and F1 drivers, has eagerly awaited the arrival of Top Gear. With the production company Rabbit Films at the helm, we are confident this show will achieve great success in the age of digital transformation and sustain its success for years to come. Nelonen remains committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences to our audience. The addition of Top Gear represents a major milestone in our efforts to future-proof both our linear channel, Nelonen, and our streaming service, Ruutu”.