Tracking down exactly where to watch Top Gear USA shouldn't feel like a high-stakes scavenger hunt across the Mojave. But here we are. Between the original History Channel run, the MotorTrend reboot, and the endless licensing shifts, finding a reliable stream is a bit of a mess. Honestly, you've probably scrolled through three different apps already only to find "Content Unavailable in Your Region." It’s annoying.
Most people confuse the different versions of the American show. We had the Rutledge Wood, Adam Ferrara, and Tanner Foust era that ran for six seasons. Then, Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry, and Jethro Bovingdon took the wheel for the Top Gear America revival. They aren't the same show, and they aren't always in the same place.
Where to Watch Top Gear USA Right Now
If you are looking for the "classic" American trio (Rutledge, Adam, and Tanner), your best bet is actually Hulu. They’ve traditionally held the keys to those seasons. However, availability fluctuates faster than a supercar's 0-60 time. If it’s not there today, check The Roku Channel or Freevee. These "FAST" (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) services have become the unofficial graveyard—and sanctuary—for older reality hits.
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For the newer Top Gear America (the one with Dax Shepard), you need to head over to Max (formerly HBO Max). Since the merger with Discovery, Max has become the primary hub for MotorTrend content. You can also find it directly on Discovery+ if you still have a standalone subscription there.
Quick Access Guide:
- Top Gear USA (History Channel Era): Hulu, The Roku Channel, or Pluto TV.
- Top Gear America (Dax Shepard Era): Max, Discovery+, or the MotorTrend channel on Prime Video.
- To Purchase: Apple TV and Amazon Video usually sell individual episodes for about $1.99.
The Free Options (That Actually Work)
Nobody wants to pay for a tenth streaming service just to watch three guys destroy a rental car. Kinda ridiculous, right? Luckily, the car-show world is heavy on free-with-ads options.
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Pluto TV has a dedicated Top Gear channel. It’s a 24/7 linear stream. You can’t always pick the specific episode, but if you just want some background noise while you work on your own car, it’s perfect. Samsung TV Plus and Vizio WatchFree+ also carry these types of channels. It's basically cable for the internet age.
Tubi is another dark horse here. They cycle their library constantly. One month Top Gear USA is there; the next, it’s gone. It's worth a five-second search before you reach for your wallet.
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Buying vs. Streaming
Sometimes it's just better to own it. Licenses for car shows are notoriously finicky because of the music. The original broadcasts often used licensed tracks that are too expensive for long-term streaming rights. This is why some episodes on streaming services have weird, generic "elevator music" replacing the original rock tracks.
If you buy the seasons on Apple TV or Amazon, you generally get the best available version that won't disappear when a contract expires. It’s a one-time cost, usually around $14.99 for a full season. If you're a superfan of the "Big Three" US hosts, this is the only way to guarantee you can watch the Alaska special whenever you want.
Why is it so hard to find?
The rights are a tangled web. BBC Studios owns the brand. History Channel produced the first big US run. Then MotorTrend (owned by Warner Bros. Discovery) took over for the reboot. Because of this, the show is split between different corporate parents.
It’s not like the UK version where you can often find a massive block on Peacock or iPlayer (if you’re in the UK). The US version is the middle child of the franchise. It gets moved around a lot.
Actionable Next Steps
- Search Max First: If you want the high-production, modern episodes with Dax and Rob, go to Max. It’s the most stable home for the series in 2026.
- Check the "Live TV" section on Roku: If you’re looking for free, casual viewing, the "Top Gear" live channel on Roku or Pluto is your fastest route to entertainment.
- Verify the Title: When searching, make sure you type "Top Gear America" for the new stuff and "Top Gear USA" for the older History Channel seasons. The search algorithms are surprisingly picky about that one word.
- Use a Watchlist App: Use something like JustWatch or Reelgood. These apps track where shows move in real-time so you don't have to keep checking every app manually.