Fifth Gear

"Fifth Gear" has had an intermittent broadcast history, shifting across networks like Channel 5, Discovery Channel, History, and Quest. While it has taken breaks from traditional television, the show has continued to produce content online in the mid-2020s. Presenters like Vicki Butler-Henderson and Jason Plato remain heavily involved with the brand.

"Fifth Gear" launched in 2002 on Channel 5 to fill the void left when the BBC canceled the original format of "Top Gear." Several former "Top Gear" presenters, including Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell, joined the new show. It was created to continue the tradition of British motoring journalism on television.

The show's lineup has varied over its long run, but Vicki Butler-Henderson has been a consistent mainstay since its debut in 2002. Other notable hosts over the years have included Jason Plato and Jonny Smith. The presenters focus on comprehensive car reviews and track tests.

While "Top Gear" evolved into a highly produced entertainment show with massive budgets, "Fifth Gear" maintained a more traditional focus on practical car reviews. The Channel 5 show catered more directly to automotive enthusiasts. This straightforward approach remained consistent even as "Top Gear" became a global phenomenon.