Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

The new series of Wheeler Dealers airs in January, without Edd China. His place has been taken by a new mechanic, Ant Anstead. Edd felt it was time to leave the show after the new American production company insisted on reducing the time spent on repairs (the whole point of the show surely). No doubt it will end up like all the other American car shows - too much messing about.

Here's Edd explaining why he left.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IB15T1LYiY

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

I'll probably give it a go , but it won't be the same without edd, too much dumbing down, of what was a very interesting and informative program, even if you weren't interested in car repairs, it was still good to watch edd work his magic..

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

I have enjoyed watching WD for years and to be honest, I didn't realise just how successful it was around the world but Edd made the show. Ok, there was a bit of humour in it but not enough to spoil it.

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

I've watched the programme for many years too and watching how Ed sorted certain problems out was part of its appeal.

I've watched a couple of episodes of the US's `Fantomworks` but that doesn't show any real aspects or details of how cars are sorted out, it's more of a reality-style series which is more interested in the owner's stories and interaction with his customers. A very poor series IMO so I hope the new WD doesn't go down the same path.

Pimp my Ride was also a good series except for the usual loud over the top carryings on. Some good craftsmen in that particular series too.

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

I won't but Hubby will, he loves the programme.

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

I hadn't realised that WD was so popular, nor that Ed was leaving and thus the format might change
Well, anyone is entitled to change their job, and I'm willing to give the new team & format a chance

There are several of these sort of restoration shows - Salvage Squad; Car SOS; An MG (etc) is Born, and so on
Given that these are TV programmes and not just instructional videos they need a bit of variety, which usually means three aspects

The mechanical work
Background, history, test drives
Finding parts & specialist repairs

Generally they have the balance about right, though Tim Shaw's haggling got silly & irritating sometimes

However, I have tried to watch Fantomworks and a couple of similar American programmes. There wasn't much car work, but a lot of shouting & arguing, so I gave up.

Do you remember a few years ago Coca Cola changed the flavour, which resulted in considerable criticism?
I am reminded of a comment made at the time

Q What do you do if you have 95% of the market?

A Nothing

Re: Will you watch new Wheeler Dealers?

Very true.

I love watching the American cars being restored, some of the results are just amazing but if I wanted to watch a comedy, I could watch Friends. I have a real dislike for scripted documentaries and I admit WD borders on this but not enough to spoil the programme. It's the same with DIY programmes, I wish they would simply show how to do things and cut out the banter.