Top Gear and Louis Theroux's documentary delays leave viewers furious
Tonight's coverage of Wimbledon on BBC2 has caused some big problems with the timing of Top Gear and Louis Theroux's new documentary on the Westboro Baptist Church – and viewers aren't happy.
The broadcaster's coverage of the women's doubles tennis game meant the two shows were pushed back, with both Top Gear and Theroux's Surviving America's Most Hated Family delayed by over 20 minutes.
The delay wasn't a complete surprise, as the BBC had confirmed on Twitter that Top Gear would air after the tennis final.
Scheduling update: tonight's #TopGear will begin after the women's doubles tennis final at Wimbledon
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) July 14, 2019
But the length of the delay had viewers taking to Twitter to complain about missing their favourite car show.
Yo, BBC2 - I don’t care about tennis. It’s Sunday night and I’ve just cooked dinner and opened a beer and I want to watch Top Gear. pic.twitter.com/UVau8YQkxf
— 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝔹𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕤 📝🇪🇺 (@denialvibes) July 14, 2019
NOT ACCEPTABLE...PUT WIMBLEDON ON THE RED BUTTON..WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO WAIT?????
— Jaspal Singh (@JaspalSNinja) July 14, 2019
Can’t believe this stupid sport is still on and top gear has to wait
— andyh (@andyh829) July 14, 2019
#TopGear not on due to tennis wtf I wait all week for 1 program
— Del Stafford (@delsyidarmy) July 14, 2019
And those who tuned in to watch the documentary on straight after were also pretty surprised (not to mention annoyed) at not hearing Louis' deadpan tones until well after 9pm – the original start time.
Many viewers were not happy with watching Will Young chat to Freddie Flintoff and company instead of seeing Louis interview the infamous anti-homosexual group in his trademark style.
I tuned into BBC2 for #LouisTheroux and instead got plagued with Will Young. What did I do to deserve this?
— Euan (@purpleisafruit1) July 14, 2019
Jesus Christ @BBC_TopGear can you hurry up and piss off so we can watch @louistheroux pic.twitter.com/YWEkoVH65F
— L (@KNRDL0_0) July 14, 2019
Me waiting patiently for the new @louistheroux documentary and dealing with Top Gear in the mean time.... pic.twitter.com/6h395BctKb
— Bronte Wright (@brontowright) July 14, 2019
Turned over for Louis Theroux and Top Gear is still on pic.twitter.com/5qCPTLdjXP
— Stuart Millard (@franticplanet) July 14, 2019
Expecting the new Louis Theroux and instead top gear is still on??????? pic.twitter.com/W7HdU3QEuW
— Chloe (@chlo_dogg) July 14, 2019
Top gears ratings would have shot up this evening due to all us Louis fans waiting patiently. They should have just cancelled Top Gear.
— Donna (@DonnaRo37842029) July 14, 2019
Get #TopGear off the TV & get #LouisTheroux on. Can't wait to see what's happened since we last saw the crazy cult of the westboro Church! Have they come to their senses yet, or are they still holding out hope old JC will return?#tvtime #America #culture #Jesus #Religions
— MiniMimi (@minimimi2466) July 14, 2019
Can you pull some strings and get Top Gear cut off please? I CANT WAIT ANY LONGER
— claire.minaa (@Claire_Minaa) July 14, 2019
Even Louis himself wondered what was going on, seemingly as confused by the delay as everyone else watching at home.
Okay I’m hearing intel of a 9.20pm start...
— Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) July 14, 2019
We guess it isn't surprising that people were baffled – there's not a huge amount of similarity between the two programmes.
Top Gear, the tennis and Louis' film are all over now, though – so hopefully we shouldn't see any more delays to programming any time soon.
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