It looks like ITV may still have a chance to get Jeremy Clarkson's new show. Lawyers of the former "Top Gear" presenters have reportedly found a loophole in their BBC contracts that prevents them from making a rival show with another British broadcaster. But it could mean they have to go to Netflix first.
"Jeremy has allegedly received advice from his lawyers that there wouldn't be an issue of him creating the show via an overseas company and then selling the rights to broadcasters in the UK," according to Metro UK.
The website cited a report by The Mirror on the latest development on the Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond's quest to find a home for their new motoring show.
"It has been a battle with all the legal complications, but after some solid advice Jeremy believes they'll successfully get around the issues despite the BBC making desperate efforts to stop them," a source told The Daily Mirror.
To work around the BBC's "non-compete" clause, lawyers supposedly said that Jeremy Clarkson's new show could be made "through an overseas production firm," such as Netflix. The show's rights could then be sold to British broadcasters, such as ITV.
A Netflix deal is reportedly a possibility for the former "Top Gear" team which includes producer Andy Wilman.
"There are a few options on the table, including a split deal with Netflix, which would allow the guys to get back what they do best and make great television," the source said.
Last week, Franchise Herald reported that Clarkson hinted at negotiations with "Californians" which could be an allusion to Netflix.
Either way, Jeremy Clarkson's new show would rival Chris Evans "Top Gear" which is set to reveal its presenter lineup. It was even reported that ITV bosses planned to put the new show on the same timeslot as Clarkson, May and Hammond's old show.
