In today's day and age, streaming services such as Netflix are all the rage. Since these platforms have evolved leaps and bounds since they became popular, they host a plethora of movies, and television shows, while producing their own original content; no matter what viewers are into, they'll be able to find something that can fill their rest and relaxation time.
In this case, when gearheads and car fanatics aren't tinkering around in their own shop or garage, they can find a variety of car shows available on Netflix. While all of these shows revolve around vehicles, they are unique and exciting to watch on their own; so get ready to binge-watch and dive into the world of cars and other like-minded people with the love of motors, and wheels.
Updated on June 8th, 2022 by George Chrysostomou: Car fanatics are certainly not going to be short of enjoyable shows that put the audience in the front seat of some exciting and breakneck narratives in both a fictionalized and documentary-based format. These series are driven by alternative points of view and should perhaps even teach gearheads something new.
The Crew (2021)
A fictionalized series based on a Nascar pit crew, The Crew sees a group of talented engineers working in a racing setting, with their shop getting taken over by new management. The battle between the older, practical ways of doing things, and a more technology-driven path is at the core of the series.
It's hilarious and has been complimented for its knowledge of motor vehicles, presenting this kind of setting in an accurate manner. However, it isn't to be taken too seriously, hitting a niche audience who appreciates this genre and Kevin James' style of comedy.
Towies (2016– )
Not to be confused with the Essex-based British TV show of a very similar name, Towies actually takes place in Australia and sees a crack team use both traditional methods and all the latest gadgets to tow broken down cars, getting the vehicles and perhaps even their owners to safety.
Queensland is the area in question that the team really look out for, with the camera crew following this tight unit as their encounter all kinds of difficult motoring problems. Fanatics will enjoy this car TV show for its intensive knowledge of how to repair a range of complex breakdowns.
World's Most Dangerous Roads (2011– )
Those who love cars usually hunt out the perfect roads to enjoy their motor vehicles on. The BBC produced a series that looked at the most dangerous roads in the world, with a range of comedians, presenters, and other TV personalities taking their vehicles along these vicious paths.
Across three seasons viewers are taken across the planet, to some of the most remote and difficult roads to scale. The twists and turns are certainly terrifying and audiences may even be inspired to hunt down their most exciting paths!
Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip (2017)
Paul Hollywood fans will know him as a baking expert, but he previously hosted a show where he went on a major road trip, discovering the food of the continent. Europe has some fantastic dishes to offer, especially those that Hollywood can break down in baking terms.
But this is also about the vehicles he takes on the trip, combining a range of genres in a really unique way. Those who love car TV shows might want to check this out to get an alternative point of view, put a foot in a new genre and learn about some classic European vehicles.
Fast & Furious Spy Racers (2019–2021)
The Fast And The Furious is such a major live-action franchise, it makes sense that it would move into the world of animation. Of course, a motor fanatic can come in any form and some kids might actually want a series that's aimed at them. Spy Racers might be the answer.
It's fun, whimsical, boasts an intriguing premise and ultimately hits on many of the same blockbuster action beats as the big-screen version. While it doesn't teach kids much about looking after vehicles, this car TV show does continue to encourage their love for driving and the industry itself.
Rust Valley Restorers (2018– )
In the Rocky Mountain foothills of Canada, is Rust Bros; a restoration car compound run by a team of funny and charismatic men named Mike Hall, Avery Shoaf, and Mike's son, Connor. Together they use their expertise to restore, trade and sell classic cars with quick turnaround times, and all the drama that comes with this experience.
These guys have the ability to transform a car that looks like a rust bucket into a collectible car treasure. Rust Valley Restorers is a cool show that hones in on rare cars, a funny crew, and scenarios they somehow get out of every time.
Top Gear (2002– )
Top Gear is not only a great British television show about cars, but it is also one of the longest-running shows revolving around cars thus far. Top Gear was designed as a relaunched version of the original show in 1977 with the same name. The hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May talk about everything from how cars are fueled, new and old.
Since 2002, the show has become one of the most widely watched television programs in the world, which has gotten this show high reviews, a ton of fans, and famous Top Gear quotes from Jeremy Clarkson.
Car Masters: Rust To Riches (2018– )
Car Masters: Rust to Riches has gained a massive following in a short amount of time. For two seasons, viewers have followed a unique crew at Gotham Garage, who work on an overhaul of eclectic cars and trucks that they trade for the big bucks. Originally, Gotham Garage made a number of props for movie studios and television shows over the years, which makes this crew so multi-talented.
Led by Mark Towle, his shop gives classic cars a modern makeover in an attempt to raise their value to receive large profits. Each episode takes on one project at a time, so viewers can follow it for one episode and soak up the process.
Hyperdrive (2019– )
In 2019, executive producers Aaron Catling and Charlize Theron decided to release a documentarian, non-scripted auto racing show called Hyperdrive. This show consists of a series of tournaments where drivers from around the world can compete on one of the largest automotive obstacle courses ever made.
There are 28 drifting drivers that compete against one another by safely passing through obstacles while performing maneuvers on the custom-made "Hyperdrive" course. At the end of the season, six competitors remain and the person who outlasts everyone is deemed the Hyperdrive champion.
Fastest Car (2018–2019)
Fastest Car is a reality show that focuses on drivers of exotic supercars that go up against sleeper cars, also known as cars with unassuming exteriors but is a high-performance car, in a quarter-mile drag race.
Fastest Car was Netflix's first global automotive series and was created by Scott Weintrob. This show also focuses on the families behind the driver, while putting on a good drag-race show.
West Coast Customs (2013– )
Located in beautiful Corona, California, West Coast Customs is an automotive repair shop that solely focuses on customizing vehicles. It was started by co-founders Ryan Friedlinghaus and Quinton Dodson in 1994, but the show didn't start until June 2013. Since then, the company has flourished.
Celebrities such as P. Diddy and Shaq have visited the shop, while also being a previous location for Must-Watch MTV shows such as Pimp My Ride and Street Customs. The shop itself has been deemed as the best custom car shop in the country and is a place to be seen in the California area.
Outback Truckers (2012– )
If fans are more into big rigs, Outback Truckers is just the show for them. What's even cooler is that it is set in the Australian Outback and follows truck driver Luke Hewitt and several other people in the same position. Australia houses some of the toughest roads and loneliest highways, but the cast of Outback Truckers gets through it.
The viewers watch deal with fires, floods, and mud to make their mad dash behind the wheel of a monster truck. Time is ticking to get the goods to their destination, but Luke and his crew make it look easy.
Formula 1: Drive To Survive (2019– )
Formula 1: Drive to Survive isn't a reality show, but is a sports-documentary series that focuses on the FIA Formula One World Championships across two seasons thus far. This show isn't just for car fanatics, it's for anyone with a knack for excitement and adventure.
Viewers will also get to know the drivers, their cars, what going on behind closed doors, and everything in between. This is the ins and outs of real peoples' lives, but with really good cinematography, and a well put together documentary for basically anyone.
Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee (2012– )
In 2012, comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld came out with a uniquely put together show that involves him and another celebrity basically having a conversation in a classic old car; even if the viewer isn't a huge fan of cars, they'll for sure get a laugh from Jerry or one of the many celebrity guests that join him.
People such as Eddie Murphy, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Jim Carrey, and Barack Obama join Jerry and the conversation, for the most part, is organic and effortless. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee also has some of the best funny moments that combine stand-up comedy, reality television, and the obsessiveness of celebrities into one bite-sized segment. Even if viewers have seen all of the episodes to Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, they are worth a re-watch for any missed details.
The Gentleman Driver (2018)
Last but not least is the extraordinary look into the documentary called The Gentleman Driver. Although it isn't a television series, it is a very well-done documentary that highlights the lives of four very successful businessmen who moonlight as race car drivers in the world of sports-car racing.
The documentary not only shows their motor skills, but also takes a deeper look inside their personal lives, and how and why they got to be where they are now. The men juggle two lives as they make their money in suits while racing in their spare time. It's a worthy show in the living room of auto fans, and everything from the footage to the cars is incredibly interesting.