Amazon may ditch Clarkson’s Farm over his Sun column comments on Meghan
Amazon’s popular show Clarkson’s Farm may be on the verge of cancellation, with executives at the streaming giant expressing their disappointment over presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s comments about the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The future of the series, which has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, is now uncertain, as Amazon continues to deliberate on whether to recommission the show for a fourth season.
Clarkson’s Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash
The controversy surrounding Clarkson began in December 2022 when he wrote a column in The Sun newspaper in which he made inflammatory comments about Meghan Markle. In his piece, Clarkson said he “hated” the Duchess of Sussex on a “cellular level” and accused her of using “vivid bedroom promises” to transform Prince Harry into a “warrior of woke.” The column, which was widely criticized, garnered a record number of complaints to the press regulator, Ipso, and was condemned for its misogynistic tone and discriminatory language.
The backlash was swift, with many calling for action against Clarkson, especially given his prominent role in Clarkson’s Farm. The incident quickly became a lightning rod for discussions on celebrity behavior, press accountability, and whether entertainers should be held responsible for their words, especially when they influence public opinion. Clarkson issued an apology for his remarks, but the damage to his reputation, as well as to the show’s association with Amazon, was already done.
Amazon’s Response: A ‘Shocked and Disappointed’ Reaction
Amazon executives, particularly Fozia Khan, have publicly stated their displeasure with Clarkson’s comments. Khan, an executive at Prime Video, expressed her shock and disappointment at the remarks, underscoring that they were inconsistent with the values that Amazon strives to uphold. However, despite the outrage, Khan confirmed that Clarkson’s Farm would continue filming its third series, which is set to be released in 2024.
Khan emphasized that the decision to keep the show going, despite the controversy surrounding its host, was not an endorsement of Clarkson’s behavior but rather a reflection of the show’s popularity and its wider cultural significance. “The show is so much bigger than Clarkson,” she said, acknowledging that Clarkson’s Farm has resonated with audiences far beyond its host’s persona. Khan and her colleague Dan Grabiner, who also addressed the issue at the Edinburgh Television Festival, stated that they had yet to make a final decision on whether to renew the show for a fourth season.
Grabiner added that the company had received overwhelming positive feedback from viewers, particularly farmers, who praised the show for accurately depicting life on the farm—a portrayal they said had been largely missing from mainstream television. The show’s success in capturing the farming community’s authentic experience is a key reason why Amazon has so far chosen to proceed with filming the upcoming season.
A Show Larger Than Clarkson?
Despite Amazon’s clear commitment to continuing production for the time being, the question remains: Can Clarkson’s Farm truly be separated from its controversial host? The answer is complicated. The show, which chronicles Clarkson’s attempts to run a farm in the Cotswolds, is as much about the man himself as it is about the farming process. Clarkson’s wit, humor, and larger-than-life personality are integral to the show’s charm. The show is, after all, named after him. As Scott Bryan, the panel host at the Edinburgh Television Festival, noted, it is difficult to completely detach the success of Clarkson’s Farm from its star, especially when his name is directly tied to the title.
However, the series has achieved significant success, not just in the UK but internationally. Farmers from around the world have reached out to Amazon, expressing how Clarkson’s Farm has given them a platform and depicted their lifestyle in a way that mainstream media rarely does. This wide-reaching appreciation for the show’s unique portrayal of farming life could be enough to save the series, despite Clarkson’s controversy.
It’s worth noting that while Clarkson’s star power has contributed heavily to the show’s popularity, Clarkson’s Farm has always been about more than just the man himself. The series has focused on the challenges and rewards of farming, including the steep learning curve Clarkson faces as a newcomer to the agricultural world. The authenticity and humor that Clarkson brings to the farm may have been part of the show’s appeal, but the relatable depiction of rural life and the passion for farming could prove to be the show’s most lasting legacy.
What’s Next for Clarkson?
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Clarkson’s Farm, Clarkson is also facing the possibility of losing his role as the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on ITV. Although Clarkson has already filmed the upcoming series of the quiz show, ITV has yet to decide whether he will return for any future episodes. The broadcaster has been under pressure from viewers and activists, and many are questioning whether it is appropriate for Clarkson to continue in the role, given the controversy surrounding his comments.
If Clarkson does lose his position on Millionaire or Clarkson’s Farm, it would mark the end of an era for both shows. Clarkson’s Farm, in particular, has become a hallmark of his career in recent years, as his shift from Top Gear to farming television has made him a beloved figure in the agricultural world. His fall from grace over his comments about Meghan Markle could tarnish his legacy, but whether it will lead to the end of his on-screen career remains uncertain.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Clarkson and Amazon
As Amazon continues to weigh the future of Clarkson’s Farm, the decision will hinge on a variety of factors. The public’s reaction to Clarkson’s comments and his apology, as well as the ongoing success and relevance of the show, will likely play a crucial role in the decision-making process. For now, it seems Amazon is committed to finishing the third series, with the future of the show hanging in the balance.
In the end, the decision will come down to whether Amazon can separate Clarkson from his show or whether the controversy is simply too much to overcome. Regardless of the outcome, the impact of Clarkson’s comments has sparked a broader discussion about accountability, media personalities, and the consequences of their actions in the age of social media. Clarkson’s Farm may soon find itself at a crossroads, but only time will tell if it can continue without its star or if this will be the final chapter in an already unforgettable run.
