MotorTrend+ Shutting Down But This Streamer is Taking Over

In a noteworthy shake-up, Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled significant shifts for MotorTrend+, the beloved automotive-focused channel that carries shows like "Top Gear America", "Wheeler Dealer", and many more. Starting on Friday, Feb. 23, the spotlight will move to Max and discovery+ in the United States and Canada. As part of this strategic move, the MotorTrend+ streaming service will bid farewell in March.

The Highlights:

• Thousands of MotorTrend Shows will migrate to Max and discovery+ in the U.S. over the next month
• MotorTrend+ will shut down in March, and its customers will be moved to discovery+’s ad-free tier
• No news yet on how this will affect MotorTrend+ Originals
• MotorTrend+ subscribers who signed up through certain third-party partners like Prime Video Channels will not be moved over
• Other streaming services may be a good fit based on the content you like to watch

What we know

Beginning on Friday, Feb. 23, over 1,000 hours of MotorTrend programming will be added to Discovery+ in the U.S. and Canada, as well as to Max in the U. S. Additional thousands of hours of MotorTrend content will continue to be integrated into both platforms until the end of March, when the MotorTrend+ subscription service will be discontinued.

In 2017, Discovery Communications acquired a majority stake in TEN: The Enthusiast Network and merged its Velocity TV network with the digital and live-event components of TEN's 20-plus automotive brands, including MotorTrend and Hot Rod. The subscription streaming service, originally known as MotorTrend OnDemand, once boasted over 8,000 episodes and 4,000 hours of automotive series and specials.

The MotorTrend content available on Discovery+ and Max encompasses popular shows like "Top Gear America," featuring Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry, and Jethro Bovingdon. Other notable shows include "Roadkill," showcasing David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan's car shenanigans, "Texas Metal" following Bill Carlton and his team at Ekstensive Metal Works, "Kevin Hart's Muscle Car Crew," where Kevin Hart and friends delve into the world of cars, and "Hot Rod Garage," with Lucky Costa, Tony Angelo, and Alex Taylor crafting hot rods of all shapes.

Current MotorTrend+ customers will want to keep an eye on the email address they used to sign up for the streamer. It will give them step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for discovery+ once MotorTrend+ is gone. According to information given to The Streamable, viewers of MotorTrend+ will be able to access ad-free streaming on discovery+ for their current $5.99-per-month subscription rate, instead of the $8.99-per-month price that discovery+ normally charges.

While Warner Bros. Discovery has not officially revealed the reason for shutting down MotorTrend+, it is speculated that the decision stems from cost redundancies. In its recent fourth-quarter earnings report, WBD disclosed a profit of $103 million from its streaming services last year. In an effort to enhance profitability, the company is evaluating platforms that align with this objective. With MotorTrend+ likely having a relatively small customer base compared to its maintenance costs, the transition to discovery+ allows WBD to retain these customers without requiring them to pay the full price for ad-free streaming on the new service.

What other streaming services offer shows similar to MotorTrends+?

For those seeking content similar to what's available on MotorTrend+, there are several streaming services that cater to automotive enthusiasts with a passion for cars, restoration projects, motorsports, and more. Here are some of our top picks:

Discovery+ ($8.99 per month): We mentioned the reasoning above, as this is where MotorTrend+ shows are headed post February 2024. That's because it has an array of shows from the MotorTrend Network itself. This platform is an excellent alternative for those interested in car restorations, custom builds, and the rich history behind iconic vehicles. It provides a one-stop-shop for viewers seeking both informative and entertaining automotive content.

Netflix ($6.99 per month): Netflix has carved out its own niche in the automotive content space, albeit with a focus that leans more towards high-quality documentaries and lightly scripted series. A prime example of its offerings is "Formula 1: Drive to Survive," a series that offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the Formula 1 World Championship, providing fans with intimate access to the drivers and teams battling it out for supremacy on the track. This series has been praised for its gripping storytelling, which not only attracts long-time fans of the sport but also newcomers who may not have been previously interested in Formula 1. Another popular example is "Rust to Riches," where Gotham Garage takes old, beat-up cars and turns them into a profit.

Amazon's Prime Video ($8.99 per month after 30-day free trial): Prime Video, on the other hand, takes a different approach by blending entertainment with automotive enthusiasm through original series like "The Grand Tour." Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, this series is a spiritual successor to the BBC's "Top Gear" and has quickly become a hit among car enthusiasts for its mix of exotic cars, spectacular road trips, and the hosts' trademark banter. Additionally, Prime Video offers access to "Le Mans: Racing is Everything," a docuseries that provides an in-depth look at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. Amazon's offerings cater to those who appreciate a mix of humor, adventure, and detailed explorations of automotive culture, making it a strong platform for car lovers seeking both information and entertainment.

Peacock ($5.99 per month): Peacock does not have shows or movies about cars, but it provides fans with qualifying sessions, practice runs, and in-depth analysis from experts in the field. This platform caters especially well to those who have a passion for the competitive aspect of automotive sports, offering live broadcasts, replays, and highlights that ensure fans never miss a moment of the action of NASCAR, Indy, and Motocross.