TGR Staff - 11/18/2024
This morning, the automotive enthusiast community was shaken by reports that the beloved show "Roadkill" and all of MotorTrend Productions had been shut down. These events mark the end of an era for fans who have followed the series and the brand's content for over a decade.
"Roadkill" debuted in 2012 as an innovative automotive web series produced by the MotorTrend Group. Hosted by David Freiburger, former editor of Hot Rod Magazine, and Mike Finnegan, a former technical staff editor, the show quickly gained a dedicated following. Its unique format featured the hosts embarking on spontaneous road trips, often in dilapidated vehicles, showcasing their mechanical skills and passion for cars. The series was primarily filmed in Southern California but also ventured across the United States, Canada, and even Australia.
Initially available on YouTube, "Roadkill" transitioned to MotorTrend On Demand in March 2018, reflecting its growing popularity and the platform's expansion. The show's success led to several spin-offs, including "Roadkill Garage," "Roadkill's Junkyard Gold," and "Faster with Finnegan," each delving deeper into various aspects of car culture and mechanics. But in February of 2024, Warner Brother Discover announced they would be shutting down its MotorTrend+ Subscription Service and moving all of its content to Discovery+ & Max, which marked the beginning of the end for Motortrend Productions.
The decision to discontinue MotorTrend+ and, subsequently, MotorTrend Productions reflects the challenges niche streaming services face in a competitive market. By integrating MotorTrend's content into larger platforms like Discovery+ and Max, Warner Bros. Discovery seeks to streamline operations and reach a broader audience.
Fans have expressed their disappointment and nostalgia across various platforms, reminiscing about the show's memorable episodes and the genuine camaraderie between Freiburger and Finnegan. The series not only entertained but also inspired many to embark on their own automotive adventures, fostering a sense of community among gearheads.
While "Roadkill" has concluded, both David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan remain influential figures in the automotive world. Finnegan continues to engage with fans through his YouTube channel, "Finnegan's Garage," where he shares ongoing projects and automotive insights. Similarly, Freiburger maintains an active presence in the car community, contributing to various automotive media outlets and events.
The end of "Roadkill" and the shutdown of MotorTrend Productions signify a pivotal moment in automotive media. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and the evolving digital landscape, Finnegan in his Reddit post pointed out that he didn't know who owned the rights to Roadkill, which sounds like he and his co-host might try to bring it back on another platform.
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