It’s like “Top Gear” meets “Countryfile”.
Jeremy Clarkson (“Top Gear”) trying to farm is exactly as hilarious as you’d imagine, with the man who can talk for hours about horsepower suddenly getting schooled by, well, actual horses.
I currently rank this #2 on my “List of Best Farming Documentaries” (up to 15 so far!).
Enjoy!
Thanks to the Brit George Darrah for telling me about it at Capital Camp 2024.
Trailer for “Clarkson’s Farm”
Watch “Clarkson’s Farm”
You can watch all 24 episodes (3 seasons) only on Amazon Prime Video for now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0MDUTGHGGIDP1U7RM2H9OPTSD2/
But check here for any changes to streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/jeremy-clarkson-i-bought-the-farm
Ratings:
- My Rating: 94/100
- IMDB Rating: 9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 98/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Release Date: June 11, 2021
My Review of “Clarkson’s Farm”
Release date: June 11, 2021 (Season 1)
In “Clarkson’s Farm,” Jeremy Clarkson trades racecars for tractors—and chaos follows.
You might know Clarkson as the loud-mouthed, controversial star of Top Gear, but this documentary shows a different side of him: a clueless, stubborn farmer trying to manage a 1,000-acre property in the heart of the British countryside.
This isn’t just a vanity project; Clarkson actually wants to run a successful farm. Well, sort of.
Set in the Cotswolds, Clarkson dives into farming without any real expertise. His lack of experience becomes both the comedic and tragic engine of the show.
From failing to herd sheep to managing tractors, Clarkson is a walking disaster. Yet, it’s also captivating. Every bad decision has real consequences—financially and physically.
The Lamborghini Tractor Debacle (Season 1, Episode 1)
Right from the start, Clarkson demonstrates just how unprepared he is. In Season 1, Episode 1, he buys a massive Lamborghini tractor that’s way too big for the farm.
Most sensible farmers would have chosen a more practical option, but Clarkson? He goes for the flashiest, most impractical machine he can find.
The tractor can barely fit through the farm’s gates, and its complexity becomes a running joke. It’s not just a purchase—it’s a symbol of Clarkson’s larger-than-life personality clashing with the realities of farming.
Caleb Cooper, the young farmer who becomes Clarkson’s right-hand man, is exasperated by this decision. His reaction to the Lamborghini is priceless—both baffled and amused.
Caleb’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to farming is the perfect foil to Clarkson’s impulsiveness, and their dynamic becomes a core part of the series’ charm.
Humor Meets Reality
The documentary shines because of Clarkson’s persona. He’s blunt, opinionated, and wildly entertaining. But the farming business quickly humbles him.
Nature and regulations—two forces Clarkson usually rails against—now become his biggest enemies. Weather unpredictability wrecks crops. British bureaucracy and rural policies push him into frustration.
This isn’t a slick TV host faking hardships for the cameras. Clarkson is genuinely in over his head.
In Episode 2, for example, Clarkson tries his hand at plowing fields.
The massive Lamborghini tractor is once again a source of trouble. Clarkson can’t operate it properly, leading to wasted hours and botched land. Caleb’s exasperation reaches new heights as he explains, yet again, how to do things the right way.
The Sheep Disaster (Season 1, Episode 3)
Clarkson’s decision to raise sheep is another highlight of his misadventures. In Episode 3, he brings a flock of sheep to the farm, naively thinking it will be an easy way to diversify his income.
But it turns out sheep are stubborn, hard to control, and expensive to maintain. Clarkson has no idea how much work goes into their care, and the result is a series of hilarious blunders.
One standout moment is when Clarkson tries to build a sheep pen. Instead of using a simple, effective method, he opts for an elaborate solution that backfires spectacularly.
The sheep outsmart him at every turn. Caleb’s frustration is palpable, and you can almost feel his patience wearing thin.
Yet, despite the chaos, there’s something endearing about Clarkson’s sheer determination.
Dealing with Nature’s Wrath (Season 1, Episode 4)
But it’s not all fun and games. The documentary showcases the brutal realities of farming, especially in Episode 4, when Clarkson’s barley crop is completely ruined by unpredictable weather.
After months of hard work and significant financial investment, a rainstorm destroys everything. It’s a gut-wrenching moment, and Clarkson, who is usually so resilient, is visibly shaken.
This scene captures the harsh truth about farming—nature is merciless, and even the most well-laid plans can collapse in an instant.
Clarkson’s financial troubles are another element that adds depth.
He’s rich, sure, but even he feels the pinch of farming costs. After pouring hundreds of thousands of pounds into equipment, seeds, and livestock, the return on investment is shockingly low.
The real-world implications of Brexit on British farming are subtly woven into the narrative too. As Clarkson tries to sell his goods, he grapples with new export rules and prices.
Director and Approach
Directed by Gavin Whitehead, each episode is meticulously crafted to balance humor, education, and reality.
The 24-episode series (Amazon Prime) runs about 45 minutes per episode. By the end of each, you feel a little closer to understanding just how grueling farm life really is—without losing the fun.
There’s no doubt Clarkson’s fame drives viewership, but the documentary doesn’t rest on his star power alone. Whitehead presents Clarkson as a genuine farmer who, despite constant mishaps, develops a real respect for the land. There’s an authenticity that sneaks in, making you root for Clarkson in unexpected ways.
Lesser-Known Insights (Season 1, Episode 6)
Beyond the comedy, there are quiet moments that only the most eagle-eyed reviewers catch. In Episode 6, Clarkson finally begins to appreciate the environmental impact of farming. He starts to understand the importance of maintaining healthy soil, protecting wildlife, and using sustainable practices. His initial disdain for “green” farming slowly fades as he faces the consequences of overworking the land.
One notable subplot in this episode involves Clarkson’s attempt to build a farm shop. It’s a seemingly simple project, but the red tape and local regulations turn it into a bureaucratic nightmare. Watching Clarkson navigate planning committees is both hilarious and infuriating, as he struggles to get anything done.
The introduction of bees in Episode 5 is another storyline that initially seems ridiculous but ends up being quite profound. Clarkson’s dabble into beekeeping is a metaphor for the uncontrollable forces of nature that run through the series. The bees, much like the land, don’t care about Clarkson’s opinions or experience. He has to adapt to them, not the other way around.
Unexpected Emotional Depth
Clarkson’s personal journey is the heartbeat of this documentary. Midway through the series, it becomes clear that he’s not just trying to avoid bankruptcy; he’s trying to prove something to himself.
At 61, Clarkson is seeking relevance in a new way. He’s spent decades in the spotlight, but farming gives him a fresh challenge. His ego, often a source of comedy, becomes a source of empathy as well.
Farming isn’t something you can bluff your way through—and Clarkson is learning that the hard way.
In Episode 7, we see Clarkson face one of his biggest challenges yet: harvesting his crops. The sheer scale of the task overwhelms him, and he’s forced to confront the fact that farming is not something you can take on half-heartedly.
The episode ends on a reflective note, as Clarkson contemplates whether all the hard work has been worth it.
Bottom Line
I don’t consider “Clarkson’s Farm” just another celebrity doc.
It’s an honest portrayal of a man trying to master a craft he knows nothing about.
The show’s success lies in its ability to mix humor with reality.
Yes, Clarkson is a walking disaster, but he’s also learning—and so are we.
Farming is tough.
It’s unpredictable.
And it’s not for the faint-hearted.
But through all the chaos, Clarkson’s Farm proves one thing: even when you’re in over your head, sometimes, you’ve just got to laugh it off and keep going.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc