The popular automotive show Roadkill, hosted by David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, has officially ended with the closure of MotorTrend Productions. While this news is disheartening for fans, Freiburger recently shared a candid 30-minute video reflecting on the show’s 13-year run, offering insights into its history and what the future holds. This leaves many wondering: Is Roadkill Garage Cancelled as well?
Freiburger, a 33-year industry veteran, discusses his journey from print media, starting at Hot Rod magazine in 1991, to the digital landscape of Roadkill. The show, which premiered in 2012, was revolutionary for its time, pushing the boundaries of YouTube content with longer-form episodes focused on automotive adventures and DIY projects. Freiburger recounts how Angus MacKenzie, the former MotorTrend editor-in-chief, encouraged the duo to embrace video content, despite initial skepticism about viewer engagement. Roadkill proved instrumental in changing the landscape of automotive entertainment on YouTube.
Roadkill’s Unscripted Success and Corporate Challenges
A key factor in Roadkill‘s enduring appeal was the complete creative control enjoyed by Freiburger and Finnegan. Remarkably, the show remained unscripted throughout its entire run, allowing for authentic interactions and genuine enthusiasm. This freedom, rare in the world of media, fostered a unique connection with viewers who appreciated the show’s raw and unfiltered approach.
However, the show’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Freiburger addresses the controversial decision by MotorTrend to move Roadkill behind a paywall, a move that was met with significant backlash from fans. He clarifies that he opposed this decision and even advocated for keeping the show on YouTube, promising to create more content for Roadkill Garage on the platform. Ultimately, this plan didn’t materialize, adding to the disappointment surrounding the show’s cancellation. This unfortunately confirms that Roadkill Garage is indeed cancelled.
The Future for Freiburger, Finnegan, and the Roadkill Crew
Despite the end of Roadkill, Freiburger expresses excitement about returning to YouTube. He emphasizes that he and Finnegan were always employees, not owners, of the show. This newfound independence opens up possibilities for future projects, allowing them to pursue their passion for automotive content creation without corporate constraints.
Finnegan’s reassuring comment, “This is not the end. This is see ya later. We got this, dude,” echoes this sentiment, hinting at future collaborations and ventures. While the specific details remain unclear, the spirit of Roadkill is likely to live on in new and exciting forms. While Roadkill Garage is cancelled, their journey continues.
From Car Junkie TV to Roadkill: A Journey of Innovation
Freiburger also reveals a lesser-known chapter in his career: his departure from Hot Rod in 2007 to launch Car Junkie TV, an early attempt at an automotive streaming service. Although ahead of its time and ultimately unsuccessful, this venture highlights Freiburger’s entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive media. His return to Hot Rod and the subsequent creation of Roadkill demonstrate a remarkable resilience and a commitment to innovation that continues to inspire.
While the cancellation of Roadkill marks the end of an era, it also signifies a new beginning for Freiburger, Finnegan, and the entire crew. As they embark on new ventures, fans can anticipate a continuation of their passion for cars, storytelling, and authentic automotive experiences. While the question “is Roadkill Garage cancelled” has a sad answer, the future for these automotive icons remains bright.
