Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Street Outlaws Talks! Today, we’re diving into what we firmly believe is the biggest mistake Street Outlaws has ever made. Yes, it’s a bold statement, but hear us out as we explain why this particular decision changed the course of the show we all know and love.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
For those who might not be familiar, the 405 show, Street Outlaws, premiered on June 10th, 2013, and ran for 12 consecutive seasons. This show quickly became a global sensation, drawing millions of viewers each week. The original 405 show was the foundation of the Street Outlaws franchise, showcasing intense street racing that captivated audiences worldwide.
However, after the season finale of Season 12 on June 24th, 2019, things started to change. The biggest turning point came when the producers decided to pull the 405 show off the air temporarily. They also restricted the 405 drivers from participating in other Street Outlaws shows, such as "Street Outlaws: Fastest in America." This strategic move was made to bolster the popularity of "Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings" by making it the sole platform where fans could see their favorite 405 drivers.
"No Prep Kings" first aired on March 7th, 2018. While the live events were successful, the TV ratings did not match the high viewership of the original 405 show. The producers' decision to focus on "No Prep Kings" meant the 405 show, as we knew it, was put on an indefinite hiatus. This shift in focus was further complicated by the pandemic, which halted filming and production.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
During this period, Discovery Channel even created "Race Night in America" by purchasing footage from YouTubers to keep some content flowing for fans. While this was a commendable effort, it was clear that something was missing. The absence of the 405 show left a void that "No Prep Kings" couldn’t fill entirely.
The confusion was further exacerbated by the way Discovery Channel categorized the seasons. They mixed episodes of "No Prep Kings" with the original Street Outlaws seasons, creating a mess of the show’s chronology. This mishandling frustrated many fans, including ourselves.
One notable event during this time was "Street Outlaws: Fastest in America," where various out-of-town racing groups competed to be crowned the fastest. Surprisingly, the 405 crew was absent from this lineup, causing quite a stir among fans. Chief, a key figure in the 405 crew, elaborated on the reasons in an interview, but the damage was done. Fans began to question the future of the 405 show.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
After Season 12, the producers' decision to focus solely on "No Prep Kings" and restrict the 405 drivers to this show led to a decline in the original show’s essence. The unique spark and energy that defined the 405 show were lost. Although the 405 show returned with new formats like "Street Outlaws: America's List" and "Street Outlaws: Mega Cash Days," it never quite recaptured the magic of its earlier seasons.
In conclusion, the biggest mistake Street Outlaws ever made was sidelining the 405 show to promote "No Prep Kings." This decision alienated many fans and altered the course of the franchise. While "No Prep Kings" continues to thrive, the original 405 show that started it all has never been the same since June 24th, 2019.
Photo by Street Outlaws Live
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree that this was the biggest mistake Street Outlaws has ever made? Let us know in the comments section below. Thank you all for tuning in. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more updates. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!
Hi, I totally agree with this post about the change that has been initiated. My husband and I has every show recorded except for the moment these changes began . We felt as though we had lost a dear friend. We had come to know every driver,their cars, their families,their ups and downs at least all that was shown to us. Our Monday nights were totally ruined. We continue to watch all that we can find of the 405.I know that it is inevitable for some changes to come. But this particular change, from a fans point of view, was definitely not a good choice for the fans. I wish all of my racing buddies the best. Stay safe!