"It was always about doing what we loved," - Freiburger
Roadkill Canceled After 13 Iconic Years: Behind the Scenes, Legacy, and What’s Next
In a shocking turn of events, Roadkill, the legendary automotive show that captured the hearts of millions, has been canceled after 13 successful seasons and 167 adrenaline-fueled episodes. Hosted by David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, the announcement has left fans and the automotive world reeling. But what led to this abrupt end? What happens to the cars and the beloved hosts? This article dives into the highlights and emotional reflections from their recent livestreams.
The Numbers Behind Roadkill
167 episodes over 13 seasons, spanning more than a decade of unscripted, authentic car adventures.
13 years of pushing limits, from Alaska road trips to explosive stunts like Stubby Bob’s unforgettable wheelie.
Millions of viewers tuned in to Roadkill episodes, with early videos hitting 1 million views almost instantly.
The series featured over 100 project cars, from fan-favorites like the Rotsun and Vette Cart to jaw-dropping builds like Stubby Bob.
The Sudden End: Why Was Roadkill Canceled?
The cancellation stems from corporate restructuring by MotorTrend's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite Roadkill's popularity, corporate priorities shifted, impacting several shows:
Along with Roadkill, MotorTrend has ceased production of:
Roadkill Garage
Faster with Newbern and Cotton
Hot Rod Garage
Roadworthy Rescues
Shows like Engine Masters ended earlier, and layoffs affected many employees across MotorTrend’s production teams.
Freiburger’s Take:
Roadkill’s lack of profitability in a corporate landscape was the likely cause. "It’s a victim of corporate whatever," Freiburger reflected.
He clarified misconceptions: "MotorTrend Magazine and streaming services are not shutting down. The shows will still rerun on platforms like Discovery+ and MotorTrend cable."
Finnegan’s Perspective:
He compared the end of Roadkill to "being ghosted by your dream girl after graduation" but expressed gratitude for the years of creative freedom.
Iconic Builds: What Happens to the Cars?
Roadkill’s unforgettable builds are part of its lasting legacy. Thankfully, the show’s hosts will have the opportunity to buy back some of their favorites. Key highlights include:
Stubby Bob: The truck that stunned fans with its vertical wheelies might make public appearances if Finnegan restores it.
The Rotsun: A rusty Datsun turbocharged with a V6 remains close to Finnegan’s heart as a sentimental favorite.
Vette Cart: This stripped-down Corvette, turned into a go-kart, represents Roadkill’s scrappy, inventive spirit.
Finnegan revealed plans to acquire some of these cars, ensuring they remain in the hands of those who brought them to life. He emphasized, “These cars are more than vehicles—they’re memories, friendships, and history.”
Reflections on the Legacy
Roadkill’s impact extends far beyond its episodes:
Inspirational Stories:
Fans shared how the show rekindled their love for cars or inspired them to revive forgotten projects in their garages.
Some even credited Roadkill with saving lives by providing a sense of purpose and community.
Global Reach:
Roadkill became the biggest automotive show on YouTube before moving to MotorTrend’s paywall.
Collaborative episodes with icons like Mighty Car Mods highlighted its global influence.
Creative Freedom: The Secret to Success
Unlike most TV shows, Roadkill’s unscripted format and creative freedom made it unique:
No scripts, no polished studio setups—just authentic car adventures.
Early episodes were shot with minimal crews and tight budgets, often on the road for weeks at a time.
"It was always about doing what we loved," Freiburger emphasized.
The Future of Finnegan and Freiburger - The Legacy Lives On
While Roadkill may be over, its hosts are gearing up for exciting new chapters:
Mike Finnegan:
Finnegan’s Garage on YouTube will expand with high-energy builds and collaborations.
Upcoming projects include a two-part Hot Rod Drag Week movie, featuring epic car content.
David Freiburger:
Freiburger plans to dive deeper into storytelling and wrenching through his personal YouTube channel.
He hopes to collaborate with former MotorTrend colleagues and bring fans fresh content.
Collaborative Ventures: Both hosts expressed excitement about working together again, free from previous corporate restrictions.
Key Highlights
Why Roadkill Was Special:
It inspired millions to embrace car culture without perfection or polish.
It made car restoration accessible to fans of all skill levels, proving that "junkyard dreams" could come true.
Memorable Builds and Stunts:
Stubby Bob’s wheelie: A truck defying gravity and logic.
Alaska Adventures: Roadkill didn’t just stop at junkyard rescues; it ventured into extreme terrains.
Vette Cart vs. Ferrari: A $1,000 go-kart taking on a luxury sports car showcased the show’s humor and ingenuity.
A Thank You to Fans
Both hosts expressed immense gratitude to Roadkill’s global audience:
Freiburger: “You inspired us as much as we inspired you. Knowing we helped someone rediscover their love for cars—or even saved a life—is indescribable.”
Finnegan: “Every comment, every like, every t-shirt purchased—it’s all been part of this incredible journey.”
What’s Next?
Roadkill may be gone, but its spirit roars on. Fans can look forward to:
Independent projects from Finnegan and Freiburger on YouTube.
Collaborations with former Roadkill colleagues.
The enduring legacy of its episodes, which continue to inspire and entertain.
Closing Thoughts
Roadkill wasn’t just a show; it was a movement. It broke the mold of traditional car content and inspired millions to embrace imperfection and adventure. Though its chapter with MotorTrend has closed, its legacy roars on—just like its legendary builds.
Stay tuned to Finnegan’s Garage and Freiburger’s channel for the next phase of their journeys, and remember: the road never truly ends. 🚗🔥
All photo credit to Roadkill’s Facebook page
