Quick Answer
Clue: “Top Gear” channel
Answer: BBC
Answer length: 3 letters
Clue number and direction: 1-Across
The New York Times crossword clue ““Top Gear” channel” is answered with BBC, the British broadcaster that originally aired Top Gear.
Why BBC Is the Right NYT Answer
- Top Gear is a British motoring programme created by and broadcast on the BBC, originally on BBC Two. Crossword answer sites and NYT Mini roundups specifically list BBC as the 3-letter solution for this clue in the January 30, 2026 Mini.
- Other channels have carried localized versions or reruns, but the original and best-known home of Top Gear is the BBC, which matches the clue cleanly and fits the three-square slot.
What BBC Means in Plain English
- BBC stands for the British Broadcasting Corporation, the United Kingdom’s public service broadcaster.
- It operates multiple TV channels (like BBC One and BBC Two), radio networks, and online services, and is widely known worldwide through shows such as Top Gear, Doctor Who, and Sherlock.
- So when the clue says ““Top Gear” channel,” it’s pointing you directly to the broadcaster that produces and airs the iconic car show.
Crossword-Specific Help for BBC
- In the grid, BBC appears as B B C; with crossings you might see _BC or B_C at first, but any British-TV clue almost always resolves to BBC when 3 letters are needed.
- BBC is a staple crossword entry, clued with references to “Top Gear,” “Doctor Who,” “British network,” or “Channel for the original ‘The Office’.”
- Because BBC is short, consonant-heavy, and globally recognizable, it’s one of the most common TV network answers in American-style crosswords.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For 3-letter clues like “British channel,” ““Doctor Who” airer,” ““Top Gear” channel,” “U.K. broadcaster,” think BBC first.
- If you see references to “original Top Gear,” “original The Office,” or “British public broadcaster,” they are almost always cluing BBC.
When crossings give _BC or B_C in a TV context, BBC is usually the safest and most common fill.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 30, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | “Top Gear” | View Answer |
| 6A | Announcement that causes groans among travelers | View Answer |
| 7A | Middle of a drum kit, typically | View Answer |
| 8A | Political staffers | View Answer |
| 9A | Bottom-line figure | View Answer |
| 1D | French-speaking nation in West Africa | View Answer |
| 2D | Sharp part of a sword | View Answer |
| 3D | This text mark: ^ | View Answer |
| 4D | Left-leaning political org. | View Answer |
| 5D | “Right you are!” | View Answer |
