Host of 'Fast N' Loud' Richard Rawlings reveals the real reason the show was canceled
Published on Jul 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Aug 01, 2025 at 4:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Richard Rawlings is one of the most famous and well-known figures within the car world, thanks to Fast N’ Loud.
The Fort Worth, Texas native is most well-known for fronting the car restoration show.
But Fast N’ Loud found itself canceled by the Discovery Channel back in 2020.
And now Rawlings has officially revealed the reason why.
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‘Fast N’ Loud’ propels Rawlings into global fame
Richard Rawlings shot to global fame with his incredibly popular car show, Fast N’ Loud.
Rawlings actually opened the Gas Monkey Garage shop itself in Dallas back in 2002.
Ten years later, the Discovery Channel turned the shop into a mega-hit TV series in 2012.
The show quickly became a massive success, with Rawlings and co-host Aaron Kaufman quickly becoming big personalities in their own right.
For 16 seasons, Fast N’ Loud saw Rawlings and his team sourced tired, beat-up old classics.
The show then documented the process of bringing those cars back to life.
Some of the cars would be sold to private buyers, while others starred at enormous auctions such as the Barrett-Jackson auction.
The show was canceled on June 8th, 2020 – almost eight years to the day of its first episode airing.
But Richard Rawlings has finally shed light on what happened to the TV series.
Richard Rawlings reveals all about the end of the show
Back in December 2020, Rawlings made the 195 mile journey south to Austin, Texas.
He did so because he was a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
Rogan, a renowned gearhead himself, came straight out of the blocks with the question on everybody’s mind.
What had happened to Fast N’ Loud?
Rawlings explained that he was no longer a part of the Discovery network.
He explained that the entire situation was a bit of a perfect storm.
After enjoying eight years of success, Rawlings wanted to evolve and pursue different opportunities.
He especially wanted to start an automotive podcast – but his Discovery contract wouldn’t allow him.
As a matter of fact, Rawlings had a $25,000 penalty clause as part of his contract.
This means that the Texan could have been fined up to $25,000 for each time he spoke badly of the network
Additionally, the year 2020 saw the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
And that period of time provided Rawlings with the opportunity to reflect on his situation.
Thankfully, things appear to have worked out very well.
The Gas Monkey Garage YouTube channel is thriving, and he appears to be doing great.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
