The former showrunner reflects on challenges faced during his tenure and hints at possible changes ahead
Category: Arts & Culture
Russell T Davies, the acclaimed showrunner of *Doctor Who*, has opened up about the tumultuous period surrounding the series during his recent tenure, describing the prospect of continuing with another season as a "nightmare." His comments come as part of an excerpt from his memoir, *The Queerest of Folk*, published in *The Guardian*, where he reflects on the challenges faced following the show's partnership with Disney.
The collaboration between the BBC and Disney was initially framed as an exciting opportunity for *Doctor Who*, allowing the show to reach new audiences through Disney's streaming platform. The deal encompassed two seasons, three 60th anniversary specials, and a spin-off titled *The War Between the Land and the Sea*. Hopes were high for a third season, which would mark the sixteenth season since the show's revival in 2005. Unfortunately, the renewal of this deal did not materialize, leaving the future of the franchise uncertain.
In his memoir, Davies expressed his concerns about the direction of the show, particularly as he was aware that Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor, would be leaving. He had originally scripted an open-ended regeneration for Gatwa's character, but as the broadcast date approached and it became apparent that Disney had opted not to renew the agreement, Davies felt compelled to alter the ending. He stated, "I knew Ncuti Gatwa was leaving, so I'd written the climax... now departs by saving the life of a baby because the universe is at stake." This change was made to avoid the impression that *Doctor Who* was concluding for good.
Davies's reflections come against a backdrop of what he describes as "waves of hatred" directed at his second era of *Doctor Who*. In a separate interview, he acknowledged the divisive reactions to his work but maintained that he is not personally affected by the criticism. Instead, he expressed pride in the series he produced, stating, "I work really hard on my shows, and I genuinely love them." He believes that the work he did will be appreciated more as time goes on.
One of the major issues Davies highlighted was the internal strife within the BBC. He pointed out that the organization was undergoing considerable turmoil, which hampered its ability to support *Doctor Who* effectively. "Part of the problem is that there seem to be spasms and ruptures and cuts at the BBC," he said, noting that the departure of key figures, including Charlotte Moore, the chief content officer and a strong advocate for the show, contributed to a lack of direction.
Davies suggested that *Doctor Who* must adapt to the changing television environment to remain relevant. He proposed that the show could evolve into a "vertical drama," catering to smartphone users with a focus on cliffhangers and fast-paced storytelling. This notion reflects a broader trend in television where traditional formats are being challenged by the rise of digital consumption.
As *Doctor Who* enters a new phase, Davies is optimistic about its potential under fresh leadership. He stated, "This new plan sets the show free. The future can be planned by a brand-new team. Clean and bold and bright." This statement hints at a desire for rejuvenation and innovation within the show, even as the BBC faces financial pressures that could affect its programming decisions.
Looking ahead, the showrunner's comments suggest that the future of *Doctor Who* may hinge on how it can reinvent itself in a competitive media environment. With the BBC's financial challenges persisting, the need for a dedicated champion within the corporation to advocate for *Doctor Who* becomes increasingly important. Davies emphasized the necessity of having someone consistently pushing for the show, saying, "You need a producer saying: ‘What about Doctor Who? What about Doctor Who? What about Doctor Who?’ every single day.”
In light of these developments, fans of *Doctor Who* can expect a period of transition as the series navigates its new direction. The show is currently in a state of competitive tender, which may lead to innovative changes that resonate with contemporary audiences. As Davies noted, the inclusion of Billie Piper in the regeneration scene was a strategic move to revive interest in the show, and any future decisions will likely be made with similar goals in mind.
Russell T Davies's memoir, *The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television*, is set to be released on October 8, 2026, providing fans with more insights into his experiences and thoughts on the future of *Doctor Who*. As the series continues to evolve, it is uncertain how it will adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.