Summary
- Doctor Who fans suggest a limited series format for the show's future to give Billie Piper a chance as the Doctor.
- BBC could take inspiration from Sherlock's success with limited series to revamp Doctor Who's format.
- A limited series could ease financial strain on BBC and offer a tighter, action-packed narrative for Doctor Who.
Doctor Who is one of the most beloved science fiction shows ever, running on and off since 1963. However, Doctor Who fans are currently in a period of uncertainty as there are no confirmed plans about the show's future at this moment.
Doctor Who's most recent season ended in a shocking way earlier this year when Ncuti Gatwa's version of the Doctor regenerated to reveal Billie Piper as the new Time Lord. However, without another season being greenlit, fans are wondering if they will ever see her take on the role. However, fans of the show have come up with a unique idea of how Doctor Who could continue for the foreseeable future.
RUMOR: Doctor Who’s Original Season 2 Ending Revealed Prior To Reshoots
Doctor Who's origial season two ending has been revealed, prior to the BBC doing reshoots for the show.
Doctor Who Fans Believe The Show Could Work As A Limited Series
BBC Would Be Able To Draw Inspiration From Sherlock
Currently, Doctor Who exists as a regular television show that typically runs eight to 10 episodes per season. That has been the case throughout most of the show's history, especially during the revival era, but with a third season not being confirmed, there is a potential that the series will be put on ice. Issues with the ratings being down and complaints of 'woke' storylines have caused problems that have put Doctor Who's future in doubt. However, fans have been creative in wanting to save the show, which has led to much speculation that it could end up being brought back as a limited series moving forward. This would allow Doctor Who to be brought back, allowing Piper to get her chance to be the Doctor.
BBC has a history of creating amazing limited shows, with Sherlock being a great example. The detective show based on the Sherlock Holmes novels proved to be a significant success, with Benedict Cumberbatch thriving in that environment. Every episode of Sherlock felt like a must-see event because of how well constructed the show was, and if Doctor Who could follow in those footsteps, then it might end up being precisely what is needed moving forward.
Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Specials Proved This Is Possible
It Guarantees A Tight, Action-Packed Story Moving Forward
While Doctor Who typically thrives in a long-running format that allows for lots of mystery and character building, the 60th-anniversary special series proved that this show could work in a limited capacity. David Tennant and Catherine Tate were brought back to Doctor Who for that, and only three episodes took place, culminating in Gatwa's debut. They were detailed, filled with excellent villains, and some entertaining story developments that worked perfectly for the show. Each episode gained over 6 million viewers, proving that the audience was interested, and if BBC was able to copy that formula, then the limited series idea might work.
There have been reports that Tennant returning to Doctor Who is being considered, with the idea being that he would reunite with Piper, with both actors playing the Doctor. This would be used to wrap up the bi-generation storyline created between Tennant and Gatwa while also giving older fans a moment of nostalgia for the beloved actors from their time together. At the same time, this might not be the best idea to help Doctor Who in the long term; it could be the ideal story to give the limited series idea a test. Three or four episodes would be enough to tell a strong story here that provides fans with some throwback moments, while wrapping up the overall plans. There's enough time to dive into the details and emotion without overstaying its welcome. This would be a great way to see if the limited series idea works, telling this particular story over a few episodes to see if Doctor Who fans would support the show's shorter, more action-packed series.
Doctor Who Being A Limited Series Would Have The Potential To Save The Show
It Would Put Less Financial Strain On The BBC
The main reason why a limited series might be considered for the future of Doctor Who is that it would instantly put less pressure on the BBC from a financial perspective. With fewer episodes to shoot, the cost of running the show would instantly decrease, and given that Disney's involvement in the series is up in the air, this might be needed to save it in the long term. Disney financially supported Doctor Who for the past two seasons, with the series then being added to Disney Plus as part of the deal, and that has helped. However, after underwhelming ratings, there are rumors that Disney will not continue with that deal, which is one of the main reasons why fans are generally nervous about the future of Doctor Who.
However, dropping the number of episodes might be the best way to solve the problem. If there are fewer episodes, fans might stick around for the entirety of the season, knowing that each episode will have to be an eventful one to make the most of the time available. If the ratings are high, that could then convince the BBC to make more episodes in the long term. However, simply keeping the show alive is the primary concern for most fans, and a limited run isn't a bad idea. It might provide the lifeline that Doctor Who needs at the moment, and could be the right decision for this iconic show.
Doctor Who
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- Release Date
- May 11, 2024
- Network
- BBC One
Cast
-
Ncuti GatwaThe Doctor -
Millie GibsonRuby Sunday
