Doctor Who is now turning 60 and it’s a big deal. The British sci-fi series is celebrating the anniversary with three specials featuring familiar faces. It’s truly remarkable to see 60 years of a television series; Especially in this period, moving to a new stage is even more rare.
The British science fiction series Doctor Who first began broadcasting on the BBC in 1963 and has a wide audience today. It is currently experiencing a period of extensive growth and popularity. As part of a deal with the BBC, three special episodes focusing on the series’ final run will now air weekly on Disney+ in the United States, starting on Saturdays. This step aims to increase excitement by providing a wider reach to the series’ fan base.
The new season will debut on both Disney+ and the BBC next year, following a special Christmas episode starring Ncuti Gatwa (from “Sex Education”). Russell T Davies rebooted the show in 2005 and is currently the showrunner.
“Doctor Who” is a series with a devoted fan base, filled with decades-long adventures, villains and intertwined stories. But if you’re just starting out, here are some important things you should know before watching.
A Quick Summary
The Doctor is a Time Lord from a planet called Gallifrey who travels through time and space in the Tardis, a modest spacecraft that people liken to an old British police box. Its mission is to protect the Earth and the people living there against various dangers.
“The Doctor is a difficult character to read, particularly notable for his non-physical aspects, and yet he is an outcast who triumphs in the end,” said actor Toby Hadoke, who hosts a podcast dedicated to the programme. “The doctor always gives hope to those who feel a little out of place.”
Looking Back
David Tennant played the Doctor between 2005 and 2010 and will now return again for the 60th anniversary specials. Talking about the appeal of the series, he stated that there is a diversity created by the meeting of domestic and fantastic elements, and thus extraordinary things become ordinary.
Thanks to the Doctor’s regeneration ability, the series has a long-lasting structure. This ability allows different actors to take on the role of the Doctor. In the same season, they also experiment with historical dramas and modern political satire. Davies, one of the heads of the series, stated that a new adventure, a new story begins every time the TARDIS door is opened.
The Doctor usually goes on his travels with an ordinary human companion. In the 60th anniversary special, he is expected to travel with a human character played by Catherine Tate. At the end of last season, Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor’s 13th regeneration, took over the role. However, in the upcoming special programs, Tennant will portray the 14th Doctor this time. This will be the first time the same actor will portray different Doctors. Davies considers this change as a natural development and says that it is possible.
Tate will also reprise her character Donna Noble. However, during their final adventure with the Doctor, they were forced to erase Donna’s memory and the memories of their time together. If Donna remembers them, her life will be in danger. Still, they are scheduled to reunite in upcoming specials.
“I had left our heroes in a tragic situation forever, believing they would never be happy again,” Davies said. “This was like a petition for a new move, wasn’t it?”
Traceability In The USA
“Doctor Who” has been airing in the United States for several years on channels such as PBS, Sci Fi Channel and BBC America. However, the new international agreement with Disney+ may make the series more accessible to a wide audience. The 60th anniversary specials will serve as an introduction to the Doctor and Donna’s story for new audiences. Those who want to take a more in-depth look at old episodes can access old episodes of “Doctor Who” on platforms such as Max or BritBox in the United States.
An Immersive Science Fiction Show
“Doctor Who” has long been a science fiction franchise notable for its on-screen diversity. In 2017, Whittaker became the series’ first female Doctor, and in 2020, Jo Martin portrayed the first Black incarnation of the Doctor, known as the Runaway Doctor. Additionally, trans actress Yasmin Finney joined the cast, playing the character Elle in the Netflix series “Heartstopper”.
“The show has always been about inclusivity and diversity,” Tennant said, adding that “I grew up in Scotland as a skinny guy with glasses and I didn’t feel like the coolest person in the room.” But Tennant added: “The doctor respects his composure.” “That was something I appreciated, too.”
