Is Doctor Who stuck in the past?

Doctor Who has found itself in an interesting spot lately. Nearly four years ago, it was announced that Russell T Davies, a British TV producer known for his work on the acclaimed series It’s a Sin, would be returning to lead the iconic BBC sci-fi show. A lifelong fan of Doctor Who, Davies previously show-ran the series during its revival in 2005 after a long hiatus.

After Davies’ departure in 2009, Doctor Who went through various lead actors and showrunners, maintaining its success but experiencing a slight decline in cultural impact. Davies’ return in partnership with Disney+ was met with excitement from both the UK and global audiences. The collaboration with Disney+ meant that Doctor Who could reach a broader international audience while remaining free for viewers in the UK.

In 2022, Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Netflix’s Sex Education, was cast as the next Doctor for the series debut in 2024. These decisions aimed to revitalize Doctor Who’s popularity in the streaming era, but the recent episodes have raised concerns. Some fans feel that the storytelling relies too heavily on previous lore, alienating both new and old viewers.

Despite these challenges, Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor has been well-received, bringing a fresh perspective to the character. While Davies’ approach may have faced criticism for not keeping up with modern TV trends, some viewers, including myself, have found this era of Doctor Who to be enjoyable.

Rumors suggest that Doctor Who may undergo a hiatus before returning without Disney+’s involvement. This break could be an opportunity for the series to re-focus on its strengths and explore new storytelling directions. Doctor Who’s ability to reinvent itself is its greatest asset, and fans are hopeful for what the future holds.

You can catch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ for now.