Returning Doctor Who boss Russell T. Davies admits that the sci-fi show could have more episodes per year if not for constraints from the BBC.
Doctor Who writer Russell T. Davies says that more episodes of the TV series could be released each year if not for restrictions put in place by the BBC.
Speaking to GQ, Davies admitted that while the similar sci-fi show Star Trek can produce regular episodes, Doctor Who is constrained by unique broadcasting limitations. “And very cleverly I think Star Trek is reaching out to making something like fifty-two episodes a year. So that’s your yearly show, genius,” the writer said. “And there’s a problem with the BBC, it’s a public service broadcaster, so there’s only so much they’ll ever commit to.”
Russell T. Davies’ Doctor Who Return
Having last been at the helm back in 2009, Davies will oversee a series of specials this year including the 60th Anniversary episode of the show. The writer will then continue to lead the sci-fi show going forward. Away from the main story, Davies has also added that he has big plans for Doctor Who with potential series spinoffs. “So I thought — with no criticism whatsoever towards the people who were running it at the time, because they were running it within the BBC’s measures — it was time for the next stage for Doctor Who,” the writer stated. “I thought the streaming platforms are ready, the spin-offs are ready; I always believed in spin-offs when I was there. I did Torchwood as a spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures as a spin-off. Those spin-offs declined when I left, and I can see why.”
Davies first worked on Doctor Who in 2005 and helped produce the entirety of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s tenure as the Time Lord before his departure. The main role has since been held by Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker, with Chris Chibnall working as a producer. However, Davies’ return to the role has coincided with a return to playing the Doctor for David Tennant. The Scottish actor made a surprise return to the show in ‘The Power of The Doctor’ and will play a part in the upcoming 60th anniversary special. So too, will former companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate.
Will Rose Tyler Return to Doctor Who?
One name that isn’t currently penciled in to appear is Rose Tyler, portrayed by Billie Piper. The character featured in the reboot of the series back in 2005 alongside Eccleston and then Tennant, with her run as the Doctor’s companion eventually concluding two series. She also made cameos in several TV specials and throughout Season 4 as well. While she is not against the idea of a return, Piper has admitted she would need the show to be filmed in London for her to return to the sci-fi series. “If it was shot in London — sorry that’s a really loveless answer! There’s a running theme here, I don’t want to work much,” the actress said. “[If the spinoff] was like four episodes all shot in London, then yeah, I’d be like a rat-up-a-drainpipe for that.”
However, stars and showrunners aren’t the only things set to change in the Doctor Who franchise since a deal was recently signed for Disney+ to distribute the series worldwide. However, the BBC will still maintain creative control over the series. Whether that will affect the aforementioned episode restrictions remains to be seen.
The 60th Anniversary Special of Doctor Who is set to air this year.
Source: GQ