Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has shed light on the factors he believes led to the series' decline, citing the BBC's institutional inertia and public scrutiny as primary culprits. In an extract from his new memoir, The Queerest of Folk, published in The Guardian, Davies detailed how a sluggish response from the broadcaster, exacerbated by media pressure, stifled the show's potential.
Davies, who was instrumental in reviving Doctor Who in 2005, explained that the show faced significant challenges even before its partnership with Disney. This collaboration, which lasted two seasons, ultimately proved to be a poor fit and did not yield the desired results. He also discussed efforts to steer the show away from trouble, including the controversial decision to have the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, regenerate into Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, a move intended to recapture audience attention.
The BBC's Slow Response
Davies squarely placed blame on the BBC for its inability to act decisively during critical periods. He characterized the BBC as a “vast institution” constantly navigating “press barons” and “right-wing media poised to attack every decision.” The departure of key figures, such as chief content officer Charlotte Moore, who Davies described as one of Doctor Who's “greatest champions,” further hampered the show's support within the organization.
With the Disney partnership concluded and the BBC hesitant to commit, the production team found themselves in limbo. Davies had originally filmed an ambiguous regeneration scene for Gatwa's Doctor, leaving the identity of the next Doctor unrevealed. However, concerned that this open-endedness might signal the series' end, Davies advocated for Gatwa to regenerate into Billie Piper's Rose Tyler. This change, he noted, did elicit renewed attention to the show.
A Shift Towards a New Era
Despite the gamble on Piper's return, the planned Doctor Who Christmas special never materialized. Piper became involved in other projects, Davies focused on his new show Tip Toe, and the BBC's financial difficulties persisted. This prolonged uncertainty led Davies to conclude that continuing was untenable before the show entered a competitive tender process, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Davies expressed optimism that this transition would allow a new team to steer Doctor Who in a “clean and bold and bright” direction. However, the legacy of Rose Tyler's surprise return, and the BBC's ongoing financial challenges, may present a more complex path forward than he anticipates for the beloved science fiction series.