In a major development for the iconic British sci-fi series Doctor Who, Russell T Davies, the returning showrunner renowned for hits like “Queer As Folk” and “It’s A Sin,” is ushering in a new era with a “season one” rebrand. As the BBC prepares to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, the familiar faces of David Tennant and Catherine Tate will make a comeback as the Doctor and former companion Donna Noble.
Davies, along with the trio of specials titled “The Star Beast,” “Wild Blue Yonder,” and “The Giggle,” is set to revitalize the series. This marks a fresh start for Doctor Who, which last aired in 2022 with the shocking regeneration of the 13th Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, in “The Power of the Doctor.”
Following these three full-length episodes, Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education,” will step into the Time Lord’s shoes for the festive special “The Church on Ruby Road,” accompanied by the new companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. The series’ recent collaboration with Disney+ ensures its 60th-anniversary celebrations and beyond reach a global audience.
Russell T Davies’ rebrand also includes making surviving Classic Who era episodes, spin-offs, and documentaries available on BBC iPlayer for the first time. In an interview with SFX Magazine, Davies confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa’s upcoming full season, expected to arrive in the spring, will be referred to as “season one” rather than season 14, hinting at more Disney-related surprises in the future.
The 60th-anniversary festivities and Gatwa’s run as the 15th Doctor bring significant LGBTQ+ talent into the spotlight, with Yasmin Finney, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff, Drag Race legend Jinkx Monsoon, and rising trans stars Mary Malone and Pete MacHale all set to play key roles.
David Tennant, who portrayed the 10th Doctor, expressed his excitement about Gatwa’s casting, stating, “God, he’s good casting. It’s very exciting to think about what’s going to happen to the show when he takes over.”
“Doctor Who” returns on Saturday, November 25th, with the first of the special episodes, “The Star Beast,” airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and streaming globally on Disney+. This rebrand promises to inject new life into the beloved series, captivating both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
