The Future of Doctor Who: Succession and Beyond
With Ncuti Gatwa’s highly anticipated second season as the Fifteenth Doctor just around the corner, premiering on April 12th, speculation and discussions surrounding the long-term future of "Doctor Who" are already surfacing. Showrunner Russell T Davies, the creative force behind the show’s triumphant revival in 2005 and its current era, has begun to contemplate the inevitable question of who will take over the reins once he decides to step down.
This contemplation comes as a refreshing change of pace from recent, unfounded rumors suggesting that the show’s future hinges solely on its ratings performance. While the BBC has dismissed these rumors, the conversation around Davies’ eventual departure sparks both excitement and a touch of melancholy for dedicated fans who have followed his work for years.
Davies recently engaged in a candid discussion on "David Tennant Does a Podcast With…," hosted by none other than David Tennant, the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctor himself. The two longtime collaborators, deeply connected through their shared history with "Doctor Who," reminisced about Davies’ previous tenure as showrunner from 2005 to 2010, a period widely regarded as a golden age for the series. They playfully joked about Davies’ current run being his last, dismissing any possibility of a third stint. However, the conversation quickly turned to the more serious topic of succession.
Davies openly acknowledged the need to eventually slow down and pass the torch to a new creative visionary. "I will need to slow down at some point," he admitted. "That’ll come." However, he reassured fans that his connection to "Doctor Who" would remain unbroken, emphasizing his lifelong fandom and dedication to the series. "I’ll never put Doctor Who down completely," he affirmed, highlighting his continued engagement as a devoted reader of Doctor Who Magazine.
Reflecting on his own experience of taking over the show, Davies recounted the seamless transition when he handed the baton to Steven Moffat in 2010. "Last time it was Steven Moffat [who replaced me], that wasn’t even a day’s work, it was like, ‘Right, off you go!" However, he recognized that finding the right successor is a complex and challenging task.
Since the show’s revival in 2005, only two individuals have held the esteemed position of showrunner: Steven Moffat, who guided the series from 2010 to 2017, and Chris Chibnall, who oversaw the era of Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor from 2018 to 2022. Each showrunner has brought their unique perspective and creative vision to the show, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Davies emphasized the importance of carefully considering the next showrunner, acknowledging the weight of the decision. "There’s thinking about that, there’s conversations about that, but it’s hard. It’s a tricky one," he confessed. He expressed the hope that his replacement is already out there, ready to embrace the challenge and continue the legacy of "Doctor Who." He humorously added, "But [my replacement] better exist… imagine, I’m dead at the desk. The cliché would kill me! Oh my god."
Adding a touch of levity to the discussion, Davies even playfully fan-casted Tim Robbins to portray him in a hypothetical biopic, showcasing his self-deprecating humor and ability to find joy in the process.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of Ncuti Gatwa’s second season as the Doctor, the future of "Doctor Who" remains a topic of great interest and speculation. The show’s enduring popularity and cultural significance ensure that the search for Davies’ successor will be a closely watched and intensely debated process.
With "Doctor Who" returning to Disney+ and the BBC on April 12th, anticipation is high for the upcoming season. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding subsequent seasons or the traditional Christmas special for 2025, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further news about the show’s long-term plans.
The legacy of Russell T Davies as showrunner is undeniable, and his departure will undoubtedly mark a significant turning point in the history of "Doctor Who." However, his dedication to the show and his commitment to finding a worthy successor suggest that the future of the beloved time-traveling series is in good hands. As the Doctor continues to explore the vast expanse of time and space, fans can rest assured that the adventures will continue, guided by the creative vision of a new generation of storytellers. The spirit of "Doctor Who," with its boundless imagination, timeless themes, and unwavering sense of hope, will undoubtedly endure, captivating audiences for years to come.
