Embedded Files
Doctor Who in the Streaming Age
The latest season of Doctor Who was meant to mark a fresh direction for the show, but many fans feel it didn’t fully let go of the past. While it was marketed as a new beginning, it still relies heavily on references to the show’s history, some of which aren’t explained well enough for newcomers. The partnership with Disney was meant to expand the show’s global reach, and while it did bring more international attention, the results might not have fully met the expectations.
Right now, fans are still waiting for the confirmation of a third season in this new era, which will probably follow the release of the upcoming spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea. Personally, I hope the show will continue to thrive under Disney, especially with the growing concerns about how fragmented Doctor Who would become across various streaming platforms. This fragmentation just isn’t ideal for the longevity of the show.
That said, there’s always the possibility that when the Disney deal ends, if it hasn’t already, the show could revert to a lower budget, perhaps solely produced by BBC Studios and Bad Wolf. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind that. While the Disney partnership has brought higher production values, Doctor Who has always thrived on creativity and budget cuts more than budget itself.
As for Russell T Davies, current and former showrunner, he remains one of the most talented writers to have ever led the show. His first run helped build the first four series of New Who, along with nine successful seasons of spin-offs. However, since the first two seasons of his return were filmed back-to-back, he didn’t have the chance to fully absorb or respond to fan feedback from the first season. Davies is excellent at adapting to cultural shifts and understanding what modern audiences want, but lately, there’s been more of an emphasis on “hype moments” and spectacle rather than the deep, interconnected storytelling that made his original run so memorable.
While many of the standalone episodes in this new era have been near perfect, showcasing his skill with shorter, compelling stories, the overarching mysteries and season finales have left some fans, including myself, feeling disappointed. There’s a noticeable lack of emotional depth and follow-through that once made his stories so impactful.
I believe the show would benefit from a return to some of Davies’ earlier strengths: giving the companions more time to grow, reconnect with their families, and focusing on character development over constant spectacle. Slowing down the story arcs to build deeper emotional resonance would also be a welcome change. Eight episodes per season simply isn’t enough to create a fully developed, well-rounded narrative. While the optimal 13 episodes format might not be practical today, a season with 10 episodes or a more serialized structure could give the stories and characters more room to breathe.
In conclusion, while the Disney era holds potential and has brought fresh energy to Doctor Who, there’s still a need to find a balance between spectacle and substance. With the right adjustments, and more time to respond to fan feedback, Davies’ second tenure could still become as iconic as his first.
“You will die out there! And I can save your lives! Now let me!” - The Fifteenth Doctor
28 sept. 2025
Return to: WHOniversal Reviews
Visit: 60th anniversary specials | Season 1 | Season 2
Previous: New WHO
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse