Doctor Who in Crisis: Can Russell T Davies Revive the Failing Franchise?
The beloved British science fiction franchise, Doctor Who, is facing an uncertain future. As the show returns for its latest series, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, concerns are growing about its dwindling audience and the possibility of cancellation. According to a report, the show’s ratings have plummeted to a record low of 2.1 million viewers in Gatwa’s inaugural series, sparking fears that the BBC may be considering pulling the plug on the Tardis.
Russell T Davies, the show’s custodian, is under pressure to revive the franchise. Davies, who brought back Doctor Who in 2005, has been criticized for toning down the show’s scarier elements to appeal to a family audience. However, this approach has not yielded the desired results. As the Independent notes, "Since Davies’s return in 2023, Doctor Who has displayed an ultimately damaging obsession with chasing a family audience. What’s been lost is Doctor Who’s ability to be scary – which, along with the sense of wonder and the banter between the Doctor and their companion, was part of the appeal for decades."
In the 1970s and 1980s, Doctor Who was renowned for its ability to conjure a chill in viewers. Classics like the shape-shifting robot Kamelion, the Malus, and Kandyman showcased the show’s capacity for horror and suspense. The Autons, a 1970s creation, remain a benchmark for eerie storytelling. As the Independent observes, "The Autons, played by actors wearing creepy masks, look like apparitions from the depths of your subconscious."
Davies’s decision to revive the Autons in 2005 was seen as a nod to the show’s rich history. However, the newer iteration lacked the terror factor of the original. According to Davies, "It’s not doing that well in the ratings, but it is doing phenomenally well with the younger audience that we wanted." This statement has sparked concerns that the show is prioritizing a younger audience over its long-time fans.
The BBC’s deal with Disney+ has not provided the expected boost to the franchise. Disney executives have reportedly expressed disappointment with the show’s international performance, casting doubt on the renewal of the two-series deal. The dwindling domestic audience is a more pressing concern, suggesting that the BBC’s vision for the character has gone awry.
To revive the franchise, Davies must confront the possibility that Doctor Who has lost its edge. As the Independent notes, "In the rush to appeal to as wide a demographic as possible, it feels that those entrusted with the brand had forgotten that part of Doctor Who’s mission was to frighten the viewer." The Weeping Angels, a 21st-century addition to Whovian lore, demonstrate that a darker approach can be effective.
Ultimately, the future of Doctor Who hangs in the balance. As Davies navigates the challenges facing the franchise, he would do well to revisit the show’s horror roots. By embracing its darker past, Doctor Who may yet reclaim its place as a benchmark for science fiction storytelling. As the Independent concludes, "The best way to guarantee the show’s future is to look to the past – and make it scary again."
