BBC Boss Promises ‘Radical’ Change for ‘Doctor Who’ After Jodie Whittaker Exits

Martin Holmes
19 Comments
Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, Gia Re, Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who - Season 12
Ben Blackall / BBC America / Everett Collection

Doctor Who will be getting a “radical” regeneration when the Thirteenth Doctor departs the TARDIS in 2022.

In July, it was confirmed that Jodie Whittaker (who plays the current Doctor) and current showrunner Chris Chibnall are leaving the popular sci-fi series next year. This will provide the creative team an opportunity to shake up the series, and, according to a BBC Director, big changes are afoot.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Wednesday, BBC’s Director of Drama Piers Wenger said, “As with any change of Doctor and showrunner, we’ll be radical […] Change is ahead.”

It is not yet known who will step into Whittaker’s shoes or take over Chibnall’s role as showrunner. The Broadchurch writer has said that he is not involved in the decision process regarding his replacement, stating that picking his successor is “way above [his] pay grade.”

Doctor Who‘s six-episode 13th season is slated to premiere in late 2021, and some changes are already expected. While Chibnall’s era of the show has been marked by a more episodic, ‘monster-of-the-week’ approach, the departing showrunner has promised one long continuous story for the upcoming season.

“It’s definitely the most ambitious thing we’ve done since we’ve been on the series,” Chibnall teased at the San Diego Comic-Con @ Home panel earlier this year.

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'Doctor Who': Who Should Take Over After Jodie Whittaker's Exit? (POLL)

On her departure, Whittaker said in a statement, “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever. I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

Doctor Who, Season 13, TBA, BBC America

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Conversation19 Comments

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  1. P

    PurpleTeepee

    Hopefully, the show will return to fun storylines instead of social diatribes.

    29 7

  2. O

    OliveLocomotive

    Need to do something .it’s awful in every way.change before it’s axed.

    12 4

  3. G

    GreenButton

    Radical change? You mean it'll be good?

    10 2

  4. P

    PurpleLeaf

    Every episode is social commentary you just didn't understand it.

    7 1

    1. R

      RedGoggles

      That's on you, mate.

      1

  5. O

    OliveCone

    Translation- just because we've killed the series doesn't mean we won't continue to desecrate its corpse...

    6 2

  6. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    I liked some of this era a lot but I miss the appeal to younger viewers and the budget cut made it look like a YouTube show at times. This is one of the most loved shows in the world. Bring back humour, make sure it appeals to all ages. I liked the social commentary, and the bleaker tone works sparingly - but not every week….

    3 1

  7. O

    OliveHelmet

    Well I am done with doctor who. Watched it from the black and white to now. Had no issues with Jodi but now the show is taking a turn that goes against what I think is good. I expect back lash for this.but we heterosexual are being pushed away to make for other values. I am sad the show is pushing the normal viewer away.

  8. G

    GoldScooter

    Why the hate? Afraid of a woman doctor? C'mon now. Jodie was brilliant! Don't blame her for the storyline.

  9. O

    OliveBeer

    Well, I already miss her, knowing she has just one more episode. Keping an open mind/positive attitude for the next Doctor.

  10. G

    GreenSushi

    it cannot get any more sh12

    3 4

    1. B

      BlueChefHat

      It can ALWAYS get worse.

      1

      1. O

        OliveTooth

        BBC be like 'hold my tea'

        1

  11. C

    CyanFries

    Maybe Jody Whitaker and Sylvester McCoy can have their own table at Doctor Who events.

    1 3

  12. B

    BlueFan

    I'll believe it when I see it. I hope there won't be any more PC preaching the next time, and storylines that GO places. Not just look good on paper. No more sonic screwdrivers. No more motormouth Doctor. No waste-of-time and space companions who contribute nothing, and resemble shop window dummies.

    3 6

  13. G

    GreenCarrot

    I hope they bring in a brilliant young child actor (13-15 age range). Having him or her be taken seriously would bring fresh story lines.

    3 11

    1. O

      OrangeBus

      Where that would be a different change, I don't see how a child could pass for any of the titles that the psychic paper says that The Doctor is when it's shown...

      3

    2. B

      BlueCone

      That's a ridiculous idea 😆

      6 1

    3. B

      BlueChefHat

      They would never do that for the simple reason that it greatly limits the shooting schedule in any scene that includes that actor. Due to strict labor protection laws for actors under 18.