Doctor Who Fans React to Nu Who Recent Move to Disney +
For North American Doctor Who fans in search of the latest episodes, there may be a surprise in store when they find the TARDIS has landed firmly on Disney +.
Disney Branded Television and BBC have partnered to bring only the most recent episodes and upcoming seasons of the beloved British sci-fi classic to Disney + subscription members. Viewers in the UK and Ireland will access the much-anticipated 60th Anniversary Specials via BBC One or BBC iPlayer but those in search of the back catalog are out of luck if they expect to view Doctor Who in its entirety on one exclusive platform. Fans can locate Classic Who and early seasons of NuWho on HBO, now rebranded as Max. But what will this move mean for the existing audience as well as those coming fresh to the series as new viewers?
Jump to Disney + Leaving a Bad Taste in Viewers’ Mouths?
The latest season sees the return of screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies, a move regular fans applaud after what many consider an unsatisfying era of Chris Chibnall’s writing for the show. Davies’ comeback heralds new directions for the eponymous character as well as building on recent controversial canon, i.e. The Timeless Child story arc. Doctor Who is also grabbing new fans with the 60th Anniversary Specials and Christmas Special debuting the newest Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and his first companion, Ruby Sunday played by Millie Gibson.
However, long-time fans see the move to a platform with content traditionally geared toward viewers aged 5 to teens as an insult to the spirit of the series. Many seasoned viewers question the changes regarding gender and race within the Whovian universe while others argue it reflects the very sci-fi nature of the show and could expand audience reach. Could this move away from the BBC sour UK audiences on their once-cherished television classic? Conversely, will Disney + subscription members readily add Doctor Who to their regular viewing line-up?
Doctor Who: Timey Wimey Future
The future of Doctor Who on Disney + is unknown but for now, fans must contend with juggling streaming platforms if they want full access to the Doctor Who catalog. Aside from bickering fans on the direction of the series, viewers also may wonder if the writing will be at all influenced by residing at its new home with such an iconic entity. The Disney giant engenders fans skewed to much younger related content. What will this mean for those already enjoying themes which may not land well with a Disney audience?
Will American politics and trends overtake the very Britishness of Doctor Who’s central universe? Concerns about content, availability, and possible political “wokeness” issues all converge to give viewers doubts about the timey wimey future of the Doctor Who classic series.
Tune in for yourself on Disney + to catch up on the four 60th Anniversary Specials, which includes a Christmas special debuting the Fifteenth Doctor and his first companion.