Key Highlights
- The revival of Doctor Who on Disney+ in 2023 failed to live up to expectations.
- Mark Gatiss, a longtime contributor, suggests the show’s identity was compromised when trying to fit into a broader franchise context.
- The show tried to be too epic but lost its quirky charm and true-blue Doctor Who essence.
The Rise and Fall of Doctor Who on Disney+
How did the beloved sci-fi series fall from grace so quickly? Let’s dive into why Doctor Who’s revival didn’t quite work out as planned.
A Dream Turned Sour?
In 2023, when Doctor Who returned to streaming on Disney+, it seemed like a dream come true. Bigger budgets, a new star with crossover appeal, and the visibility of one of the world’s most popular streaming services—how could it go wrong? Yet, the renaissance was over before it even began.
The Show’s True Nature
Mark Gatiss, a writer and actor who has been involved in Doctor Who for years, offers an insightful perspective. According to him, the problem lies in trying to shoehorn the show into a sprawling franchise context that doesn’t fit. “It’s never going to be Star Wars,” Gatiss said at a Radio Times event. The revival looked great with its new budget and star but ultimately failed because it strayed from its core essence.
From Quirky Traveler to Epic Hero?
The recent seasons of Doctor Who attempted to raise the stakes to match those of big-budget blockbusters like Star Wars. In “Season 2” in 2025, the literal state of the universe was at stake, and the Doctor even had to fight a massive skeleton alien called Omega. This shift from quirky traveler to epic hero didn’t resonate with fans who were used to the show’s lighthearted charm.
Historical Context
The article also draws on history, referencing how in 1985, BBC executive Michael Grade put Doctor Who on an 18-month-long hiatus because audiences expected science fiction to be more like Star Wars. This historical context highlights the cyclical nature of expectations for the show.
Conclusion
Doctor Who’s journey from 2010-2013, when it was at its peak, to 2025, when its revival faltered, is a cautionary tale. The show will return to its scrappy roots with the BBC taking over from Disney+. Gatiss’ insights offer a clear reason why the Disney+ era didn’t work out: the show’s identity as a quirky traveler in a phone box is what made it special.
