Feature: Why Doctor Who’s New Broadcast Strategy is A Bad Move

The anticipation for the next episode of Doctor Who has always been a quintessential part of my weekend routine. Gathering around the telly, the whole family tuned in, waiting for the latest adventure to unfold. However, the recent announcement of Series 14’s broadcast strategy in May has left me, and many other long-term fans, feeling sidelined—a sentiment that’s hard to shake off as we approach the new run.

For the first time, Doctor Who is set to premiere its episodes at midnight on BBC iPlayer, a move that feels like a significant departure from its traditional roots. While the digital age demands innovation, I can’t help but worry that this shift is less about evolving with the times and more about catering to audiences far beyond the show’s home turf, at the expense of its core UK viewership.

The Disney+ Effect: Shifting Priorities to the US

The simultaneous release on Disney+ highlights the show’s desire to reach global audiences. Yet, the time it’s actually airing—nice and convenient first for US viewers but not at all for the UK ones—raises serious questions about whose interests are now being prioritised. It appears to be a strategic move to capture prime time audiences across the pond, at the expense of the show’s homegrown fans. This shift not only impacts how and when the show is watched, but also points towards Disney’s influence once again looming large over more decisions.

Family Viewing: A Tradition Broken

Doctor Who has been a family affair since its inception, with generations growing up with the Doctor’s escapades. The midnight premieres will completely disrupt this tradition, excluding a significant portion of the audience who simply cannot partake in late-night viewings. It’s a deviation from the communal experience that has been a hallmark of the show, diluting the shared excitement that comes with watching live.

Spoilers: The Midnight Conundrum

In the world of global fandoms, spoilers are the modern Hydra—cut one head off, and two more spring in its place. The decision to premiere the episodes at such an unconventional hour presents a veritable spoiler minefield for UK fans. Especially on big event episodes like openers and finales. To stay ahead, you’ll have to sacrifice sleep, a trade-off that’s not even feasible for everyone, especially younger fans or those with early morning commitments. This move seemingly privileges immediacy over accessibility, forcing fans like me into a corner if they wish to experience the story unspoiled.

The Licence Fee: Sidelining the UK Paying Public

UK viewers like myself, through the TV licence fee, have been the bedrock of the BBC’s funding model, supporting their output, including Doctor Who. It’s perplexing, then, that our viewing preferences seem to be relegated to the background in this new arrangement. One has to wonder: why aren’t the very people who have financially underpinned the show for decades now being prioritised?

This change not only raises questions about the alignment of the BBC’s commitments but also reflects a broader trend where traditional broadcasting values seem increasingly eclipsed by the allure of digital convenience and outreach. In a world where the licence fee is increasingly under threat, the call for a balance that respects the contributions and preferences of licence fee payers has never been more critical.

The Ratings: Splitting the Numbers

The new broadcasting strategy also inadvertently beckons a ratings challenge. Traditionally, Doctor Who has faced dips in viewership during its late spring/summer airings, a trend attributed to the warmer season’s competing leisure activities and longer daylight hours detracting from TV viewing. By fragmenting the audience between those who opt for the midnight stream on BBC iPlayer and others who wait for the more conventional BBC One airing, the show risks further diluting its overnight viewership numbers. This splintering effect could make it even more challenging to maintain strong ratings in a period already known for its viewing volatility. In essence, at a time now when every viewer counts more than ever, the decision to split the premiere across different platforms and times may exacerbate the show’s ratings hurdles, rather than alleviate them.

The Binge-Watching Paradigm: A Future Concern

The decision to double-drop episodes at the outset hints at a possible move towards an eventual full binge-watching model, further diverging from the weekly ritual that fans have cherished. This could herald a broader shift in the show’s distribution strategy, moving away from the collective anticipation towards a more solitary viewing experience. The classic “behind the sofa” gathering every week is under threat, replaced by a fragmented audience choosing convenience over community.

Conclusion

While Doctor Who embracing the digital age and striving for a bigger global fandom is expected, the manner of doing so leaves a lingering question about the cost to its roots and the loyal UK audience that has been at the show’s backbone. This move underscores a reality where the balance between innovation and heritage seems tilted towards the former. In this new era, the essence of Doctor Who—its ability to unite viewers across time and space—must not forget the very ground it first stood on, even as it reaches for the stars…