What is RTD planning for Doctor Who (rumor break down)

[@CouncilofGeeks]

My video on the issue of the BBC's support of Transphobia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3-XppZmfb-ljac Shaun's 1st video, which includes some additional confirmed information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGXFpn2Dgs6qmck Shaun’s 2nd video, which follows how the BBC is trying to dodge accountability for all of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fNhXpsiLudo7M Shaun’s recent 3rd video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIPRYoiQacubmqc Laura Kate Dale's recent protest speech outside the BBC offices: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnPNeKGNoNx0oKs

[@X08-Chill]

I think spin offs could be great if they're handled just like Torchwood and SJA, I think some one time series could also work like an 8th doctor mini series or special if there was a gap year or anniversary year

[@janto58]

Still upset about Torchwood and thought they deserved better.

[@Attempt62]

You make an important point- the spin-offs CAN star the doctor in all of them. But different Doctors with different eras in focus as their format. That could be interesting...

[@X08-Chill]

@@Attempt62 They could simultaneously have Doc 14 and Jo Martin as the Fugitive Doctor which of course will cause some debate but if handled well fans would love it

[@Attempt62]

@@X08-Chill Oh wow. Yeah, Jo Martin spin-off or 8th doctor spin-off are the best doctor options definitely... (Though while it would never happen I would adore a The Five-ish Doctors show, à la Staged... It's his son in law, he has the connections!)

[@marcdigiambattista751]

@@Attempt62 Joe Martin OR 8th Doctor? If he really wants to go full MCU, he'll do both. Why not give Paul and Jo both a show each as the Doctor? It would be better than some random spinoff about an ex-companion who becomes a space detective or whatever crap they're probably actually working on.

[@Bagofnowt]

Honestly, I'm so excited for RTD 2. He seems like he's coming in with a clear vision and an idea of what he wants to do, he knows doctor who, and he's had time away to develop as a creative. I think there's the ingredients there for a pretty good show.

[@theesweatydrummer]

I have confidence in RTD’s ability to nail down the core of the show while preparing to do spin-offs. TW & SJA weren’t perfect, but he appears to only gotten better at what he does. Not to mention the Moffat & Chibs left him a more expanded universe, characters, and lore to work with, fix, and/or cleverly justify. (I doubt he will retcon the Chibnall era. Rather, he will likely find a way to show the how and why Whittaker was so unlike the Doctor as we know them.)

[@jartism]

Personally I thought SJA was great, at least season 2-4. Quality stuff, much better than Torchwood pre children of earth

[@rosco31100]

Personally, I would like another female Doctor, but that's me. And if it was Jo Martin I'd be over the moon, at least as thing currently stand. In terms of spinoffs, I think they'll be in the back of everyones mind, but I'm hoping they can keep Sony or whoever is hounding them for them at bay, long enough to give us good Doctor Who first. But last time Russel was quick to bring us Torchwood, so we'll probably get something in his first series that can be spung off into its own series. Although, the one thing I hope with any spinoffs he does is that he keeps the Doctor out of it until it's earned. I really appreciated how Torchwood and Sarah Jane didn't bank on the Doctor for viewership, but rather Sarah Jane adventures earned the Doctor's appearance, at least for me. When he showed up in class, it felt like it was just to get us to watch, wasn't earned.

[@songsayswhat]

I always wanted Helen Mirren to play the Doctor.

[@markrankin1094]

@@songsayswhat Ruth Wilson. She would be perfect.

[@thefragrantwookiee]

An interesting idea I heard was that the potential spinoffs could feature new adventures for past Doctors. Much like the BBC Books of the late-90s/early-2000s series had one-off Past Doctor Adventures, whilst still continuing forward into new territory with the Eighth Doctor Adventures. It would solve the problem of making sure the main series doesn't get caught up in a backward-looking ethos (as would happen if the rumour of Tennant becoming the 14th was true) whilst also giving us the chance to see beloved old faces back in action. I so badly want more screen time for Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor and even Ecclestone has said that he'd only consider returning if the Ninth Doctor didn't have to share the story with other incarnations (I know that was his way of saying he's not interested in doing the anniversary multi-Doctor specials, but I'd exploit any loophole offered to get him back in that leather jacket).

[@GCAbleism158]

And plus you could use the timeless children thing as well right?

[@NankitaBR]

Maybe that's where the rumors came from, maybe they were thinking about bringing Tennant back not as the 14th but with more stories with the 10th doctor... One thing I think they could easily do, if the previous actors are not able to do a full series, is an anthology series with each episode being with a different doctor or even like Classic Who with story arcs that take a few episodes each. With an anthology series they could even use de-aging technology on some episodes to bring back older actors if they want to. An anthology series with multiple episode story arcs would be very interesting in my opinion.

[@Venemofthe888]

If they did bring back a spin off again id safely say it would probably a kids show like what sarah jane adventures did before Elizabeth Sladen died. I think its definitely more likely and with SJA it was basically on its own with the Doctor appearing every so often. I think a Spinoff that can be done well with a character whos established to establish everyone around them. I think Ace would be a interesting character to get a spin off for kids or even teens. I think it could work well. Although what i will say i think Russel will probably do what he did with Series 1 and even Series 2 to get it established again and then plan spin offs if you want to

[@charlestownsend9280]

If they're going to make another companion spin off I do think that race is the most likely, especially with the more recent content around her character, it does feel like she is being set up for at least a return in an episode and like with Sarah Jane she is one of the fan favourites and template for future companions (her setting up the template more for the relationship between the doctor and modern companions, with their own lives influencing the story and not just being alone for the ride).

[@NankitaBR]

Maybe they could do a Unit series with Kate -and maybe even Martha and Mickey (do I dare dream though?)-

[@chrisleneil]

@@NankitaBR I’d love Martha in it!

[@Raven-Woods]

There’s a couple of notes from Chibnall in Doctor Who Magazine where he indicates that BBC execs wanted to have DW compete with Netflix and desiring of the various Disney properties’ successes, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if part of the negotiations with RTD was about what that would look like if he took the helm. So for me, the question is less of if it’s going to happen, and more of what form it’s going to take. I think that RTD probably has a better idea than what BBC execs would of what would work for the series to be successful when expanding, given that the BBC’s attempts lately have seemed to just center around “throw David Tennant at it,” but I also question how much control/say RTD ultimately has in the way the expansion happens, or if he’s going to fall back on the spin-off model from 17 years ago. Lots to keep an eye on, for sure.

[@lunaskies624]

It's worth remembering that during RTD's first period at the helm neither Torchwood nor the Sarah Jane Adventures aired until after there had been two full series of the main show. So by that point the updated show had re-established itself before the spin-offs came along. Of course that doesn't account for precisely how early these shows went into their planning stage.

[@Stephen-Fox]

True - Torchwood was commissioned on the back of S1, while SJA was his pitch to CBBC after they asked him for a Young Doctor series, with there not being a pilot until after S2, iirc.

[@erics3367]

There is one Name I was hoping for after Capaldi and now I'm at it again. I'd love to see Richard Ayoade and what he would bring to the character. I liked him in The IT Crowd and I think with him they could do stories that feel more light and light hearted. With a Doctor who is fun and energetic and has a comedic side. Maybe give him a more grounded companion to contrast him off with. Yeah I know thats what ten and Donna was, but I guess you can still make it feel different and interesting.

[@mrdr0161]

We've just had a fun and energetic doctor. We need to have a more darker and mature doctor again

[@tokublwhovian]

@@mrdr0161 As long as they’re not Male or White.

[@mikeharvey2129]

@@tokublwhovian Bit sexist and racist of you.

[@ampersandcastle1091]

Idk I don’t think he could pull off the darkness in the Doctor, and their most important attribute - their compassion

[@danielfish1127]

I love Richard Ayoade, however I’m not sure he’s a good enough actor, would love to be proved wrong tho

[@Lil-Dragon]

I seen so many rumours that unless a creator I like actually discuss them I ignore them. As for the Hugh Grant thing I never expected it to happen because they always assume it'll be a big name actor which is very unlikely. Also agree on your take on who may take the role in terms of avoiding them going back to white male as I agree how some people may see it as saying 13s run was a mistake, which it isn't imo.

[@Elwaves2925]

Yeah, I've said it many times before, whoever they choose for the next Doctor it's a no win situation in regards to that 'certain group' of not-fans. They'll twist it any way they can to make them look right, even when they're not. I hadn't heard the Hugh Grant rumour until this video but as soon as it was mentioned, I thought not gonna happen. It's in the same camp as those wanting Tom Hiddleston or Benedict Cumberbatch - nice idea, completely unrealistic. A guest role from Grant would be cool though.

[@voltijuice8576]

If one goes by syllables, Hugh Grant would be tied with Matt Smith as being the smallest-name actor in the role.

[@c17sam90]

Given that Grant has now done British TV I can see him doing 3 years of a TV show. I also think going with a name could help the ratings a bit.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@c17sam90 Possibly. After all, Ecclescake was a name when the show came back in 2005. Arguably not as big a name as Grant but he was still a well known and respected actor.

[@c17sam90]

@@Elwaves2925 yeah. I don’t think it will be Grant but I can see him doing it or doing tv

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

Bad Wolf has done an amazing job with His Dark Materials, if they can do a similar job with Doctor Who, then it should be amazing. I don't see that happening though. I think it'll just be more of the same we saw during RTD's initial run but with better special effects.

[@TonksMoriarty]

You're not the only one holding out for Jo Martin as 14!

[@RonanCormack]

Spin Offs I'd personally like to see! *Torchwood* there's so many things that could be done with it... Weather it's s completely New Team, or specific Stories with older member's like what their doing with Big Finish *8th Doctor Mini Series* he just deserves it quite frankly and I reckon he'd be up for it if it was a Limited Series anyway *A Continuation Of SJA* you could very easily create a brand new Spin Off either featuring as the main Cast or as frequently returning character roles, with the characters Clyde, Luke, Rani, K9, Sky, Maria there's so many things Those characters could be a part of I'm Still hoping for any of them to be on the actual show *A Master Show* would be pretty cool I could imagine it being pretty dark and you could involve multiple incarnations and maybe even get the Dark Eyes one finally on screen too Lastly I highly doubt this *One Animated Story For Each Doctor* I'm saying animated story in specific to Classic Doctors have them come back for one last Adventure Each! They technically did that with Shada in a way but why not just with a completely new story though with old Doctors? They lend their voices to Big Finish all the time I'm sure they'd love to make one or more of these it would also get the BBC and Bad Wolf a hell of a lot if money people would love the hell out of those

[@kevin10001]

For me with rtd returning it’s had me a bit nervous cause I don’t want him to just revert back to continuing on from where he left off in 2009 in tone and feel cause it will be like the show isn’t moving forward with the the show it will feel like they are saying without saying it that Jodie’s era was a failure and going back to 2005-2009 style is the way to get over the failure which I disagree with

[@mrdr0161]

Well he's said a couple of times he's not relying on his past era and has brand new ideas for his new era

[@Andyapp]

Russell has always said how much stress and pressure he felt when he was running the show in his first era. He wouldn't have come back to the show if he didn't have a definitive vision for the shows future. Plus if you watch some of his other shows, you can see he is definitely moving with the times so I don't think he will just go back

[@kevin10001]

Y’all never know cause it can look like he has moved forward with the times in his other shows but with doctor who he could just retread 2005-2009 all over again trying to make fans happy and appease the Jodie haters who will never accept her as a regeneration

[@masterkyoogway3565]

I think my main counter would be that the shows can be optional, like the comics or audios. If they don’t drastically alter the universe, requiring the main show to be affected, then it could remain as a fun optional adventure for the more niche audience who want it.

[@creatrixfx3099]

I also would like Jo Martin returning as the next Doctor. My second choice- and this is not based on any rumors, just my own wish fulfillment- is Tilda Swinton.

[@ericstahmer720]

Jo Martin’s Doctor is pre-Hartnell though?

[@JazzyWaffles]

@Eric Stahmer And Tom Baker is pre-Matt Smith, and yet the Curator is a thing. The Doctor can revisit faces.

[@Flynn94]

I understand the fear that certain people will say “Jodie was a mistake” if they don’t cast another woman, but isn’t that slightly misguided in that it’s giving credence to the complaints of those people? I don’t know, to me saying “it HAS to be a woman or some people will say this” just sounds a little over-protective and catastrophising. Like I’m sure if a man is cast next certain fans will say that, but let them say it, the wider fandom will just ignore them as they always have. Ultimately I think who plays the Doctor has to be the singular vision of the person in charge, and shouldn’t be open to appeal or committee. It was Chris Chibnall’s vision that Jodie should play the Doctor, maybe it’ll be Russell’s that another woman should too, but if it isn’t it won’t be because “Jodie failed” it’ll be because that’s not the direction he wants to take it, and the words of a bunch of sad fans online won’t change that in the eyes of the wider fandom and the general public.

[@marocat4749]

It hasnt to be a whoman but not a white cis man. And asian dr would be ok too, or latino, personally the black as not white actors would be fin too, not a white man. He didnt say another a man but not a white man as much a it should be a woman this time, next time, ok.

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

Is it wrong to say JW was a mistake? That's a very different thing than saying it was a mistake casting a woman in the role. Jo Martin for example was widely praised, and I suspect her being revealed as the next Doctor would be greeted with enthusiasm. But there's no denying the public didn't take to her. If they had, the ratings wouldn't be so low, and RTD wouldn't have been basically handed the show by a desperate BBC. There was something lacking in JW that I never could put my finger on, and it struck me watching her scenes with Jo Martin what it was, it was presence. Martin had it, Whittaker just didn't, she seemed bland in comparison.

[@bipbapthegrunt]

I'm rooting for Lydia West or T'Nia Miller as the 14th Doctor (RTD loves to pick his favourite actors in his projects)

[@moonbeans7042]

I feel that spinoffs can always work but only so long as they have strong characters and are filling a niche that doctor who isn't already occupying. So a Sarah Jane style show is fine because it's younger audience means it isn't chasing the same TV slot or demographic. A Torchwood revival could work because it'd be a later timeslot but I'm not sure how viable that would be with John Barrowman these days? Haven't people gone off him a bit of late? For new spinoff ideas I suppose a unit show could work as a kind of more action heavy team but I suppose budget considerations would always be a limitation on such an idea. But a military team dealing with extraterrestrial threats could still be a fun dynamic, like a British Stargate.

[@ItsButterBean1020]

I can see U.N.I.T leaning into X-Files/horror territory Perhaps a special forces group within the organisation lead by Kate Stewart?

[@nekusakura6748]

The Sarah Jane Adventures was my Favourite Doctor Who Related show. I'd really like to get reviews of it on this Channel at some point.

[@Alovon]

My main thing that sort of makes me okay with a DW-Extended Universe becoming more "official" (more spinoff shows, crossover events between shows maybe.etc) would work better than Star Wars as the universe of Doctor Who with the Doctor as the center works better for "One Off" spinoffs, at least expanding beyond 2 concurrent shows like the OG-RTD Era (Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures). Like Big Finish, the Comics and the (attempts for) games, these stories would be side-stuff exploring things. I say the best example of something that would be for this would be The Night of the Doctor short as a prelude to Day of the Doctor. heck, Moffat's propentency for making side-shorts in his tenure as Showrunner like the Space-Time Duo, Pond Life, Night and the Doctor Quntiology.etc are sort of the idea IMHO that works best to expand things around. Stories that we usually don't see at the forefront, single storylines. Heck, what about a single-season show about the Master, allowing us to follow them as they go from where they are wherever Jodie's run ends going into whenever they would return in the main show. Or something like a proper adaptation of the War Master storyline from Big Finish, or just the Time War in general, explore Galifrey more, have us see how it is to *Live* on Galifrey as a Time Lord or a non-Time Lord Galifreyan.etc we only see Galifrey whenever they are acting out of step from the view of the Doctor (As the Doctor is the protagonist and he is sort of opposed to Galifrey as long as Rassalon is around)

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Wonderful video as always. I'm confident that RTD is making careful calculations as he approaches his return to Who. You bring up some valid points and real concerns. Thanks as always for the content.

[@DrEeveeYT]

I am going to have to disagree with your main points about the spinoffs. I don't think the Star Wars comparison is fair. The Skywalker Saga has a definitive ending, and that pillar of the franchise isn't really going to continue, or if it does its going to be a bad idea. Doctor Who is a perpetually continuous IP. I would say the MCU is a more apt comparison, but not in the way you were thinking it. I'd say Doctor Who is comparable to the movies as a whole in the MCU. Elements leave and enter to the point where it can continue without one of the original elements. Spinoffs to Doctor Who would be more like the Disney+ shows. They would be extra content that can be skipped, but enrich the franchise with their consumption. As for the point about RTD planning spinoffs being a bad thing because it's diverting his main attention, I have to disagree. I think Russell will dedicate himself to Doctor Who, and still have time to come up with optional TV spinoffs because he's done it before. I'm not saying everything's going to be the exact same, but it is possible, and seems likely as a result (and the likelihood of spinoffs full stop).

[@andrescarnederes2295]

I want 14 to be played by Rakhee Thakrar. Tho Lydia West would be my 2nd choice. And I'd like to see more of Jo Martin's doctor. Maybe a division spinoff?

[@theshadowdirector]

Hey, how about a spin-off around Ace? C'mon, you'd be tempted.

[@triplehcreative5794]

They should do a spin-off series where they look charters once on an episode and make a full,episode on it

[@ericstahmer720]

I’d love a U.N.I.T. Show with Kate Stewart, The Oswalds, and Martha Jones

[@lorddorker3703]

Oh man I was hoping for you to tell me charlie day was going to be the Dr!

[@SuperSonic2015]

Tbf back in RTD1, the spinoffs never started right away. Torchwood and SJA didn't start til after series 2. After both Jack and Sarah-Jane were introduced in the main show. I'd imagine, if he were to do spinoffs again, he'd do much of the same for his second era.

[@radic888]

It gives me a certain sense of comfort and glee when you release a Doctor Who video in which you’re wearing your DW gear and sitting in front of those shelves. It’s classic Council of Geeks. Never change, please! 🤣

[@maloujensen4917]

Personally I am not hoping for Jo Martin as the next Doctor. Chibnall used her in Flux in a way that to me makes her an impossible 14th Doctor. She is more like the warrior Doctor - an anomaly - missing the kindness approach the Doctors in new who has. But that doesn’t mean her story isn’t interesting. So while Davis could keep moving the 14th Doctor forward, a spin off with Martins Doctor would be worth a watch.

[@tokublwhovian]

Tom Baker returned as a future incarnation, so why not Jo Martin?

[@maloujensen4917]

@@tokublwhovian in what way? As the Curator in new Who or in Classic Who? I am not up to date on classic who.

[@tokublwhovian]

@@maloujensen4917 As The Curator in Nu Who (The Day of the Doctor), so it’s canon that the character can take on a previous face.

[@maloujensen4917]

@@tokublwhovian agreed. But there is a big difference between a cameo from a previous Doctor, and making a version of a past Doctor the new Doctor. I could kind of see it work before Flux, but Martins Doctor in Flux is a full incarnation of a past Doctor (her story might be unexplored, but there is no doubt she had one). I can’t see how you could make her Doctor into the 14th Doctor; The 14th Doctor is a product of the 13 who came before. Martins Doctor is before the 1st Doctor, so she wouldn’t have those memories, and would be an entirely different Doctor from the 13 before her. You could cast Jo Martin as the 14th Doctor and do the Capaldi approach (I used a face I had seen before) but then the 14th Doctor would have nothing else in common with the other Martin Doctor except her face.

[@CometStar100]

I have not watched series 13 too much cause I was just bored while watching it but I don't think they said where in the timeline her Doctor is from. If she is from pre Hartnell and has to do with timeless child then I kinda want them to forget about her and that whole concept in general plus I don't think RTD would want to dive into the timeless child stuff too much either. I do hope she does end up either being a Doctor thats in between 2 and 3 or maybe the 14th Doctor so we could see more stories with Jo Martin as the Doctor but if she is pre Hartnell then that would suck in my opinion.

[@raccoonja-ronja]

I think a spin off based on a different planet and/or set in a different time, exploring how the way the people there live could work. An anthology series could also work, each episode focusing on a different person we already know and exploring them. Though that might be to close to the regular Doctor Who to make it destinct enough.

[@M-E_123]

Well RTD did build a "cinematic universe" the first time he was running the show - even if it felt like a more organic / almost accidental process. This time he's probably going into it with spin offs planned from the outset. Wouldn't be surprised if we get a film too. Honestly if anyone can pull it off it's him. I'll probably carry on as I have been with Torchwood, Sarah Jane Adventures, Animations and Class - watch the first couple then stick with it or abandon depending on it's own merits. Don't really care who the next Doctor is, or their sex / race - the recent series has convinced me that the writing is much more important to me enjoying the show / the show being a wider success - and on that score RTD has my trust to get that fundamental right. As for production - the BBC definitely wants to offload / reduce their costs - they already had outside funding for the show since the reboot & the overnight ratings compared to other top BBC Drama's don't justify keeping Doctor Who on the air - reduced ratings = reduced BBC funding.

[@jamesstewart7736]

Great content as always. I’m not overly concerned. Nothing can be worse than Chibnalls era in my opinion. Que sera sera.

[@MrRjhyt]

I suspect if there are to be spin off shows, they'll hopefully be based on good characters, being well received by the audience and with enough depth and mystery to explore their past. I have faith in RTD's judgement, and skills to handle this well. His ability to adjust to a different scale of budget for SJA, and still integrate it into a wider universe is a skill set that feels overlooked. I'm not sure CC handled his budgets to get the best product on screen, and with the most impact.

[@EvolutionProductions1200]

I can definitely see where your concern is coming from especially when you draw the comparison to Star Wars. I do think it’s worth acknowledging RTD has a decent track record for spin offs. Say what you want about their quality, sometimes they where great and sometimes they where awful, but I think as expanded media they where handled brilliantly. No spin offs happened until doctor who was firmly established and had built up and audience. Then when they started happening it wasn’t a requirement that you watch them. You could skip Torchwood and SJA and it didn’t affect your experience with Doctor Who. So while I definitely see your point, I think I have enough faith in RTD and his ability to handle this in the right way.

[@Stephen-Fox]

Context on the mirror - It's the UK's leftwing tabloid... But it's still a tabloid. So take anything they say with large quantities of salt. Context on RTD wanting to make DW into an MCU style thing - A few months prior to being announced there was an interview where he suggested that there should be a Doctor Who channel by now, but in the same breath referred to his time on the show as ahead of its time since he was overseeing Torchwood and SJA alongside running DW before the MCU, and that the fact that there's an upcoming Captain Pike Trek show as an example of shared universes in the modern day and how you could go to obscure parts of a show's history now for them, and how you could do a Nyssa series. It was jovial, so it's hard to be sure how serious he was being at any point as his interviews often wind up being (I'm pretty sure the Nyssa series and a DW Channel were jokes) but I _think_ there was a heart of sincerity there, for modern television and film existing in a similar state to what he was doing with DW in his original run, so thinking it being a shame DW no longer has active television spinoffs. ...But, of course, I don't think that backs up the Mirror's claim, because unless they're able to point to a specific source... It sounds like the exact same speculation folk have been doing on the basis of that interview since RTD was announced.

[@fobwatchful]

I think I agree with the one who holds the council meeting about spinoffs. That said, I can't help but think there are existing intellectual properties that might fit with the Doctor Who universe. Blake's Seven comes to mind, but there are probably other sci-fi/fantasy universes that could run parallel. (No pun intended.) It wouldn't be a spin-off if the premise of the show didn't depend on the existence of the Doctor.

[@MegaMetroGirl]

I agree with alot of the people in the comments, I think spin-off shows after 1 or 2 series and then intoducing the new shows largely on streaming services could work really well. Using the Starwars metaphore; for those of us who enjoy the cartoons they are a wonderful bonus material that expands on characters we wouldn't have or know much about anyway. The way they've built it you can enjoy core Starwars while ignoring the spinnoffs. That style of spinnoffs could work for Doctor Who.

[@nekusakura6748]

Ironically despite having the Original EU jetisoned for the Sake of the Sequel trilogy, I honestly think the EU Materials they have made are far more compelling than any of the Films.

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

Maybe Hugh Grant will be one of the pre-Hartnell Doctors. If we are going to accept that as cannon, then why not make a bunch of famous people older incarnations of The Doctor? In my head cannon, David Bowie was The Doctor. Not as in he played the part, he actually was The Doctor in a pre-Hartnell regeneration. So why not make Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy or whoever else as these previously unheard of regenerations?

[@NeilCWCampbell]

Hell yes,

[@JazzyWaffles]

Honestly, my idea is to basically just take what worked in the late 2000s, update it to modernity, and do something similar yet new and different. Sarah Jane Adventures --> Nyssa & Tegan (Lesbian couple AND classic series companions?? Heck yes. Gimme gimme. They probably fight injustice or something, IDK) Torchwood --> U.N.I.T. (Martha-focused series with Kate Stewart and Osgood as regulars, anyone? Mickey died off-screen because I refuse to bring back an actor accused of sexual assault.)

[@owenwildish331]

I don't know who'll be the next Doctor, they could perhaps regenerate into a Sontaran, (which would be hilarious, lol), remember Andrew Garfield said he wasn't in Spiderman No Way Home (yet he was) and Tara Strong said she wasn't going to be in My Little Pony A New Generation (Twilight Sparkle did get a brief cameo in the opening), I think when actors say they're not in something when rumoured to be it should be treated with a pinch of salt as much as the rumours themselves, I'll say this without insult but actors are actors and actors are supposed to be professional liars, pretending is their job, acting is pretending and probably have a no-spoilers contract anyway...

[@EalesOnWheels]

Spin offs are important for RTD. He is a master of world building, the thing that made the Who World (05-09) feel as dense as it did was the spins offs. Going in to New Who in 2005, from the word go he wanted to do spin offs and started putting things in place for them to take place. I recon we'll just see Doctor Who for his first season but with bits being setup for potential spin offs.

[@IceNixie0102]

I loved Class, and am excited at the idea of maybe a spin off for Bel and Vinder. I'd love that.

[@smstnitc]

Given what happened to Doctor Who in the 80's, where the BBC basically got tired of paying for it, so they killed it intentionally, I wouldn't be surprised if they were thinking of ending it now, and RTD said if they give him control he'll bring it into Bad Wolf to produce it going forward so they don't have to worry about it for now. There will be fan service for sure, you can count on it. It's a matter of how it's handled.

[@clockstomper]

Rtd has had the best record with spin offs, torchwood and Sarah Jane were both great.

[@jackdubz4247]

Torchwood was mostly awful.

[@CometStar100]

I hope he does a Susan spinoff. I feel like I am the only fan that wants her to come back lol. The story potential of having the Doctor's granddaughter around is very interesting to me.

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

When it comes to an expanded universe, I think there has been seeds of that throughout the RTD and Moffat eras. They would introduce recurring characters like Captain Jack and River Song who (although I never liked either of them) were presented almost as equals to The Doctor in some way. So I could see them wanting to expand those sorts of characters like they've already done with Jack on Torchwood (not that I think they should really be doing anything involving John Barrowman anymore). Big Finish already has a River Song spin off series which does have it's fans so I could see them doing something with that. There was a lot of fan interest in a Vastra, Jenny and Strax spin off which is one I'd personally be interested in seeing. They could do a UNIT show but the problem there would be that it'd probably be too similar to Torchwood, just with less sexual references. Maybe they could market it as Torchwood for kids? Also, I think they'd have really needed someone like Nicholas Courtney involved to make a UNIT show work as he really inhabited that role so well, I don't see it working with the Brig's daughter in command outside of the occasional cameos they make in the main series. RTD was the one who started making the show more about the companion's journey than The Doctor and so I could see him wanting to expand upon the stories of some of those companions, especially Rose who was extremely popular. Maybe we will see a show about her life with Handy? Ultimately, I think it's a bad idea to spread themselves so thin rather than focusing on the main show and making that the best they possibly can, but then also maybe having all these extra shows will give them a chance to get out some of their lesser ideas without it really impacting the main series.

[@marocat4749]

Right? He can still cameo

[@jacklawrence2212]

You're spot on. They need to nail the basics first before any kind of expansion - which I'm not even sure is a good idea given that, inevitably, the more thinly you spread the material, the quality, in my opinion, tends to decline.

[@pablobratcat]

My thinking is that there'll be a River Song spinoff.

[@benjaminstock5334]

I haven't seen series 13, but I liked one thing I heard about it: that the Doctor Who universe had been carved up between the Dalek, Cybermen, and Sontaran empires. I would love to see RTD move Doctor Who in this direction, with Star Trek-like political squabbles between these empires and the Doctor getting caught up in the crosshairs. If this is what they mean by an MCU style makeover, with a rogues gallery of villainous entities each with interesting and ever evolving backstories, then I'm all for it. If each one of those villains gets their own TV show, then pass.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

That... um... no, that doesn't really happen. I suppose I can MAYBE see how somebody gets there from what happened but... yeah, no.

[@benjaminstock5334]

@@CouncilofGeeks Wait, what happened?

[@CouncilofGeeks]

So... ok it's not well presented but (*SPOILER WARNING*) the Flux is a force that's destroying the universe, as in all of it. At the end the Sontarans get the Cybermen and Daleks to gather together under a flag of truce saying that with their resources together the Sontarans know how to keep them all safe from the flux. It's a trap and the Sontarans let the Cybermen and Dalek fleets get destroyed, and the Doctor turns it around on them so the Sontaran fleet is destroyed as well. Actually a big chunk of the universe at large is destroyed and it still hasn't been cleared up if 1) that got undone or 2) how much is left if it didn't. So there are three factions but they're not controlling anything.

[@YGOTolley]

Given how in Flux we saw there was another universe that The Division was going to move too and how we had the line "No Regeneration" how likely do you think it is we might get something were Jodie is the last incarnation of this Doctor and the show gets a reboot to an extent in the new universe with what the Doctors actual race is? Keep all the same premises of the Tardis, regeneration etc but just with a whole new being.

[@benw9949]

A Doctor Who spin-off needs to have a strong premise and well-developed characters, and it needs to keep solid storytelling going. I didn't see most of the Sarah Jane Adventures, but I thought what I saw was OK. Torchwood was mostly strong, but whew, their dark ending for the movie special about the kids was not what I was ready for. Class, I thought began pretty well, but it got shakier as it went on, and I wasn't so thrilled with where they were taking the characters. I was disappointed we didn't get a second season, which might have built back up. Does a spin-off need another Time Lord / Time Lady? Maybe not. A former Companion? Maybe not. But either or both of those might make it stronger. I would give a spin-off a try for at least a season to see how it was. But something that expands the Whoniverse could work well. The Big Finish audio series are great; I wish I had more of them. I wish we could see Susan return for a guest star special or episode or arc, and I wish they'd have Romana return. Characters like Missy and River Song and Rose are great; there are many others, villains and companions and previous Doctors who could come back as guests (or regulars on spin-offs?). -- Two things: (1) Doctor Who needs to avoid overusing the "threat to all of Earth / the whole galaxy / universe" and (2) Let's see some other time periods and places for Companions and stories, not only 20th/21st century England or Wales. Past, future, alternate present? Other people and cultures? What and who are we viewers not used to? Not everyone throughout human history has the same beliefs and ways of doing things as current UK / US viewers. What about prehistory? -- Also, I really liked the UK TV series Primeval, which had some similarities, but involved temporal anomalies and creatures and people which could complicate our present. It was fun and exciting, and there were partial similarities to Doctor Who, although it was very much its own story-universe.

[@KateHistoryMysteries]

Also, Han is the partner and father of Skywalkers. Solo might not be 'Skywalker Saga' but it's part of the family's story so that just leaves Rogue One and Mando, in which Skywalers do appear. (Yes, I know my entire comment calls Leia a Skywalker; see Yoda's comment in the films,)

[@mrdoctorgilmore]

My biggest hope for this era is for Russell to use his reputation and Bad Wolf's influence to reinvent the show and be more experimental. With Chibnall, he seemed to have a lot of Rules and Mandates put upon him, with his era treading alot of old and tired ground, I could sense him feeling bored in some of the scripts which fall under the new series formula. Also I understand the desire to make a "cinematic universe" but he should take his time first, focus on the main show see what the consensus is, then maybe after 2 or 3 seasons start working on a spin off. I understand people want 8 back, and while I'd love to see him back, I think they've probably left it back too late. I also would like to see something new over more Torchwood.

[@j.t.rhoads7658]

I’d love to see a UNIT show with Kate Stewart and maybe Tegan and Ace if they stick around after the centenary special. I think for spin offs to work it needs to have the same rating. When I was a kid I’d watch Sarah Jane and Doctor Who but was too young to watch Torchwood so I had no idea who Gwen or Ianto were in the Stolen Earth

[@dhm74]

I think Helena Bonham-Carter seems to be overlooked. As far as I’m aware RTD’s last project was that ‘Crossroads’ biopic starring H B-C so it would be interesting this happened and to be honest I’m kind of praying for it and my bets are on her for the next Doctor.

[@TheReneDorion]

ok so I just got done watching this, & towards the end and something very weird dawned on me that strangely isn't outside the realm of possibility, with the BBC & Bad Wolf's ok, we could technically see Doctor Who films where PlayStation Productions gets credited as one of the companies (even though it would probably only be film adaptations of the edge of reality) and no matter how many times I say that in my head it never gets any less weird sounding to me. very unlikely but technically possible.

[@HiperPivociarz]

I think the way to make spin-off work is to not have it crossover with Doctor Who itself. Like Sarah Jane Smith Adventures and Torchwood. You can watch both without ever watching Doctor Who, and in fact I did. Also, I would argue MCU feels like homework, you can't just watch one show or movie and get the full experience.

[@aceyboi8329]

At some point i want spin offs again because i am sicking most of the doctor who extra stuff being big finish just because i dont jell well with audio books/stories

[@voltijuice8576]

So if we need to establish the main show as a pillar first and other media revolve around that, it's like a Sit-n'-Spin-off. Whee! As opposed to jumping between projects like a Space Hopper Universe.

[@wolf1066]

Good point on the comparison of Dr Who and its spin-offs and the Star Wars franchise. Definitely closer to Star Wars than Marvel in the way the focus is set - one pillar vs many pillars.

[@jonathanskinner7647]

Nice video. About the ‘pillar’ comparison with DW and SW while I don’t think it’s without merit, the two things are very different with their approach to the pillar. The spin offs have always involved the doctor and one point or another, but his role has always been EXTREMELY limited. Either he turns on in one story every couple of series or is alluded to and it’s never been in a homework way so far. The doctor also isn’t tied down so much as they can changed so much

[@ben-tendo]

I am 1000% down for Paul McGann finally getting an actual series on TV, and I do think that’s something Russell will explore. Why can’t we revisit previous Doctors on screen, even if just feature length specials infrequently. I can also see Ace getting an SJA style CBBC series soon as she was planned to come into SJA the series that didn’t complete due to Sladen’s death.

[@marcdigiambattista751]

It's a shame John Hurt is no longer with us, I usually hate the idea of a prequel series but the Time War would have been amazing. It could have been the gritty adult sci-fi arm of the Whoniverse franchise, Babylon 5 meets Star Wars in the DW universe with Daleks and Timelords engaged in a brutal and merciless war with no rules. Unless they can find someone who looks like a young Hurt and has the acting chops to match, and just set it earlier in his time line.

[@xjadit7826]

I think the Star Wars comparison is a good one tbf hell even the 2 spin off movies are directly tied to the skywalker saga rogue one ends moments before a new hope begins and solo is about one of the most important characters of the original trilogy so even those movies still push the big story of the skywalker saga forward rather then truly being their own thing but I don’t think this is true I have no doubt that RTD would want to do spin offs at some point but I think it would be stupid to be thinking of doing it right out of the gate

[@k1ttkw1snky69]

Maybe they can make a good era if DW with spin-offs when it launches. But tbh, it’s smart to focus on DW first.

[@GEORGEGEORGEIII]

RTD has publicly stated that he wants to expand Dr Who Marvel-style. And this was both before he was named show runner again and also after…

[@Macnee2]

Pasty old white dudes have shown some glimmers of potential as The Doctor, why can't we be progressive and open minded and give them a chance too?

[@lordofsparks]

I tend to trust the odds makers. When there is money involved I think people are more serious in their speculation. Right now the rumors about Lydia West make her the smart money for 14, but what is interesting is the rest of the top ten (ignoring Hugh Grant who is in sixth place). There is a type the bookies think is being looked at and it appears to be young and non-binary. Omari Douglas and Olly Alexander are the top names, but basically every big Enby name in entertainment are being talked about. I’m honestly curious if Blu Del Barrio has received a casting call, because my read is they are looking for someone who can play NB but is a known name.

[@alfje5492]

Hugh Grant as a villain could be a hoot (see Paddington 2 for more details).

[@lucywillis4535]

Paddington 2 is why I want him in a captain Britain movie as Jim Jasper's....

[@marionbaggins]

I saw, and Loved!!!

[@mishapurser4439]

I REALLY want Suranne Jones to be The Doctor

[@brandonfinch9140]

RTD when running DW did set up Torchwood and I don’t think the series suffered. I agree though they do need to focus on one show with the Doctor first.

[@paulhanck1123]

Personally I've enjoyed most of the Dr who spin-off and would to see the world expanded in interesting and optional ways

[@TonyPaulazzo]

Richard E Grant would make an awesome Doctor Who!

[@MrRjhyt]

I'm just stoked to have a competent show runner return. I'd have loved to see Jodie's doctor under RTD, but sadly that won't happen. I'll nurse a hope that she'll be back for a multi-doctor story in the future. The problems of the current era for me, start and finish with Chris Chibnall. The writing, the direction, the lack of consistent character development, or even basic personalities is beyond infuriating.

[@guygrist4436]

The problem with lots of spin offs is where am going to find the time to watch them, with big finish I can listen to whilst doing other things. I also hope the next Doctor is a woman just to bed in the idea that other types of people can play the part.

[@mandipandi303]

I'll be interested to see what RTD goes with. I think he could do a lot of great stuff. I really hope Sony doesn't shift priorities too much. I wasn't a huge fan of the Chibnall era, but I did love Jodie. I thought she was great. I don't want the next Doctor to be a cishet white dude yet again.

[@mikeharvey2129]

Surely the actor or actresses sexual preference, gender preference, and colour of skin shouldn't come into who is chosen? Should it not be based on who fits Russel T Davies' preference for his new vision of the Doctor?

[@mrdr0161]

@@mikeharvey2129 tell that to every producer of the past, limiting the role to white men. Personally, I only think it's fair that we get just 2 doctors that must be played by someone who isn't a white man. Because it was a rule for the first 12 doctors that they have to be a white man, let's have it be a rule for 14 that must be a woman and/or if colour

[@mikeharvey2129]

@@mrdr0161 In what way was it a rule? Sydney Newman even, at the very least, suggested the idea of a female Doctor in the 1980's though?

[@mrdr0161]

@@mikeharvey2129 but he wasn't in charge of the show then. It was a rule for the 1st doctor all the way to the 12th. They never auditioned a woman or a black person

[@mikeharvey2129]

@@mrdr0161 Where was it a rule though? Do you have evidence (I'm not trying to insult you, btw)?

[@gunlovingliberal1706]

This is not RTD's first rodeo. I think he understands that Doctor Who has to be a hit before it can have spin offs. However, it only takes one season to turn things around. After then spin offs would be OK. I think Jodie Whittaker could have been a great Doctor. There have been glimmers of here potential in some of Chibnall's era. She was held back by poor scripts and a lack of consistent direction. I think all the fault lies with Chibnall. So I also would like another female Doctor. As much as I like Jo Martin's Doctor, I don't like the inconsistency of repeating a Doctor. It was hinted at in the 50th anniversary special, but that was just so they could shoe horn Tom Baker into the show. I would not like Tennant to come back as the Doctor for the same reason.

[@RomanPhilosopher]

Revels and clone wats is probably the best star wars media produced

[@claredtsimms4554]

Wait... what.....???? No more BBC wales.??

[@charlestownsend9280]

I can see spin offs working if they wait a bit, not his first series back but start establishing it during his second series (like they did with SJA and torchwood). I'd be up for more expanded media but that might be the big finish fan in me talking, I'd watch all of it (just like I do with star wars and the mcu and would with star trek if it wasn't on Amazon). My big problem with the idea is that they do to many universe ending crossovers, I don't want a stolen earth/journeys end still story every year (that one of the issues I have with modern doctor who in general is the big universe ending finales), it wouldalso make the universe feel really small if the doctor keeps running into the same people over and over again, so if it's more like previous spin offs and big finish spin offs where they're stories and characters in the same universe who very rarely crossover I'll be happy, if it's everyone meets up at the end of every series of doctor who for a world ending crisis and we see characters crossover mid series every series then I'll hate it (it's why I'm starting to dislike shows like the mandalorian and things like the mcu can do it cause they're based off a medium that has always been like that).

[@eddhardy1054]

Nathan much as I agree with most of what you've said I thought adding the word 'pasty' to your description of the casting route you hoped the production team wouldn't go down was unnecessary (and a rather cheap shot) to be honest. Would you add that kind of quantifier if referring to an Asian actor (not another 'dusky' brown dude). I know that's not an exact equivalency but still, two wrongs and all that...

[@tokublwhovian]

Vera*

[@eddhardy1054]

@@tokublwhovian sorry mate, you're gonna have to explain 🤔

[@tokublwhovian]

@@eddhardy1054 Don’t use a Trans person’s dead name. COG goes by Vera, not Nathaniel/Nathan.

[@eddhardy1054]

@@tokublwhovian really, I evidently missed the memo. When did this occur as they used to use the name Nathan?

[@livinghomunculus657]

I still feel like spin-offs are optional media like big finish. I’ve only watched torchwood miracle day and it felt very separate from doctor who. I never felt like I had to watch the rest of torchwood or Sarah Jane adventures or class to keep up with doctor who. I know people feel like they have to watch all marvel movies to keep up with the avengers so that could be bad for doctor who. But I still feel like the spin offs of the past are similar to big finish, which you seemed to indicate was not the case for you.

[@renegarza9]

Would you ever consider making a video about the multiverse trope and it’s rising popularity in todays media?

[@Anarchouettisme]

Even in Rogue One there were two Skywalker! 😅

[@codasylphanthi2187]

Just wanted to say, love your hair and make up in this video. You look boss.

[@hello.hi.5634]

I have a theory that RTD is going to be the Kevin Feige of a Doctor Who Universe

[@TheLastSane1]

Wasn’t the arguments for Rey bring the new focal point that ppl were tired of the single focus on Skywalkers?

[@andrewglasson592]

As you say Big Finish have been doing spin offs since the late 90s and where would all these spin offs go BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, CBBC and then you would have people complaining that the BBC is focussing to much on one programme at the expense of other programmes. I think they should just concentrate on one programme Doctor Who and introduce past companions within that programme.

[@kevinmerchant2478]

I don't think all these spin offs would be on BBC television. Sony Entertainment has a majority stake in Bad Wolf productions and is probably looking for a SciFi/Fantasy franchise to match Paramount+ or Disney

[@Elwaves2925]

@@kevinmerchant2478 They'll still be on the BBC. There's no way the Beeb is going to part finance production of a property they own and then not show them. Of course that doesn't mean they won't be on other services for the rest of the world but the BBC will still be airing them. Assuming they are a real thing.

[@Dodringo64]

If the spin-off rumour is true, I don't think Davies is the type of writer who would go ahead with it unless he had some 5 brain card to play. I believe the series is in good hands as of next year.

[@johnkelley9687]

Don't put the cart before the horse. Get Doctor WHO right, first. Then expand into spinoffs...

[@paindepices4939]

Honestly, for now I don't care what RTD is planning. I prefer focussing on what is going on with the show at the moment

[@donaldpaluga]

Who would be the 15th Doctor then, Joanna Lumley? #niceethericbeamlocators

[@jn4126]

Please please please Tennant as Valeyard and main baddie for 14th Doctor (which wud make Micheal Sheen the perfect choice for the Doctor)

[@jn4126]

Although I'd love to see a motherly vibe for the Doctor. She too big now but Olivia Colman cud do that very well

[@quintencrook6068]

I've been pulling for Lydia West since they announced Jodie was leaving.

[@hagridmary]

I've never understood this sentiment. She's companion material, if anything.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

Sony doesn't exactly have a great track record when it comes to building a cohesive universe around their properties. I wouldn't be against the idea. I'd love to finally see a fully fledged UNIT series. It's too bad Freema is still over on New Amsterdam. At least as far as I know it's still going. I'm sure there's someone worthy in the franchise for that role. It truly sucks they killed Bill. I would be so happy to see her back in this universe. There has to be a way. Bill was special and deserved more than the single season she got. I like Clara as much as the next person but she out stayed her welcome by at least a season which could have been a Bill season.

[@jacobrush8039]

I pretty much agree with your take on Hugh Grant. I think he could be amazing, but I really wouldn't want to see how people interpret the immediate return to a white guy. As for spinoffs, also yeah pretty much. I just hope RTD doesn't bit off more than he can chew here. I feel like a great idea is for just one spinoff to happen, starting after the first new series. That way, the new show will be established, and hopefully resources won't be too thinly spread.

[@mrdr0161]

RTD never really had much input in Torchwood and Sarah jane Adventures. He only wrote 2 stories for SJA and one of them was co written. And he only wrote 1 episode of the first 2 seasons of torchwood and even in series 4, only wrote 1 and Co wrote the finale.

[@clockstomper]

I put more weight into the survival of the show from the ratings toilet, so they should make the biggest splash possible with what they do.

[@meander112]

Engagement for the engagement god!