Doctor Who’s Final Curtain Call?

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Caution: Potential spoilers for Doctor Who season 15, episode 2 titled “Lux”. There’s been a lot of buzz among Doctor Who fans that the show might be ending soon, and showrunner Russell T. Davies seems to be subtly addressing this speculation in the second episode of season 15. While Davies doesn’t explicitly confirm or deny the rumors about the show’s cancellation, he playfully mocks those who are certain that Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor is a long-term one. This is done by giving the main character of Doctor Who season 15 an unusually self-referential scene to act in.

In essence, Davies is widely regarded as the most significant off-screen powerhouse during the contemporary period of “Doctor Who.” He played a pivotal role in reviving the show in 2005 and guided the tenures of both Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor and David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. Now, he’s back as the showrunner for a second time, having previously handed over the reins to Steven Moffat and then Chris Chibnall. Davies’ return was aimed at stabilizing the ship following Chibnall’s controversial creative choices, but the general consensus about the current standard of “Doctor Who” remains divided among the public.

Doctor Who Mocks Those “#RIP Doctor Who” Comments In Season 15, Episode 2

Disgruntled Whovians Have Taken To Social Media In Recent Months

Season 15, episode 2 of “Doctor Who,” titled “Lux,” features the Doctor encountering fans who recognize the series as a collection of science fiction stories. These characters are aware of both the Doctor and Belinda, and they express their disapproval of the ongoing episode in real time. One character even tweets “#RIP Doctor Who,” reflecting the unease on social media about the show’s perceived decline in quality. This scene represents a playful yet significant breach of the fourth wall, but it also underscores a genuine concern among some fans regarding the show.

It wasn’t until the conclusion of the 60th anniversary episode “The Giggle” in 2023 that significant criticism about the Disney era of Doctor Who really began to surface. Initially, fans were so thrilled by David Tennant’s return as the Fourteenth Doctor for the special anniversaries that any perceived issues since the BBC partnered with Disney+ were largely ignored. However, J.D. Davies’ return as showrunner has received many harsh reviews from long-time fans. Some have criticized the writing, while others have mocked the increased budget, visual overhaul, and claimed that Doctor Who has drifted too far from its original essence.

Doctor Who May Take Breaks (Maybe Soon), But Won’t Ever Die Completely

The Famous Time Lord Can Always Return, Even Decades Later

The fact that “Doctor Who” ended its classic period in 1989 shows it can face cancellation if it loses audience favor. After a unsuccessful comeback attempt with Paul McGann’s 1996 movie, “Doctor Who” had to wait nearly another decade for a genuine return under Russell Davies in 2005. Although the show has been successful since then, it appears that public sentiment towards this famous British sci-fi is again turning negative. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unexpected if we were observing the end of the current phase.

Although it may appear that Doctor Who might be nearing its end, don’t assume it will disappear forever. Given its long history, Doctor Who has essentially achieved a permanent status as a franchise, much like James Bond. Even when the TV series was not airing, it continued in various forms such as novels, comics, and audio stories. This resilience allows it to reinvent itself, return when the moment is opportune, and attract both old and new viewers. Essentially, the Doctor Who show will never truly cease to exist.

Doctor Who Season 15’s Release Schedule On Disney+
Episode Title Release Date (2025)
1 “The Robot Revolution” April 12
2 “Lux” April 19
3 “The Well” April 26
4 “Lucky Day” May 3
5 “The Story and the Engine” May 10
6 “The Interstellar Song Contest” May 17
7 “Wish World” May 24
8 “The Reality War” May 31

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2025-04-20 12:19