Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat recently reflected on helming the iconic sci-fi series, revealing he was “endlessly vilified” during his run. Moffat served as showrunner and head writer from 2010-2017.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Moffat recalled having so much hatred directed at him by fans for his work on Doctor Who. “The level of hate you get could down three passenger jets. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t stop,” he said. “I was vilified endlessly. I was a homophobe, misandrist, and a misanthrope, and a sexist and misogynist and a racist. I was against so many people I could only be described as an omni-bigot, which I would suggest means I’m treating everybody equally.” Moffat humorously added that any Doctor Who showrunner is essentially “chief Satan of the nation.”
Moffat, a lifelong fan of Doctor Who, also discussed the brilliance of the BBC show’s format. “You think it’s that cheesy old BBC adventure series. Actually, it is the single smartest television format ever devised,” he said. “By that I mean you can sack anyone. If anyone pisses you off, you can just get rid of (them) and regenerate a new Doctor played by a new star,” he explained. “I think this is unique to Doctor Who. It is a star vehicle every single time, but you can switch out the star. Where else can you do that? I’m sorry, all Doctors if you’re listening, we love you all,” Moffat continued.
Current Doctor Who Showrunner Hopeful About Season 3
To use Moffat’s description, the current “chief Satan of the nation,” Russell T Davies, recently discussed the third season renewal prospects of the series featuring Ncuti Gatwa’s incarnation of the titular Doctor. While the showrunner could not guarantee Doctor Who Season 3, Davies remains hopeful the series will get the green light. He, however, does not expect news regarding the renewal until at least after Doctor Who Season 2 airs.
“It’s an industry decision, it’s like any business – these things take time. I think the decision will come after the transmission of Season 2. That’s what we’re expecting, that’s what we’ve always been heading towards,” Russell said. The second season does not have a premiere date yet, but the installment is expected to arrive in early 2025. Gatwa’s Doctor will be joined by a new companion, Varada Sethu’s Belinda Chandra, in the upcoming season.
Russell also has a Doctor Who spinoff in the works. Titled The War Between the Land and the Sea, the five-part spinoff will feature the “triumphant return of the Sea Devils,” the classic Doctor Who villains first seen in 1972.