In the early 2010s, many Doctor Who fans could have confidently declared their beloved sci-fi franchise as the largest fandom globally. This was a period before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took off in 2012 and prior to the expansions of Star Wars and Star Trek in 2015 and 2017, respectively. After the successful 2013 special “The Day of the Doctor,” it appeared that Doctor Who was maintaining its position at the forefront of geek culture. However, recent commentary from veteran Who contributor Mark Gatiss elucidates why the Disney+ era of the show may not have replicated that former glory.
Times have changed significantly since Doctor Who’s peak popularity from 2010 to 2013. Despite the strong storytelling during Peter Capaldi’s tenure as the Doctor, the mixed reception of Jodie Whittaker’s era, and the somewhat brief Ncuti Gatwa period, the show’s future now seems less certain than it did over a decade ago. The global relaunch of Doctor Who on Disney+ in 2023 came with high hopes, thanks to increased funding, the introduction of a new leading actor, and its positioning on a major streaming platform.
However, the anticipated resurgence of Doctor Who was short-lived. Disney’s partnership with the BBC came to an end following the conclusion of Season 2 in 2025, prompting questions about the show’s direction as it returns to its roots. Gatiss attributed some of the challenges facing the series to the misconception that it can exist within the realm of an expansive franchise, akin to Star Wars.
Gatiss stated, “It’s never going to be Star Wars,” emphasizing that while the production values had improved under Disney’s influence, the essence of Doctor Who remains rooted in its unique narrative style, which thrives on the quirky and bizarre rather than grandiose spectacle. He illustrated this point by discussing the climactic moments of the final episode in Season 2, where the Doctor faced increasingly unrealistic and universe-threatening scenarios.
In recent years, the show has often opted for large-scale threats and CGI monsters, moving away from its eccentric charm by presenting iconic characters like Omega in a less imaginative way. This shift, according to Gatiss, resonates with a pattern seen historically, where executives—be it in the 1980s or the present—misunderstand what Doctor Who is and how it should resonate with its audience.
Doctor Who’s charm has always been its ability to balance elaborate adventures with an intimate, quirky atmosphere. By its very nature, the series is not designed to be a blockbuster epic; instead, it thrives in its “bigger on the inside” approach. This unique identity deserves recognition, and expectations regarding viewership and franchise expansion should be aligned with the show’s inherent qualities.
As Doctor Who navigates its future post-Disney, fans and creators alike may benefit from embracing the show’s distinctive storytelling style and its adventurous spirit, fostering a renewed appreciation for the charm that has captivated audiences for decades. Doctor Who (2023-2025) is currently available for streaming on Disney+, while previous seasons and classic episodes can be found across various platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, Tubi, and BritBox.