Joy to the World (TV story): Difference between revisions

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== Notes ==
== Notes ==
* This episode is the first [[Christmas Special]] to not be written by the current showrunner; however, it is written by a former showrunner, [[Steven Moffat]].
* This episode marks Moffat's first [[Christmas Special]] since {{cs|Twice Upon a Time (TV story)}} in [[2017 (releases)|2017]].
* The story is set to [[Joy to the World cinema premiere|premiere in one or more cinemas]]{{note|It is currently unclear whether this involves multiple winners getting exclusive screenings, or only a single group.}} across the UK and US, with a competition being held to win tickets to access these premieres.<ref name="Festive Special Competition">{{cite web|title=Friendship Is Universal - a Festive Special Competition!|website name=[[doctorwho.tv]]|date of source=8 October 2024|accessdate=8 October 2024|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008155255/https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|archivedate=8 October 2024}}</ref>
=== Production ===
==== Pre-production ====
* The special was first mentioned in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' [[DWM 585|issue 585]], published [[8 December (releases)|8 December]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]], in which showrunner [[Russell T Davies]] stated in his ''[[Letter from the Showrunner]]'' column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.<ref name="DWM585">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|title=Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2022-12-07|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417233841/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|archivedate=2024-04-17}}</ref>
* The special was first mentioned in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' [[DWM 585|issue 585]], published [[8 December (releases)|8 December]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]], in which showrunner [[Russell T Davies]] stated in his ''[[Letter from the Showrunner]]'' column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.<ref name="DWM585">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|title=Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2022-12-07|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417233841/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|archivedate=2024-04-17}}</ref>
** However, on [[14 May (production)|14 May]] [[2024 (production)|2024]], writer and former showrunner [[Steven Moffat]] revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with ''TV Choice Magazine''.<ref name="JTTW" /> This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer [[Alison Sterling]]'s online CV briefly listed him as the writer.<ref name="Moffat">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-03-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428032152/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-04-28}}</ref>
** However, on [[14 May (production)|14 May]] [[2024 (production)|2024]], writer and former showrunner [[Steven Moffat]] revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with ''TV Choice Magazine''.<ref name="JTTW" /> This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer [[Alison Sterling]]'s online CV briefly listed him as the writer.<ref name="Moffat">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-03-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428032152/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-04-28}}</ref>
** On [[12 November (production)|12 November]], Moffat explained in an interview with BBC South East news that Davies had approached him about writing the special as he felt he was not going to finish his original script as he needed to start writing [[Season 2 (Doctor Who 2023)|season 2]].<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat confirms Christmas special plot details – including 'time-travelling hotel'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-11-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112170923/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-12}}</ref>
** On [[12 November (production)|12 November]], Moffat explained in an interview with BBC South East news that Davies had approached him about writing the special as he felt he was not going to finish his original script as he needed to start writing [[Season 2 (Doctor Who 2023)|season 2]].<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat confirms Christmas special plot details – including 'time-travelling hotel'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-11-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112170923/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-12}}</ref>
* This episode is the first [[Christmas Special]] to not be written by the current showrunner; however, it is written by a former showrunner, [[Steven Moffat]].
 
* This episode marks Moffat's first [[Christmas Special]] since {{cs|Twice Upon a Time (TV story)}} in [[2017 (releases)|2017]].
==== Filming ====
''to be added''
 
=== Marketing ===
==== Hints and teases ====
* Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with ''[[Radio Times]]'' in which he denied he had returned to ''Doctor Who'' at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about ''Doctor Who''."<ref name="MoffatTheSneak">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat confirms he wrote Doctor Who Christmas 2024 special: 'Is that my final moment?'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-05-14|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514171402/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-05-14}}</ref>
* Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with ''[[Radio Times]]'' in which he denied he had returned to ''Doctor Who'' at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about ''Doctor Who''."<ref name="MoffatTheSneak">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat confirms he wrote Doctor Who Christmas 2024 special: 'Is that my final moment?'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-05-14|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514171402/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-05-14}}</ref>
* On [[22 June (releases)|22 June]], Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".<ref name="Maddest">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who boss says Christmas special is 'maddest ever'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-06-23|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623152612/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-06-23}}</ref>
* On [[22 June (releases)|22 June]], Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".<ref name="Maddest">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who boss says Christmas special is 'maddest ever'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-06-23|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623152612/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-06-23}}</ref>
* On [[4 July (releases)|4 July]], Moffat told ''Ireland AM'' that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break [[heart]]s.<ref name="Break Your Heart">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat talks Doctor Who Christmas special: 'Nicola Coughlan will break your heart'|author=Lidia Molina-Whyte|date of source=2024-07-04|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704192739/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-07-04}}</ref>
* On [[4 July (releases)|4 July]], Moffat told ''Ireland AM'' that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break [[heart]]s.<ref name="Break Your Heart">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat talks Doctor Who Christmas special: 'Nicola Coughlan will break your heart'|author=Lidia Molina-Whyte|date of source=2024-07-04|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704192739/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-07-04}}</ref>
* On 12 November, Moffat teased in an interview that the episode's plot involved a [[hotel]] chain using [[time travel]] to sell unused nights in hotel rooms throughout history.<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel" />
* In a November interview with the ''[[Radio Times]]'', Moffat teased that the special would answer a longstanding [[mystery]] that people had likely been wondering about since they were young children.<ref name="Longest Mystery">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|title=Doctor Who Christmas special will solve "longest-standing mystery"|author=Huw Fullerton|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127181539/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|archivedate=2024-11-17}}</ref>
* Moffat told the December 2024 issue of ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' magazine that the episode's tone leaned more humourous,<ref name="SFX">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|title=Writer Steven Moffat promises that his Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special is lighter and more fun than his previous episodes: "It's not Blink"|author=Emily Murray|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|date of source=2024-11-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130192514/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|archivedate=2024-11-30}}</ref> and that the episode explored what went on in the Doctor's head "when he's got no one to be the Doctor for".<ref name="SFX 2">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|title=The Doctor Who Christmas special will explore what it's like to be in the Time Lord's head when he's "got no one to be the Doctor for"|author=Bradley Russell|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201185229/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|archivedate=2024-12-01}}</ref>
==== Trailers and previews ====
* On [[26 July (releases)|26 July]], a preview was released at the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' panel at [[San Diego Comic Con]], showing a few minutes of the episode. Coughlan's character was announced to be named [[Joy Almondo|Joy]].<ref name="SDCC">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|title=Doctor Who unveils first look at Christmas special and confirms Varada Sethu's companion name – and her potential link to an existing character|author=Molly Edwards|coauthors=Amy West|date of source=2024-07-26|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726213214/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|archivedate=2024-07-26}}</ref>
* On [[26 July (releases)|26 July]], a preview was released at the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' panel at [[San Diego Comic Con]], showing a few minutes of the episode. Coughlan's character was announced to be named [[Joy Almondo|Joy]].<ref name="SDCC">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|title=Doctor Who unveils first look at Christmas special and confirms Varada Sethu's companion name – and her potential link to an existing character|author=Molly Edwards|coauthors=Amy West|date of source=2024-07-26|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726213214/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|archivedate=2024-07-26}}</ref>
* On [[15 August (releases)|15 August]] the [[DWM 607|607th issue]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' identified the other cast members and characters seen in the preview.<ref name="Cast">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special|author=Louise Griffin|date of source=2024-08-15|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815195610/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-08-15}}</ref>
* On [[15 August (releases)|15 August]] the [[DWM 607|607th issue]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' identified the other cast members and characters seen in the preview.<ref name="Cast">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special|author=Louise Griffin|date of source=2024-08-15|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815195610/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-08-15}}</ref>
* The story is set to [[Joy to the World cinema premiere|premiere in one or more cinemas]]{{note|It is currently unclear whether this involves multiple winners getting exclusive screenings, or only a single group.}} across the UK and US, with a competition being held to win tickets to access these premieres.<ref name="Festive Special Competition">{{cite web|title=Friendship Is Universal - a Festive Special Competition!|website name=[[doctorwho.tv]]|date of source=8 October 2024|accessdate=8 October 2024|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008155255/https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|archivedate=8 October 2024}}</ref>
* On 12 November, Moffat teased in an interview that the episode's plot involved a [[hotel]] chain using [[time travel]] to sell unused nights in hotel rooms throughout history.<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel" />
* On [[15 November (production)|15 November]], another preview of the special was released for [[Children in Need]].<ref name="CINS">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who unveils new Christmas special teaser for Children in Need|author=Louise Griffin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-15|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116001443/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-16}}</ref>
* On [[15 November (production)|15 November]], another preview of the special was released for [[Children in Need]].<ref name="CINS">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who unveils new Christmas special teaser for Children in Need|author=Louise Griffin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-15|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116001443/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-16}}</ref>
* On [[20 November (production)|20 November]], the BBC announced that ''Joy to the World'' would be premiering simultaneously on [[BBC One]] and [[BBC iPlayer|iPlayer]] in the UK and [[Disney+]] elsewhere.<ref name="Simultaneous">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1859341092539486631|title=34 days to prep the ham and cheese toasties and a pumpkin latte! 🎄<br />Watch JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available #DoctorWho|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-20|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/wTCO2|archivedate=2024-11-21}}</ref>
* On [[20 November (production)|20 November]], the BBC announced that ''Joy to the World'' would be premiering simultaneously on [[BBC One]] and [[BBC iPlayer|iPlayer]] in the UK and [[Disney+]] elsewhere.<ref name="Simultaneous">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1859341092539486631|title=34 days to prep the ham and cheese toasties and a pumpkin latte! 🎄<br />Watch JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available #DoctorWho|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-20|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/wTCO2|archivedate=2024-11-21}}</ref>
* On [[23 November (production)|23 November]], the BBC and Disney+ released promotional posters for the episode on social media.<ref name="JTTW Twit">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1860413206000501009|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br/>Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/umI1Q|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref><ref name="JTTW Insta">{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DCucZ-DBabT/|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br />Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=@bbcdoctorwho|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/pI6DZ#selection-689.0-709.16|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> The Disney+ poster notably rendered the episode's title as "Joy to the Worlds", with several official replies on [[Doctor Who social media|social media]] indicating that this was not in error, and [[disputed story titles|will be the title used in the international market]].<ref name="Worlds">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who hints at plot twist with Christmas special title confusion|author=Christian Tobin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-24|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124143100/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> Later, on [[5 December (releases)|5 December]], a trailer was released that revealed a change to "Worlds" at the end, though the [[Official Doctor Who YouTube channel]], run by [[BBC Studios]], still called the episode ''Joy to the World'' in the video title and description.
* On [[23 November (production)|23 November]], the BBC and Disney+ released promotional posters for the episode on social media.<ref name="JTTW Twit">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1860413206000501009|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br/>Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/umI1Q|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref><ref name="JTTW Insta">{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DCucZ-DBabT/|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br />Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=@bbcdoctorwho|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/pI6DZ#selection-689.0-709.16|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> The Disney+ poster notably rendered the episode's title as "Joy to the Worlds", with several official replies on [[Doctor Who social media|social media]] indicating that this was not in error, and [[disputed story titles|will be the title used in the international market]].<ref name="Worlds">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who hints at plot twist with Christmas special title confusion|author=Christian Tobin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-24|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124143100/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> Later, on [[5 December (releases)|5 December]], a trailer was released that revealed a change to "Worlds" at the end, though the [[Official Doctor Who YouTube channel]], run by [[BBC Studios]], still called the episode ''Joy to the World'' in the video title and description.
* In an interview with the ''[[Radio Times]]'', Moffat stated the special would answer a longstanding mystery that people had likely been wondering about since they were young children.<ref name="Longest Mystery">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|title=Doctor Who Christmas special will solve "longest-standing mystery"|author=Huw Fullerton|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127181539/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|archivedate=2024-11-17}}</ref>
*Moffat told the December 2024 issue of ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' magazine that the episode's tone leaned more humourous,<ref name="SFX">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|title=Writer Steven Moffat promises that his Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special is lighter and more fun than his previous episodes: "It's not Blink"|author=Emily Murray|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|date of source=2024-11-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130192514/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|archivedate=2024-11-30}}</ref> and that the episode explored what went on in the Doctor's head "when he's got no one to be the Doctor for".<ref name="SFX 2">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|title=The Doctor Who Christmas special will explore what it's like to be in the Time Lord's head when he's "got no one to be the Doctor for"|author=Bradley Russell|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201185229/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|archivedate=2024-12-01}}</ref>
=== Myths ===
''to be added''


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===

Revision as of 20:00, 5 December 2024

Careful . . . spoilers!

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Joy to the World — released internationally, it would seem, as Joy to the Worlds[6][7] — is the upcoming 2024 Christmas Special of Doctor Who. Written by Steven Moffat, it will be the first holiday special not penned by the current showrunner.[4]

Synopsis

to be added

Plot

to be added

Cast

Crew

to be added

Worldbuilding

to be added

Notes

Production

Pre-production

  • The special was first mentioned in Doctor Who Magazine issue 585, published 8 December 2022, in which showrunner Russell T Davies stated in his Letter from the Showrunner column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.[11]
    • However, on 14 May 2024, writer and former showrunner Steven Moffat revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with TV Choice Magazine.[4] This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer Alison Sterling's online CV briefly listed him as the writer.[12]
    • On 12 November, Moffat explained in an interview with BBC South East news that Davies had approached him about writing the special as he felt he was not going to finish his original script as he needed to start writing season 2.[13]

Filming

to be added

Marketing

Hints and teases

  • Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with Radio Times in which he denied he had returned to Doctor Who at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about Doctor Who."[14]
  • On 22 June, Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".[15]
  • On 4 July, Moffat told Ireland AM that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break hearts.[16]
  • On 12 November, Moffat teased in an interview that the episode's plot involved a hotel chain using time travel to sell unused nights in hotel rooms throughout history.[13]
  • In a November interview with the Radio Times, Moffat teased that the special would answer a longstanding mystery that people had likely been wondering about since they were young children.[17]
  • Moffat told the December 2024 issue of SFX magazine that the episode's tone leaned more humourous,[18] and that the episode explored what went on in the Doctor's head "when he's got no one to be the Doctor for".[19]

Trailers and previews

Filming locations

to be added

Ratings

to be added

Production errors

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.

to be added

Continuity

Home media releases

to be added

Gallery

Main article: Joy to the World (TV story)/Gallery

Footnotes

Notes

  1. ↑ It is currently unclear whether this involves multiple winners getting exclusive screenings, or only a single group.

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 Doctor Who, Joy to the World. BBC One. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Louise Griffin (2024-08-15). Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-08-15.
  3. ↑ GRAPHIC: The Time Hotel [+]Loading...["The Time Hotel (illustration)"] (DWM 611)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Tom Spilsbury (2024-05-14). The BIG Interview: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat. TV Choice Magazine. Archived from the original on 2024-05-14.
  5. ↑ Andrea Laford (2023-10-31). Ncuti Gatwa films Doctor Who in Cardiff. CultBox. Archived from the original on 2024-03-12.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Christian Tobin (2024-11-24). Doctor Who hints at plot twist with Christmas special title confusion. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-24.
  7. ↑ CHRISTMAS SPECIAL TRAILER | Joy to the World | Doctor Who on YouTube
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Get a first look at Nicola Coughlan as she joins Doctor Who. Doctor Who (2023-11-13). Archived from the original on 2024-04-07.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Molly Edwards; Amy West (2024-07-26). Doctor Who unveils first look at Christmas special and confirms Varada Sethu's companion name – and her potential link to an existing character. GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-07-26.
  10. ↑ Friendship Is Universal - a Festive Special Competition!. doctorwho.tv. BBC Studios (8 October 2024). Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved on 8 October 2024.
  11. ↑ Andrea Laford (2022-12-07). Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine. CultBox. Archived from the original on 2024-04-17.
  12. ↑ James Hibbs (2024-03-12). Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-28.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Morgan Cormack (2024-11-12). Doctor Who's Steven Moffat confirms Christmas special plot details – including 'time-travelling hotel'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-12.
  14. ↑ Morgan Cormack (2024-05-14). Steven Moffat confirms he wrote Doctor Who Christmas 2024 special: 'Is that my final moment?'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-14.
  15. ↑ James Hibbs (2024-06-23). Doctor Who boss says Christmas special is 'maddest ever'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-23.
  16. ↑ Lidia Molina-Whyte (2024-07-04). Steven Moffat talks Doctor Who Christmas special: 'Nicola Coughlan will break your heart'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-07-04.
  17. ↑ Huw Fullerton (2024-11-26). Doctor Who Christmas special will solve "longest-standing mystery". RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-17.
  18. ↑ Emily Murray; Nick Setchfield (2024-11-30). Writer Steven Moffat promises that his Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special is lighter and more fun than his previous episodes: "It's not Blink". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-11-30.
  19. ↑ Bradley Russell; Nick Setchfield. The Doctor Who Christmas special will explore what it's like to be in the Time Lord's head when he's "got no one to be the Doctor for". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-12-01.
  20. ↑ Louise Griffin (2024-11-15). Doctor Who unveils new Christmas special teaser for Children in Need. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-16.
  21. ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-20). 34 days to prep the ham and cheese toasties and a pumpkin latte! 🎄
    Watch JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available #DoctorWho    . Archived from the original on 2024-11-21.
  22. ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-23). Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄
    Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available    . Archived from the original on 2024-11-24.
  23. ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-23). Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄
    Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available    . Archived from the original on 2024-11-24.
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