Season 1 (Doctor Who 2023)
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- You may wish to consult
Series 14for other, similarly-named pages.
Series 14 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+.
Due to showrunner Russell T Davies announcing in Doctor Who Magazine #585 that the series would consist of only 8 episodes plus a special, this series would have an identical number of episodes to the previous Series 13, which also consisted of a reduced episode count.[1]
Overview
Early announcements
In May 2017, it was announced that due to the terms of a deal between BBC Worldwide and SMG Pictures in China, the company had right of first refusal on the purchase for the Chinese market of past and future series of the programme, as well as spin-offs.[2][3]
In October 2019, it was revealed that due to the show heading to HBO Max, the network had struck a deal for additional series of the programme.[4]
On 29 July 2021, following the announcement of Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall's departure, the BBC noted, "We will announce plans for the new generation of Doctor Who in due course – watch this space!"[5]
It was noted in a big reveal by the BBC on 24 September 2021 that Russell T Davies would make his return in the 60th anniversary in 2023 and remain as head writer in "series beyond".[6][7] Like the preceding series 13[8], the series was announced as happening before the previous series had even begun broadcast.
Promotion
The very first bit of promotion for this series came on 24 September 2021 with the reveal that Russell T Davies would be leading the show from the 60th anniversary and into "series beyond".[6]
On 6 January 2022, visual effects editor Emily Lawrence spoke to Doctor Who Magazine 573 and offered a look into what may be in store for the future of the show, hinting at 360 screens and gaming software akin to shows like The Mandalorian, saying "The 360 screens in "The Mandalorian" and how they used gaming software to create those amazing landscapes is something I’d love to see in "Doctor Who", the actors walk in front of the screen and the environment moves with them.", explaining it would get rid of green screens once and for all.[9]
On 8 May, Ncuti Gatwa shared a post on Instagram containing two hearts and a blue box.[10] Shortly after, it was officially announced by the BBC that Gatwa would take on the role of the Doctor.[11] Speaking on it, Gatwa said:
There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same. Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.
Showrunnner Davies added:
The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!
On 26 May, Russell T Davies spoke to Doctor Who Magazine, issue 578, about his plans around the reveal of Gatwa and their follow-up appearance at the BAFTA-awards show.[12]
In an interview with Variety on 30 July, former villain actor Neil Patrick Harris teased that the new Doctor would be "the first gay Doctor".[13]
On 24 September, former showrunner Steven Moffat told Radio Times that he had read Russell T Davies's scripts and said they were "fantastic".[14]
Same day auditions for the new companion were held.[15]
On 30 September, when David Tennant spoke in an interview with BBC News about his and Catherine Tate's return to the show in the 60th anniversary specials, also praised incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, saying he's "brilliant" and "lovely" and "really talented".[16]
On 23 October, following the broadcast of The Power of the Doctor and the episode's surprise regeneration into David Tennant, Russell T Davies revealed that Tennant would be playing the Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa would be playing the Fifteenth Doctor.[17][18]
On 25 October it was announced by Gatwa on Live with Kelly and Ryan that a deal had been struck between the BBC and Disney Branded Television to have Doctor Who streaming on Disney+ from November 2023 onwards to transform the show into a global franchise. Along with these news was unveiled a new diamond-shaped logo.[19][20][21]
Speaking of these news, Davies said:
I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.
Disney+ President Alice Bowen also weighed in:
We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalogue of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.
Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis also offered a few words:
Doctor Who has captivated the imaginations of families around the world for the past six decades. We are so excited about this collaboration with the BBC, and the opportunity to bring this iconic franchise – and Russell T Davies' brilliant vision – to life for a huge new global audience. Grab your sonic screwdrivers and prepare to travel through time and space!
On 10 November new revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 584 about the new era to come; the new production crew was revealed and it was also revealed that the Fifteenth Doctor's companion had been cast and at the time of the magazine, Davies was already on "Episode Seven". Furthermore, Davies teased that "huge revelations to come and brand-new stories about a Time Lord’s life" were yet to come.[15]
On 18 November, Davies and the official Doctor Who accounts shared a post early in the morning containing two hearts and a ruby.[22] Later, in the evening, the new companion was revealed at the Children in Need charity event to be Millie Gibson in the role of Ruby Sunday. Speaking of her new role, Gibson said: "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started."[23]
On 20 November, the Scottish BAFTA's were held, attended by Peter Capaldi and Ncuti Gatwa, where Capaldi praised Gatwa and reminisced about his own time as the Twelfth Doctor, saying "[Steven Moffat was] looking for a new Doctor Who, he took me on the most magical journey, a journey that Ncuti is about to embark on. And I suspect Ncuti knows this already because I can see it in his heart and see it in him. But he’s about to discover how beautiful and wonderful and cosmic the human race can really be". Gatwa also revealed that his Doctor's costume was not yet finished, saying "it's still fluid, we’re still building.".[24]
On 8 December, Davies revealed to Doctor Who Magazine issue 585 that the new series would consist of 8 episodes plus a special[25], saying that he's aware that it's not a lot, but urged fans to "give [them] time".[1]
On 13 December, during an interview with Total TV Guide, Davies revealed that viewers would "…be staggered with the surprises we’ve got in store!" in the upcoming special, recalling the very first Christmas Special commission in 2005, saying: "It really felt like Doctor Who coming home.", and calling it a "tradition".[26]
On 17 December, official promotional images of the new costumes for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday were revealed by the BBC.[27] At the same time the actors themselves posted a video of themselves revealing the outfits that had been filmed at Cardiff Harbour Authority car park.[28]
On 22 December, in an interview with Radio Times, while promoting Count Magnus, former writer and occassional cast member Mark Gatiss spoke about the new series, stating "There's just such a kind of... it's got a spring in its step which just makes you very excited to watch it and Ncuti just seems so absolutely adorable and just brimming with that kind of effervescent love of the show." and spoke about his excitement for the the show's regularity[29] to return.[30]
On 5 January 2023, some revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 586 about the casting and production processes along with an interview with Gibson, revealing what it was like to act opposite Gatwa.[31][32][33]
On 9 January, the BBC revealed on Doctor Who social media that Jemma Redgrave would return as Kate Stewart alongside UNIT and that Aneurin Barnard would appear as new character Roger ap Gwilliam.[34]
On 20 January, the BBC announced the casting of actors Anita Dobson and Michelle Greenidge in undisclosed roles.[35]
Same day, on an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Russell T Davies spoke briefly about Doctor Who, saying: "I am loving it, loving it so much. We’ve three specials and then a brand-new Doctor, who is amazing.".[36]
On 27 January, Davies spoke to "GQ Magazine" about the new series, saying "I’m really proud of it. Oh my god, there are some strong episodes coming up.", also speaking about "next stage" being spin-offs, and speaking about Gatwa's first readthrough and much more.[37]
In Doctor Who Magazine issue 587, released on 2 February, Julie Anne Robinson was announced as the third director[38] and Jack Forsyth-Noble was revealed to be playing a character named Will.[39]
Also in the Magazine, executive producer Joel Collins praised the incoming Ncuti Gatwa, calling him "magnetic", and said that companion Millie Gibson was funny and "wise beyond her years".[40]
On 8 February, in an interview on Lorraine, Davies talked briefly about the new series, saying: "Lovely Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor with Millie Gibson at his side. They’re just shooting stuff together now.", telling that he was "very excited" and that "it’s thrilling"[41]
On 12 February, Davies was interviewed on The Michael Ball Show on BBC Radio 2 in which he mentioned Episode 4, saying: "I sat here and I watched Episode Four last night and I think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever made in my life so I’m very, very happy with it. It’s looking so good Michael, I love it!"[42]
On 1 March Davies was interviewed on Season 15, Episode 2 of the podcast Table Manners where he revealed he was going to stay on Doctor Who "for years".[43]
On 2 March, Doctor Who Magazine issue 588 was released offering new details on the new series; it was revealed that the BBC had taken to using drones on the TARDIS set, with VFX co-ordinator Siân Reynish saying: "We’re using top of the range technology, the kind that Marvel films use, to make Doctor Who in Wales, which I think is pretty spectacular.". Reynish further praised Gatwa for his energetic Doctor, saying "I think he’ll bring such a new dynamic. He’s young and fun." and "He’s really individual".
Further in the magazine was revealed directors Julie Anne Robinson and Ben Chessell, with Davies revealing that Block 3 would consist of "two wildly different episodes by wildly different writers.", with rock formations being discussed in the Production Notes.[44]
On 16 March Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition issue 63 was released in which executive producer Julie Gardner was interviewed about expectations and worries behind the scenes, to which she replied: "There’s only one worry on Doctor Who: that production delivers on the extraordinary quality of Russell’s writing. He’s writing amongst his best-ever work. The scripts are big and extremely ambitious. The only worry I ever have is that we get it right for him. We run to keep up."[45]
On 30 March Doctor Who Magazine issue 589 was released, in which the 2023 specials directors praised the new TARDIS interior set, being said to be "church-like in scale" and them recalling initial worries of "It will never be ready in time…" and being able to "…point the camera anywhere at it and it looks amazing".[46] Five new cast members were also revealed for the series.[47] and Davies
On 31 March the BBC promised in their "Annual Plan" for 2023/2024 a "highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who", with the show included in their list of "distinctive, high-quality drama working with the very best new and established on-and-off-screen talent", saying: "We will bolster our on-screen spend with third-party investment to deliver greater value to audiences, including the first new content from our highly ambitious reinvention of Doctor Who, co-produced in partnership with Disney."[48]
On 3 April it was announced by the BBC in a press release that actress, singer and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon would be joining the series in an undiclosed major role. On joining, Monsoon said: "I’m honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer— I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew! I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.".[49]
On 19 April the BBC revealed a teaser video with Monsoon along with some promotional images, revealing the costume for her villainous role.[50]
On 20 April the BBC revealed promotional images of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in new costumes which fit into an episode set in "the swinging 60s".[51]
On 24 April the BBC officially announced on their social media and the Doctor Who website that former composer Murray Gold would be returning to perform the soundtracks for the three Specials and series beyond, with Gold commenting: "I’m so happy to be invited back for another joyful ride in the TARDIS. I didn’t think twice. Working with Russell and his team is just a pleasure."[52][53]
On 27 April, Doctor Who Magazine issue 590 was released in which the first interview with Gold following his return announcement in which he noted about the series that "There's an awful lot of music in this series" following several directors having approached him. Davies revealed that an episode title had been inspired by another sci-fi series, Star Trek: Picard. More cast members were also revealed in the magazine. As well as a new director being announced.[54][55]
On 5 May, the BBC announced that actor Jonathan Groff would be joining the cast in an undisclosed "key role".[56]
On 10 May, the BBC released some publicity photos of Groff alongside Gatwa and Gibson in 1800s style costumes.[57]
On 12 May, the BBC released some more publicity photos of Gibson in her Regency era costume.[58]
On 24 May, Indira Varma was announced as returning to the franchise as a new character called the Duchess.[59]
On 25 May, Doctor Who Magazine issue 591 was released, in which was revealed a few more Production Diary notes about the series. Assistant location manager Alex Moore also talked about what it’s like working on the series.[60]
On 7 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Bonnie Langford would reprise her role as Melanie Bush.[61]
On 15 June it was announced in a Press Release by the BBC that Lenny Rush would join the show as a character named Morris.[62]
On 22 June, Davies hinted in Doctor Who Magazine issue 592 at the new series with the words "kingdom", "gold" and "Tigella".[63]
On 13 July, Gatwa was interviewed by Rolling Stone UK in which he spoke about taking up the role of the Doctor and how he related to the Doctor, saying: "This person survived a genocide. This person fits in everywhere and nowhere. I am the Doctor. The Doctor is me. I decided that I had to get this role.", also talking about the idea to have the Doctor have a different outfit almost every episode.[64]
On 18 July the BBC released promotional posters of Ruby Sunday and the Fifteenth Doctor.[65][66]
On 20 July Doctor Who Magazine issue 593 was released, which contained more Production Diary notes from the series.[67]
On 17 August Doctor Who Magazine issue 594 was released, which contained the last Production Notes for the series. Art director Michael van Kesteren also revealed he had been asked to desgin a new sonic screwdriver for Gatwa, saying: "There were certain things requested for Ncuti’s sonic — which had a few things that needed to happen.". Four new cast members were also revealed along with a note from Russell T Davies saying: "Yasmin Finney wrapped a few days ago…".[68]
Broadcast
to be added
Cast
- Fifteenth Doctor[17] - Ncuti Gatwa[11]
- Ruby Sunday - Millie Gibson[23]
Recurring
- Kate Stewart - Jemma Redgrave[34]
- Melanie Bush - Bonnie Langford[61]
- Rose Noble - Yasmin Finney[68]
Guest
- Roger ap Gwilliam - Aneurin Barnard[69][34]
- "Finetime Head" - Lois Drage[70]
- Mrs Flood[71] - Anita Dobson[35]
- TBA - Michelle Greenidge[35]
- Will - Jack Forsyth-Noble[39]
- TBA - Hemi Yeroham[72]
- TBA - Lukas DiSparrow[73]
- Valerie - Millie Kent[74]
- Marti Bridges - Sophie Ablett[75]
- TBA - Bhav Joshi[76]
- TBA - Eilidh Loan[76]
- TBA - Pete MacHale[76]
- TBA - Miles Yekinni[76]
- TBA - Jinkx Monsoon[49]
- TBA - Jonathan Groff[56]
- The Duchess - Indira Varma[77]
- Lady Emerson - Jennifer Castillo[78]
- Carson - Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy[79][68]
- Morris - Lenny Rush[62]
- Splice - Caoilinn Springall.[80]
- TBA - Gemma Arrowsmith[68]
- TBA - Mary Malone[68]
- TBA - Billy Brayshaw[68]
- TBA - Ellie Grace Cashin[81]
(PLEASE DO NOT CREATE ANY NON-OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PAGES YET)
Production
Crew
Producers
Russell T Davies made his "explosive return" to Doctor Who in the 60th anniversary and "series beyond".[6]
Phil Collinson, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter also returned from the 60th specials as executive producers and were joined by Joel Collins.[15]
Returning from the 60th specials were also Vicki Delow, Chris May and Ellen Marsh.[15]
Phil Sims continued as the production designer and Scott Handcock as the script editor.[15]
Director
Dylan Holmes Williams directed the first filming block[15] along with director of photography Sam Care,[33] which consisted of episodes 4 and 5.[82]
Mark Tonderai directed the second filming block[83][33] along with DOP Miroslaw Baszak,[38] which consisted of the festive special.[82] Gareth Tandy was first assistant director.[38]
Julie Anne Robinson directed the third filming block[38] along with DOP Tobias Datum,[44] consisting of episodes 3[84] and 1.[85]
Ben Chessell directed the fourth filming block[44] along with DOP Jamie Cairney,[85] which consisted of episodes 2[54] and 6.[85]
Jamie Donoughue directed the fifth filming block along with DOP Chas Bain, which consisted of episodes 7[86] and 8.[54]
Writers
Russell T Davies wrote the episodes 4 and 7.[87][88]
Pre-production
On 12 August, The Hollywood Reporter stated that the series would begin filming in November.[89]
On 10 November it was revealed in Doctor Who Magazine #584 that pre-production on the series began on 26 September.[15]
Filming
Filming officially began on the series on 5 December 2022 in Wolf Studios in Cardiff, Wales[90] and continued on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and ending on 12 December.[91]
Public filming then began and continued on 13, 14, 15 and 16 December at the White Cross Inn in Groeswen, Wales.[92][93]
Filming then went on to Cardiff Bay Barrage in Penarth, Wales, which went on until 17 December.[94]
On 3 January 2023, filming took place on Cardiff Queen Street and inside Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff, Wales.[69]
Filming moved on to Swansea University Bay Campus in Swansea, Wales on 4 January[95] where it continued on 5, 6 and 7 January.[96]
On 9 and 10 January filming took place at Newport Market, High Street and Victoria Place in Newport, Wales.[97]
Filming took to Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on 16 January.[82]
Filming went to Castle Arcade and its High Street in Cardiff, Wales on 17 January.[98]
On 18 January filming took place on moving train which left from Cardiff Central Railway Station in Central Square, Cardiff and travelled to Swansea Railway Station and back.[98]
Filming happened at Loudoun Square in Cardiff, Wales, both inside and outside the flats on 19 January.[99]
On 20 January filming travelled to Park Place, Bruton Place, Meridian Place and Frederick Place in Clifton, Bristol, England.[100][101][102][103][104][105]
On 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 January filming took place on the Coast Path at Giltar Point in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.[106][107][108][109][110][111]
On 1 February filming took place at Wolf Studios, Cardiff, Wales.[112]
On 7 February filming went back to Frederick Place in Bristol[113] and continued on 8 February and subsequently went to Kings Weston House, Bristol.[41]
On 9 February filming took place in the morning at the Golden Cross pub and later on moved to the Pryzm Nightclub, in Cardiff, Wales.[114]
Filming took place on 14, 15 and 16 February at the graveyard of the Church of St. Mary in Nash, Newport, Wales.[115]
On 21 February,[116] filming went back to Wolf Studios in Cardiff, Wales where it continued on 28 February,[117] 1,[118] 6,[119][120] 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 March.[121][122][123][124]
On 20 and 21 April filming took place in Mellon Street in Newport, Wales.[125]
On 25 April filming went to Market Street in Newport, Wales.[126]
On 26 April filming took place at Frederick Place and Clifton College in Clifton, Bristol.[127]
On 8 May filming took place at The Parade in Cardiff, Wales.[128]
On 10, 11 and 12 May filming went to Tredegar House in Newport, Wales.[57][58]
On 15 May filming took place in Margam Park, Wales where it continued on 16, 17, 18, 19[129] and early morning 20 May.[130]
On 23, 24 and 25 May filming took place at Leigh Court in Bristol.[131][132][133][134]
On 30 and 31 May and 1, 2 June filming went back to The Parade in Cardiff, Wales.[135]
On 5, 6, 7 and 8 June filming went to the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, Wales.[136]
Filming then took place on 9 June inside a building at One Central Square in Cardiff, Wales.[137]
Filming went to Fitzalan Road in Cardiff, Wales on 16 June.[138]
On 19 and 20 June, filming took place in Cardiff City Hall in Cardiff, Wales.[139][140]
On 25 and 26 June filming took place on Park Street in Cardiff, Wales.[141][142]
On 10 July filming took place near the Academy Espresso Bar in Barry, Wales.[143]
Lastly, filming went back to Wolf Studios, Wales on 14 July, wrapping up with a party at National Museum Cardiff on 15 July.[144]
Television stories
Festive special[145][1]
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | TBA | TBA | Mark Tonderai[1] |
Regular series
| Episode Number |
Title | Writer | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | TBA | Julie Anne Robinson[85] | |
| 2 | TBA | TBA | Ben Chessell[54] | |
| 3 | TBA | TBA | Julie Anne Robinson[84] | |
| 4 | TBA | Russell T Davies[87] | Dylan Holmes Williams[82] | |
| 5 | TBA | TBA | ||
| 6 | TBA | TBA | Ben Chessell[85] | |
| 7 & 8 | TBA / TBA | Russell T Davies (episode 7)[88] | Jamie Donoughue[86][54] |
Episode notes
To be added
Aliens and enemies
To be added
Rumours
- Billie Piper expressed a willingness to return as Rose Tyler at some point "if the circumstances and the story were right”.[146]
- Matt Smith expressed a willingness to return as the Eleventh Doctor at some point "if the timing was right, and after giving Jodie Whittaker a chance. I think we've got to give a few years to Miss Whittaker to get the TARDIS under her belt, as it were, and then yeah — one day". [147]
- Davies' new era could bring back the Christmas Special.[148][149]
- According to The Mirror, the new era will get spin-offs focusing on villains such as the Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen, Sea Devils and Weeping Angels, centering around what they get up to when the Doctor is not around.[150]
- Spin-offs happening was further supported by Katy Manning, who also hinted at "people returning".[151]
- According to The Sun, Davina McCall - the voice of Davinadroid from Series 1 - will return to to the series, only this time playing a fictionalised version of herself.[152]
Stories set during this season
Novels
to be added
Comics
to be added
Webcasts
to be added
Adaptations and merchandising
to be added
