BREAKING NEWS: Disney has officially canceled its co-production partnership with the BBC on the iconic series Doctor Who. This urgent decision comes amid fears of a backlash against the show’s progressive themes, as reported by Deadline.
The BBC confirmed the termination of the collaboration earlier today, citing a significant decline in viewership and internal concerns over the series’ direction. Sources close to the matter revealed that Doctor Who became “too woke for Trump’s USA,” impacting Disney’s decision-making regarding the franchise’s future.
According to insiders, the partnership was never perceived as sustainable. A former Disney executive stated, “It was pretty apparent from early on that this wasn’t for the long term,” indicating a lack of enthusiasm from Disney executives regarding the series.
Under the stewardship of writer Russell T. Davies, the show has embraced progressive elements such as casting Yasmin Finney, a transgender actress, and featuring a historic gay kiss between Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff. These changes, while celebrated by some, drew complaints from traditional viewers, leading to a reported drop of 1 million viewers during Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor.
The BBC has faced scrutiny over the collaboration’s effectiveness. A BBC executive mentioned that it never felt like Disney was fully committed to promoting the series, adding to the sense of disappointment over the partnership. Furthermore, the show was produced at a staggering budget of $11.6 million per episode, raising questions about the financial viability of continuing the project.
Sources indicate that the lack of growth in the fanbase, particularly under Gatwa’s leadership, contributed to the decision to end the collaboration. The show’s ratings have not significantly improved since the transition from Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the long-standing series, which has entertained audiences for decades. Fans and industry watchers are left wondering what this means for the future of Doctor Who, once a beloved staple of British television.
As the situation unfolds, many are curious about how this will affect both Disney and the BBC’s programming strategies moving forward. Will they pivot towards more traditional narratives, or will they continue to explore progressive themes in other projects?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it impacts the landscape of modern television.
