Update: Peter Capaldi is returning for Doctor Who Series 10.
Is it time to hit the panic button?
Amidst dwindling viewership for the new season of Doctor Who, not only is it confirmed that Jenna Coleman is leaving, but now it’s said Peter Capaldi is contemplating leaving the series
That’s not all as the UK’s Mirror is also reporting there may be a change in the way Doctor Who episodes are released.
With ratings and the numbers of viewers down this year the Mirror is stating sources are considering scrapping next year’s series of Doctor Who and screening feature-length specials instead, similar to the way episodes of Sherlock are released.
It’s said Doctor Who is the BBC’s biggest-selling program overseas, but according to the report, Doctor Who has hit a “crisis period” as viewership is now below four million (down around 2 million).
Regarding Peter Capaldi leaving the show, the reason given is said because Capaldi wants to spend more time with his family.
So with Capaldi and Coleman leaving, execs are considering scrapping next season and instead releasing a couple of “Sherlock-style” feature-length episodes plus the Doctor Who Christmas Special.
It’s also rumored the BBC may reboot Doctor Who with a new cast in 2017 with Richard Madden (Game Of Thrones, Cinderella) said to be at the top of the list to play the new Doctor. A new female Doctor Who is also said to be a contender.
The BBC is also developing a Doctor Who spinoff aimed at younger viewers with Class.