Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary, an in-depth look at
the world's longest running and most successful science fiction show
"The world would be a poorer place without Doctor Who." --Steven
Spielberg
Premiering the day after the JFK assassination, Doctor Who humbly
launched one of the entertainment world's first super-brands. We begin
with a look at TV programming of the day and the original pitch
documents before delving into the Daleks, which almost didn't make the
cut but inspired many monsters to follow. After three years, First
Doctor William Hartnell left, prompting the BBC to recast their hit
rather than end it, giving us the first "regeneration" and making TV
history. We follow the succession of Doctors--including Third Doctor Jon
Pertwee, exiled to Earth and targeted by the Master--and see how the
program reflected the feminism of the 1970s while gaining mainstream
popularity with Fourth Doctor Tom Baker...until declining support from
the BBC eventually led to cancelation. Fan outcry saved the series, only
for it to suffer a repeat cancelation. Yet many continued to enjoy the
Whoniverse in syndication, novels, audio dramas, and Doctor Who
Magazine. Paul McGann impressed many as the Eighth Doctor in a 1996 TV
movie, but it failed to reignite the series.
A new age dawned in 2005 with Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and a
serious special effects budget before Tenth Doctor David Tennant helped
rocket the series to international popularity and a new era of spinoffs.
With Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith, the show became a bona fide success in
America. For the program's fiftieth anniversary, Peter Capaldi became
the Twelfth Doctor, ushering in yet another era for our unstoppable Time
Lord.
Featuring discussions of concepts and characters, with insights from
producers, writers, and actors from across the years, here is a rich,
behind-the-camera investigation into the dazzling multiverse of Doctor
Who.
