Paul Connelly, Scotland on March 28th, 2008
Yes it will seriously affect the show, I think the BBC have made a BIG mistake.
eyeofhorus, UK on March 28th, 2008
He's right. Absolutely right. The ratings for all the NEW SERIES have started well, dipped and then recovered. But they start low with SERIES 4, dip and recover then the lowest point would be in the 4 millions. Isn't DOCTOR WHO the biggest drama-series (as opposed to drama-serial like EastEnders) the BBC has commissioned in the last five years. 13 million on Christmas Day is testament to public commitment - but where is BBC ONE's commitment. Listen to RTD, he knows the industry (and his product) better than you do BBC ONE Executives. Where's Peter Fincham when you need him!?
I. Thomsom, Kirkcaldy, Scotland on March 28th, 2008
now that they have axed Granstand, BBC news can start as early as 5.20 pm, if not for things like Six Nations etc personally, Doctor Who should remain in the 7.00pm-8.00pm slot-it is the essence of BBC1 saturday viewing (much more than the tiring third Andrew Lloyd-Webber related I'd do anything. according to this website, it didn't exactly get off to a great start. blah blah blah) besides, if it me, Casualty can easily be delayed until 8.50pm-9.50 pm slot, depending on the content of the episodes and timeslots, it is often shown around about this time anyway. so what's going to be lost here. maybe they don't want to show I'd do anything too late or too early in the evening.
Jamie, Glasgow on March 28th, 2008
the time slot is good and bad way: its a bad way as it may affect me as i am out all day on a saturday and i don't come back till 7pm but the good thing is that the sooner its on the better so that i don't have to wait an hour before new who comes on
Colin, Kent on March 28th, 2008
If its not broke why fix it? Leave it after sevem where it is a sucess.
Dustin Cook, Ireland on March 28th, 2008
No, I will more than likely watch it now when it suits through the iPlayer!!
Bobby R on March 28th, 2008
It's the same as Torchwood being swapped from Wednesday to Friday! The Powers that be have always got to stick their nose in
Nigel, Liverpool on March 28th, 2008
Who are these people who won't watch just because the show is on 40 minutes earlier ? Are they the ones who still haven't figured out how to set the timer on their vcr ? Or maybe there are 1.5 million sheep who just watch whatever's on at 7pm!
Kevin L, Bristol on March 28th, 2008
Less likely to watch as "live" at this time as Dr Who has always been a sit down and watch with dinner on the lap show. An earlier time slot doesn't really fit so I guess we'll be watching delayed or recorded on our V+ box at a time that suits us.
Granny, London on March 28th, 2008
Indeed Nigel. How a sci fi geek and TV veteran like RTD cannot have heard of the wonderful world of PVRs with their automatic series recording functionality is rather mystifying. Millions of homes have them now y'know.
T, London on March 28th, 2008
I don't watch anything at the time it's on not since I got a PVR, it's pretty rare for me to watch something the day it's broadcast and with series link I tend to just find the programme and hit the button when a trail reminds me it's on and bang the whole series is there. Couldn't care less what day or time it's on
slappy mac, Durham on March 28th, 2008
Idiotic; plain idiotic - only justifiable if they have a sensibly timed repeat. personally, I can't help but think it is in part a ploy to lull people into using iplayer.
Patsie, London on March 28th, 2008
I think the BBC have made a mistake. It should be the other way around. First I'd do anything and then Doctor Who. It worked last year with Any dream will do, so whay not keep a working formula??
Chris, Plymouth on March 28th, 2008
To me I don't really mind what time it's on as I have Sky+ and will watch later in the evening anyway. Why executives have to play around with the timing I don't know.
Scott, Swindon on March 28th, 2008
I would affect mine if I watched it. My decision to watch it was affected originally cause its put in the Saturday early evening light-entertainment slot instead of being schelduled at 8 or 9 like Spooks etc
SoupBubbles, Wales on March 28th, 2008
I'll still watch it! I've always watched Doctor Who since it started in 2005, so I'll definitely be watching this one, no matter what the starting time! It sounds like a good lineup too, with DW and then I'd Do Anything right afterwards! Can Saturdays get any better for a DW & West-End-Musicals nerd?
Paul, Preston on March 28th, 2008
The time wont effect the viewing figures, not with Sky+ and iplayer. What will effect the figures will be Catherine Tate. I've only to look at her and I feel sick, and as soon as she opens her mouth I want to turn off. "Am I bovvered ?" erm actually I am.
Sandy, Scotland on March 28th, 2008
Personally, I've Sky+'d Doctor Who since the new series started, so that I can watch it when it is dark, to give it it's deserved atmosphere, so it won't affect me. I think the BBC are stupid to schedule it so early though, every episode broadcast early so far has had lower viewing figures...you'd think the BBC wanted an excuse to axe it again...
Hazel on March 28th, 2008
I have a season ticket to go and watch my favourite football team. When Doctor Who is on at 7pm, I only just get home in time to watch it, so with it starting at 6.20pm, I will have to watch the repeat. This is quite an inconvenience, and there must be more football and Doctor Who fans who feel the same.
Paul Hatch on March 28th, 2008
I would say that the biggest risk on a saturday is the earlier in the evening the greater the risk of timeslot disruption or even cancelation due to a sporting event ir worse still an event that is running late. historically the BBC has always shown contempt for science fiction. I can remember the 6pm weekday timeslot they used to place various star trek franchises. Rather that it being a regular slot, after a while it seemed more like a filler for when they didnt have any cricket scheduled. I know Dr Who will get flogged to death on BBC3 but on freevew it doesnt enjoy the same level of bandwidth so poorer image quality and that ugly pink DOG taking up a large portion of the screen.
Craig, Stockport on March 28th, 2008
I am usually busy when Dr. Who is on anyway so I will sky+ it as normal and watch it when I have time. Dont ever miss it though....
Ollie, London on March 28th, 2008
Totally agree- those 40 mins make all the difference to be honest, I think 6.20 is too early for a show like Dr.Who where there are adults and children watching and I think that they should revert to the order they had last year when whatever reality show BBC were showing last year was on...
Emily, Liverpool on March 28th, 2008
I can understand what he's saying, but I have to record it anyway cos I like to watch it when my little boy has gone to bed
Sharon, Bedfordshire on March 28th, 2008
Why try to fix something that isn't broken, I think the Beeb are asking for trouble.
Tony, Southport on March 28th, 2008
It makes no difference to those of us that have recorders. I won't be watching it at that time as I'll be recording it via series link. 'I'd Do Anything' is also recorded. ;)
Dave, Dallas, Texas on March 28th, 2008
RTD is right as always. The dedicated viewers will use their VCRs and digital recorders... but it is the "swing vote" -- the casual viewer who tops off the base -- that will skip out on an earlier showing if they're out enjoying the day. Is the Beeb up to its old games? What is this cryptic comment I'm seeing where RTD says they shouldn't mess with the budget, either? Are they deciding that their hit show is too expensive?
Nikki, Kent on March 28th, 2008
if people like it that much then theyll tune in earlier!!
Lorna, Leek, Staffordshire on March 28th, 2008
What an absolute cock-up. I personally can't stand any of those type of shows such as I'd do anything, but as the BBC manages to change the scheduling for Casualty every week to suit whatever else is on, why can't they mix it up a bit to put the Doctor on at a more suitable time, ie when you're home!!!! I'm just glad I'm getting Sky+ tomorrow.
Anita, Den Helder, the Netherlands on March 28th, 2008
Absolutely not. Maybe because we in Holland are an hour ahead of you guys... Saturday is always a lazy day for me. I'll be in front of the telly all day!
Barry Rose, Prestwich, Manchester on March 28th, 2008
This is why Sky+ was invented....
Martyn, Birmingham on March 28th, 2008
Yes this will affect my viewing of Dr Who... i work on Saturday til 6pm and will not get home in time to watch, not all of us have a recorder to watch it later.
Vickz, Leics on March 28th, 2008
I agree with him, Doctor Who should stay at its usual time of 7pm. This is now going to make it really hard for me to wtach and many other people I know. They should either show I'd do anything at an earlier or later time, this show is tiresome and boring and it doesn't do that well in ratings. I don't see why the BBC are putting so much effort into these reality shows. It's the same tiresome format series after series!!
Jen, Daz, Cagsy & Pete, Liverpool. on March 28th, 2008
We don't get home from work till 6.30 so thats our fun ruined, thanks BBC your cheque for another outlandish TV licence fee is in the mail!!! :<
Twilighter on March 28th, 2008
Considering DW is not having a full season next year but Specials, the needs for high ratings might not be that important - either that or the Beeb are getting bored with DW and its time to play 'sod-around-with-the time slots'. Still IMO after DW Beeb on Saturday is crap as for ITV -hopeless.
Jen, Bradford on March 28th, 2008
It will definitely affect my viewing as I have young children who are still a bit little to watch. They don't go to bed until 7pm ish so I won't be able to watch it until later, probably on "catch up".
Stu, Grantham on March 28th, 2008
there will be no drop in viewing figures (i have spoken!)remember the "morse effect"? pubs used to empty on wednesday in the `90s.people will watch irrespective of broadcast time
Helen, MK on March 28th, 2008
No, won't affect me as we sky+ everything and watch when it suits. Both the new and old times are the kids bedtimes so we will be busy regardless of when they show it.
John Mc Glinchey, Burnley on March 28th, 2008
Theres few programmes people will alter their daily schedule for - Doctor Who is one of them. It will also promote the need get BBC Digital to see the repeats. So all those cheap skates who haven't got it will finally have to buy Sky, cable or a freeview box
Philip, London on March 28th, 2008
I love Dr Who and think that this time slot is really bad, I mean making way for ANOTHER silly show "I'd Do Anything"....... we love Dr Who and it should be number 1 over this trash. The only saving grace is that I can watch it at 7pm or when I'm ready on the iplayer www.bbc.uk.uk/iplayer but this is not the case for everyone. We should all send the BBC 7 nuts each, 7 to represent the time Dr Who should be on and the Nuts to represent who nuts we thing they all are.
Luna69, Tyne and Wear on March 28th, 2008
I think the time slot should have been left alone and have I'd do anything the same as any dream will do first. I watch these because my son does and have been drawn in, but I'm more interested in Dr Who. Personally though, this new time slot will be better for me, since I put my youngest to bed for 7, so usually ended up missing the beginning or having to wait and watch it later after it was recorded, but do like to sit down with my kids and watch it when it's actually on. I'm not impressed with the move of Torchwood though, my 9 and 10 pm Wednesday evening viewing was all messed up. These are pretty much the only tv I watch at the moment.
Nic, Staffs on March 28th, 2008
I think its a good thing. It wont make any difference to our viewing of the program, I'm sure the Who fans will watch it at any time. I do think that they have tried to push the age of the show up tho with a lot of inuendos that i found unnecessary and why all the love interests, why can't they concentrate more on the aliens and adventures than the fact that every one that helps the Dr gets all puppy eyed at him. I obviously understand how they feel (lol) but the kids find it all a bit unnecessary and boring so maybe the earlier slot will change that, we are not looking forward to the return of the tyler clan!
Bill, Surrey on March 29th, 2008
Stupid, stupid, stupid move!
Sharon Squires, Scotland on March 29th, 2008
my whole family will be watching what ever time it is on, we will be recording it and will watch several times during the week before watching the next episode the following week. we have done this since series one what a fantastic show
Kate, Belper on March 29th, 2008
Yes I agree. If I hadn't read this article, I would have presumed that it would be on at 7pm. I would have been really annoyed if I'd turned on the tv at 7pm to find it had finished.
Gavin, Cardiff on March 29th, 2008
If it ain't broke then don't fix it. Personally, I can't stand the endless onslaught of these musical 'reality' shows on a Saturday night and quality family drama like Dr Who should, in my mind, always take precident. I work on Saturdays and would (without Sky+) now miss the start. Russel T Davies is right to voice his concerns.
Caroline, Surrey on March 29th, 2008
I think it is better that it is on earlier, as my son who is six can watch it with me. Anyway, when I was younger it used to be on at 5.30 pm. So, I don't see the problem.
Ian Betts, St Helens on March 29th, 2008
I also think it better at so as the old day children use watch behind the sofa and in the old day it use to be on 7pm keep to the same time slot you can't eat/Hide behind sofa and watch tv keep it 7pm
Andy, Bucks on March 30th, 2008
I guess the decision is made on the basis of viewing share rather than total numbers. Broadcast earlier, the share is likely to be even higher since Doctor Who attracts a loyal following who will tune in whatever time - even when viewing numbers across all channels are low (=Doctor Who with higher share). Nevertheless - it is a daft decision. The press will focus on a poor return (6m?) and people will start to think Doctor Who is on the wane. Nice one BBC. Sometimes I love you. Times like this I think you're mad!
Sue, Leeds on March 30th, 2008
I complained on the Doctor Who website and got an email back from them saying that "The show will be repeated at 8pm on Sundays. We would stress that although the series starts with a 6.20pm episode, it moved all around the schedules last year, so may turn up later in the evening some weeks" I think it`s a stupid time to put it on, some of us have to work and not eveyone can afford sky plus or digital recorders and it`s not quite the same watching it later, we`ve waited long enough for it to come back.
Sharon, Manchester on March 30th, 2008
My husband and I both enjoy Doctor Who, we have been waiting for this next series impatiently. But, as we have 2 young children who go to bed at this time we will have to record and wait till it's over to watch it!
Bob Robson on June 7th, 2008
dont really mind but it hints that they are making it more child freindly also, they are turning doctor who into a children's programme - the 'adipose' were just ridiculous, and some lines so cheesy they made me cringe
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