TV
New 'Doctor Who' timeslot causes controversy
Published Thursday, Mar 27 2008, 16:04 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 13 comments
The science fiction show's fourth season will commence at 6.20pm on Saturday, April 5 as opposed to the usual 7pm screening. The audition-based reality show I'd Do Anything has instead been preferred for the later primetime slot, when more families are likely to be watching.
Doctor Who fans have widely condemned the move on the Digital Spy forums, as viewing figures have fallen whenever the show has been broadcast before 7pm over the past three seasons.
Forum member 'prking' from Weston-Super-Mare said: "6.20pm is too early. When its been on at an earlier time in the past few years the ratings have dropped. I'll have to record it as we don't get home home on a Saturday until 6.45-ish". 'Djonshore' from Wales added: "I guess before long it'll be at the 5.30pm timeslot like the old days."
However, 'torchwood08' said: "Great news but isn't 6.20 really early?? Anyway who cares - He's Back."
Last year, the programme's executive producer Russell T Davies told Doctor Who Magazine: "I don't like it being on before seven o'clock. It just feels "lesser" at that time of day."
> Click here for our look at Doctor Who's past timeslots
Your Views
13 Comments
Your Responses
Steve, Halifax, on March 30th, 2008
What?? Another cheapo "reality" show at 7:00? If I wanted a reality show I'd watch the News.
What?? Another cheapo "reality" show at 7:00? If I wanted a reality show I'd watch the News.
Sophie UK, on March 29th, 2008
Bad move for the beeb here, 7.00pm = Doctor Who time. Screw 'I'd do anything' it's second best to DW.
Bad move for the beeb here, 7.00pm = Doctor Who time. Screw 'I'd do anything' it's second best to DW.
Lucy, Sunderland, on March 28th, 2008
WHAT!!!!! I luv Doctor Who but I'm in Newcastle until 6:30 every Saturday!!!
WHAT!!!!! I luv Doctor Who but I'm in Newcastle until 6:30 every Saturday!!!
Karen, scotland, on March 28th, 2008
Its mental that the BBC are doing this to there flagship drama. 6.20 is too early for most families to be ready for. we can see that the earlier who is on the less people seem to watch. this isnt a good way to start series 4
Its mental that the BBC are doing this to there flagship drama. 6.20 is too early for most families to be ready for. we can see that the earlier who is on the less people seem to watch. this isnt a good way to start series 4
David, Bedford, on March 28th, 2008
Haven't people heard of video recorders, DVD recorders, Sky+, iPlayer? What difference does the schedule make? Come and join us in the 21st century, you'll enjoy it.
Haven't people heard of video recorders, DVD recorders, Sky+, iPlayer? What difference does the schedule make? Come and join us in the 21st century, you'll enjoy it.
Cy Bones, Kent, on March 28th, 2008
Hmmm... The overnights will be interesting! As it is the premier episode I expect that ratings will be high but will they stay high if this is the new regular timeslot???
Hmmm... The overnights will be interesting! As it is the premier episode I expect that ratings will be high but will they stay high if this is the new regular timeslot???
Pete, Wirral., on March 28th, 2008
This is how they killed it off when I was a kid. Messed around with the times, then days. Dont forget the primary audience is children and as the nights get lighter they would rather be outside playing than inside watching TV.
This is how they killed it off when I was a kid. Messed around with the times, then days. Dont forget the primary audience is children and as the nights get lighter they would rather be outside playing than inside watching TV.
Becks, Bristol, on March 28th, 2008
Yes it is way too early, it should be on at 7pm. I`m not home till 6.30pm and I can't record it. I don't have a video.
Yes it is way too early, it should be on at 7pm. I`m not home till 6.30pm and I can't record it. I don't have a video.
Emily, USA, on March 28th, 2008
In the US it isn't even considered prime time unless it's after 8pm, 6:20 is for evening news and reruns of old sitcoms. RTD is right that it's a "lesser" timeslot for a big show, and it seems like a stupid move for the Beeb to cheapen one of its major meal tickets this way. Hopefully something can convince them to bump it back to 7 or later. Good thing I'm watching it on TiVo....
In the US it isn't even considered prime time unless it's after 8pm, 6:20 is for evening news and reruns of old sitcoms. RTD is right that it's a "lesser" timeslot for a big show, and it seems like a stupid move for the Beeb to cheapen one of its major meal tickets this way. Hopefully something can convince them to bump it back to 7 or later. Good thing I'm watching it on TiVo....
Lorraine, Dublin, on March 27th, 2008
Way too early! 7pm is the best time and Dr Who deserves that time slot.
Way too early! 7pm is the best time and Dr Who deserves that time slot.
Barbara Gibb and family, Liverpool, on March 27th, 2008
Are they trying to kill off the show or do they think the fans will watch no matter what time it is scheduled? Here's 3 who won't be able to watch, so goodbye.
Are they trying to kill off the show or do they think the fans will watch no matter what time it is scheduled? Here's 3 who won't be able to watch, so goodbye.
dougieb, Liverpool, on March 27th, 2008
If the Beeb cannot fix a slot on BBC1 surely it would not be the end of the world if BBC2 had a safer slot. 2 does not = 2nd best surely
If the Beeb cannot fix a slot on BBC1 surely it would not be the end of the world if BBC2 had a safer slot. 2 does not = 2nd best surely
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Is anyone surprised?? Do you really think the BBC would move their cash-cow to an earlier slot? Of course not - "I'd Do Anything" has a premium rate phone-in for viewers, and makes the company a lot of money. Not to mention Sir Andrew Lloyd Webbers input!! Dr Who has single handedly saved the BBC on saturday nights for the past 3 years, does anyone else think it is a coincidence that Ant and Dec have already finished? But, the BBC just want teh cash form the phone-in so Dr Who is shunted!!