TV
Davies: BBC has 'cocked up' 'Who' time
Published Friday, Mar 28 2008, 12:35 GMT | By Dave West | 51 comments
The drama will take up the new slot when it returns on April 5 to allow I'd Do Anything to air at 7.10pm.
Davies said he was worried because the series is the last full run of Who before 2010. Next year there will be three specials.
"At 6.20pm, it'll get 1.5m less viewers than it already has," he said, speaking at a Broadcast event in London. "I've told them this, but they won't shift at all. You need to maintain slots and they've gone and cocked it up now. Maybe they're right, but I think they're wrong."
The producer, who was behind the revival of the show, also confessed to rewriting others' scripts if he did not like them. He said: "I'll rewrite 100% if I have to. With Steven Moffat's scripts, I don't touch a word, but anyone else's I do...
"We're not there to experiment and we're not there to let someone fail. You've got to do everything you can to make it brilliant every week."
> Will the change of timeslot affect your watching Doctor Who? Share your views
Your Views
51 Comments
Your Responses
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Bill, Surrey, on March 29th, 2008
Stupid, stupid, stupid move!
Stupid, stupid, stupid move!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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".
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".
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.
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, 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!!! :<
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!!! :<
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!!
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!!
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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