Russell T Davies has been reflecting on Doctor Who's partnership with Disney+, raising questions about whether the programme was ever a natural fit for the streaming platform.
But while Doctor Who's international future remains uncertain, the BBC is preparing something rather different: TARDIS Crew, a new animated series for CBeebies aimed at introducing younger children to the Doctor's adventures.
Could the key to Doctor Who's survival be attracting a new generation of British children rather than chasing an international streaming audience?
In this edition of Kasterborous, Christian Cawley and James McLean explore three connected aspects of Doctor Who's past, present and future.
We begin with Russell T Davies' forthcoming memoir, The Queerest of Folk, and his reflections on the Disney+ partnership. Was Doctor Who's problem the programme itself, or the platform on which it was being presented?
The conversation then turns to some intriguing Doctor Who projects that never reached television, including abandoned Series 3 story ideas and discussions of the franchise's various spin-offs. It's a reminder that Doctor Who's history is full of alternative directions, unrealised ideas and opportunities that might have changed the programme considerably.
Finally, attention turns to TARDIS Crew.
With 52 short episodes planned for CBeebies, the animated series represents a very different approach to expanding the Doctor Who universe.
James argues that introducing children to Doctor Who could be one of the smartest decisions the BBC has made for the franchise in years. Christian is less certain, questioning the role of merchandising and whether the cartoon will succeed in an increasingly competitive children's television market.
The discussion also takes in In the Night Garden, Bluey, Hey Duggee and the enduring appeal of classic children's television.
What do you think?
Was Disney+ ever the right home for Doctor Who? Are there abandoned stories you'd still like to see produced? And could TARDIS Crew introduce enough new viewers to secure the programme's future?
We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Kasterborous is presented by Christian Cawley and James McLean, discussing Doctor Who, classic television, science fiction and popular culture.
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