Russell T. Davies On Those Calling Doctor Who ‘Woke’

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Summary

  • Doctor Who has embraced diversity and social commentary, with the showrunner dismissing critics, calling it “woke.”
  • The show has a history of challenging norms and addressing real-world issues, including injustice and anti-authoritarianism.
  • Cast members defend the show’s inclusive themes, viewing being “woke” as championing kindness, inclusivity, and progress.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve encountered criticisms leveled at Doctor Who, some labeling it as “woke.” Yet, the show’s creator has boldly responded to these detractors.

For more than six decades, the esteemed “Doctor Who” television program has been broadcast, making it the longest-running science fiction series in Britain. Over time, its narrative has adapted and transformed. In recent years, the series has championed diversity by featuring a female lead, Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, and giving significant roles to Black actors like Jo Martin as the Fugitive Doctor. Most recently, Ncuti Gatwa was cast as the Fifteenth Doctor, marking him as the first Black and queer actor to headline the show. While some applaud these progressive changes, others have voiced disapproval, labeling the series as “woke.” After a period of silence, showrunner Russell T Davies, who reintroduced the series in 2005, has now addressed this criticism openly.

On BBC Radio 2’s program titled “Doctor Who: 20 Secrets from 20 Years“, Davies addressed the criticisms leveled at the show regarding its promotion of diversity. He referred to those online critics as “[people] accusing us of pushing for diversity and wokeness, including messages and topics.” However, he chose not to engage with these critics, stating that for him, “diversity” simply means an open door. When asked if he intentionally wrote such themes into the show, Davies responded by saying it was “[the] only way [he knows] how to write.” He further explained that paying attention to criticism would hinder his creativity.

As a movie reviewer, I can empathize with the challenge of working within such confined creative spaces. And that’s precisely the reason: Why constrict yourself? Why dwell in the smoggy atmosphere, why indulge in negativity? Instead, join me over here where there’s vitality, illumination, freedom, and a symphony of sounds.

In the 15th season of Doctor Who, Varada Sethu, the latest companion, has previously mentioned the controversy surrounding the show being labeled as “woke”. However, she hinted that there are references to this criticism in the new season. Sethu doesn’t find it as a negative remark about the show but rather sees it as a positive indication that they are “acting with integrity” or “doing the right thing.” For her, being “woke” signifies standing for kindness, inclusivity, and progress. Additionally, she revealed that Gatwa had told her that their duo, being two Black actors, would upset many people.

Doctor Who Has Kind Of Been ‘Woke’ Since The 1960s, If You’ve Been Paying Attention

Doctor Who is known for promoting diverse casting, inclusive storytelling, and social commentary, which some people refer to as “progressive” or “woke”. However, this has been a characteristic of the show since its inception in the 1960s. The show has always pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. It tackles themes like social justice, anti-authoritarianism, and other relevant issues. Since diversity has always been at the heart of the show’s values, it’s not surprising that they’ve cast a female or Black lead, addressed real-world issues, and given representation to underrepresented groups. These elements are inherent to the very essence of Doctor Who.

Some viewers might perceive certain episodes as politically charged or didactic, but this largely depends on the individual’s perspective. If one approaches the episodes with hostility, they might view them negatively, labeling them as “woke.” However, whether the show is “woke” is subjective, as Sethu views the term favorably. Regardless, the series has consistently adhered to its mission of confronting injustice and championing diversity. Fans of Doctor Who appreciate what the show offers, while those who prefer criticism could opt for other science fiction shows that cater more to their taste.

Doctor Who Season 15 is now streaming on Disney+.

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2025-04-17 20:49