Doctor Who Is Returning To One Big Franchise Tradition in 2024

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Doctor Who Is Returning To One Big Franchise Tradition in 2024

Highlights

  • Doctor Who to bring back beloved Christmas special tradition in 2024, marking a return to nostalgic form.
  • Gatwa’s Doctor faces character development in upcoming Christmas special, reconnecting to old fan-favorite plot formula.
  • Disney rumored to cancel Doctor Who due to poor international viewership, fans hope Christmas special will boost appeal.

As a long-time Whovian who’s grown up with the TARDIS as a constant companion, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia with the announcement that the Doctor Who Christmas special is coming back in 2024! It’s like reuniting with an old friend you haven’t seen in ages and realizing how much you’ve missed them.

2024 will mark a thrilling comeback for an endearing seasonal custom that’s close to my heart – yes, you guessed it, the long-awaited return of a beloved tradition in the Doctor Who universe! I can hardly contain my excitement, knowing that both fellow enthusiasts and the talented cast and crew are equally eager to bring this back to life.

For decades, Doctor Who has solidified itself as a significant cultural icon in the realm of television science fiction. Throughout its long-running history, it has established numerous traditions, both within and beyond its narrative, which have evolved over time. Recently, the franchise has undergone substantial changes, with Jodie Whitaker introducing the first female version of the Doctor, and Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the role as the 15th Doctor following an extraordinary regeneration process.

Similar to how Gatwa’s Doctor incorporated elements from previous incarnations, it appears that the Doctor Who franchise may be following suit by revisiting a traditional aspect from past seasons. In a conversation with Collider, lead actor Gatwa explained Ruby Sunday’s absence in the 2024 Doctor Who Christmas special, stating, “When we meet him, he’s sad, bored, and seeking adventure because he’s lost his best friend!” This sentiment was echoed by franchise head Russell T. Davies who said, “That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? He misses her.” Ruby, who has been a companion since Gatwa’s debut in the previous Christmas special, seems to be taking a break to spend time with her family, suggesting a revival of the Doctor Who tradition where the Christmas special serves as a standalone adventure for the Doctor.

Earlier versions of the Doctor Who Christmas specials featured the Doctor embarking on standalone adventures, often during the holiday season, while temporarily leaving their current companions behind. This format was highly successful after the show’s revival in 2005 but deviated in recent years, even skipping the Christmas special tradition when it returned in 2022. However, the introduction of Joy, a new character played by Nicola Coughlan, suggests that the original formula might be revived. As for their relationship, Gatwa shares that “Joy teaches him a lot.” He continues, “They embark on a beautiful journey together, where they learn about themselves and find self-discovery – exactly what the Doctor needs.”

In December, we have the upcoming Christmas special called “Joy to the World.” This is a significant event for Gatwa’s Doctor as it signifies one year since he first appeared in the series, “The Church on Ruby Road” in 2023. Moreover, this special will serve as a crucial turning point in his character development.

Although recent installments have provided fans with plenty of fresh content in the series, there’s been a persistent whisper that Disney might terminate “Doctor Who” after two seasons, allegedly because of lower-than-expected viewership. Despite being well-established in its British market, it appears that the global popularity hasn’t reached Disney’s extremely high expectations. Devoted fans can only cross their fingers that the upcoming Christmas special will demonstrate the show’s genuine allure to new audiences when it airs later this year.

Doctor Who is currently available to stream on Disney+ in the United States.

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2024-08-22 21:24