In a shocking turn of events, Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat has announced he’ll be stepping down after the next series. The reins will be handed off to Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.
Moffat’s last season, the tenth one, will air in spring of 2017, before Chibnall takes over. There will be a Christmas special this year, but it’s unclear if we’ll meet the new companion there or in Season 10.
According to the BBC, they’re holding back Season 10 until 2017 because of big events like the Olympics and Euros (UEFA European Championship) this year.
In talking about his departure, Moffat explained:
“Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. … At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who.”
Besides creating Broadchurch, Chibnall is also known for his writing work on Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Life on Mars.
Here’s what he had to say about picking up the mantle:
“Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world. So it’s a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore.”
Broadchurch is a fantastic series, with plenty of accolades, so I look forward to Chibnall’s leadership with Doctor Who.
Also, admittedly, I was not a fan of Doctor Who under Steven Moffat. I thought the show greatly suffered under his tutelage. He’s a writer, and showrunner, who prefers (badly executed) plots over the colorful characters, heart, and adventure that made me fall in love with Doctor Who in the first place.
I can’t wait to see where the show goes now.
How do you feel about Steven Moffat leaving? Are you looking forward to what Chris Chibnall does with the show? Sound off in the comments!
Source: Radio Times
