Doctor Who has been the epitome of British family viewing for more than 60 years.
But now the BBC has frustrated fans by announcing that episodes from the new series will debut at midnight on Fridays – rather than the usual peak-time Saturday slot.
Devotees of the sci-fi series, which stars Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th doctor and Millie Gibson as his travelling companion, Ruby Sunday, say the decision to launch the show in the graveyard slot is a snub to its younger fans, who will be fast asleep at the time.
They also say it undermines the show’s reputation for being ‘event television’. The unusual scheduling decision is the result of a new, multi-million-pound deal between the BBC – which has exclusive rights to the series in the UK – and Disney+, which has broadcast rights for the rest of the world.
Ncuti Gatwa (left) will be starring in the new series as the 15th doctor and Millie Gibson (right) will be his travelling companion, Ruby Sunday
Fans of the series say the decision to launch the show in the graveyard slot is a snub to its younger fans, who will be fast asleep at the time. Pictured: David Tennant as the Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble
For the first time, it has been agreed the show will be broadcast around the globe simultaneously.
This decision benefits American viewers, who will be able to watch episodes as they air each week on Disney+ at the family-friendly time of 7pm in the eastern US.
British viewers who want to watch the show when it is released will have to tune in to the episodes on the BBC’s iPlayer at midnight.
The BBC will then broadcast the new episodes again in the show’s traditional Saturday evening slot.
Doctor Who, which remains one of the biggest hits on British television, has a huge online presence, with fan websites and social media accounts discussing the show.
As soon as it airs on Disney+, its plot lines are likely to be common knowledge throughout the world, meaning British fans may find the plot spoiled before they have the chance to tune in.
One fan on X described the decision as ‘heartbreaking for UK audiences’.
The new way of scheduling the series will begin on May 10 when Disney+ airs two new episodes.
Many Doctor Who fans were delighted when the BBC announced Disney would be investing in the show. The US company’s involvement means there is much more money for special effects and locations, and the trailer for the new series has a series of stunning set pieces.
The decision benefits American viewers, who will be able to watch episodes as they air each week on Disney+ at the family-friendly time of 7pm in the eastern US. Pictured: David Tennant as the Doctor
But now some fans are having second thoughts about Disney’s involvement. One wrote on X: ‘Absolutely furious that Doctor Who is getting released at midnight… it should be on BBC One at its usual time slot first.’
One viewer said: ‘Disney viewers in the US are getting the highest priority and will receive [the show] at an acceptable time and won’t have to avoid spoilers.’
‘The BBC really sold UK viewers out for that sweet Disney money,’ said another.
Russell T Davies, the showrunner behind the new series, says Disney’s support will ensure the show has a future, even if the BBC doesn’t survive in its current form.
And Sebastian J Brook, the site editor of the Doctor Who Online fan site, supported his claim.
He said: ‘We are living in an age where the way that we watch TV has changed so much. I think this is a fairer way to distribute TV. For all of these years its been America having to catch up with us.
‘By doing it this way it makes fair for everyone because they can watch it at the same time. I know the UK time of midnight is not ideal particularly for young children. But they will be able to watch it in the morning at a time which suits them.’
He added: ‘By doing it this way you’re safeguarding the show for generations to come.’
A spokesman for the BBC declined to comment.