“Doctor Who” has resonated for 58 years, what to do while its on a break

Doctor Who has a history of long breaks between seasons and in some cases even during mid-season. But Doctor Who has a huge expanded universe as well. Today we talk about why Doctor Who has resonated with fans for 58 years and what do you as a Whovian do while you wait for new seasons.

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The Temple of Geek Podcast has been around since 2012 and is currently hosted by Aaron Powell. Here we cover all manner of geek and pop culture news and events.

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Doctor Who

This episode was recorded before the latest Doctor Who news and the Comic-Con @Home panel and the season 13 trailer was released. Shortly after this episode was recorded, Doctor Who Showrunner Chris Chibnall and the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, have confirmed they will exiting the T.A.R.D.I.S.

Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor – Doctor Who Special 2020: Revolution Of The Daleks – Photo Credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/BBCA

Chris Chibnall made the groundbreaking decision to cast Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. Chris is currently writing and producing the 13th series of Doctor Who, consisting of six episodes which will air later this year. It will be followed by three Specials the first of which will happen on New Year’s Day 2022, with another later in spring 2022. Jodie’s final feature-length Special, where the Thirteenth Doctor will regenerate, will take place in the fall of 2022.

L-R: Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gil, Chris Chibnall, and Matt Strevens at the “Doctor Who” Panel San Diego Comic-Con 2018

According to the BBC Press Release on July 29th, the 2020 series won Best Science Fiction Show voted for by readers at Radio Times.com, beating out competition from The Mandalorian, Lucifer, and The Boys, as well as winning both Best Moment and Most Incredible Twist from the Digital Spy Reader Awards 2020, for Fugitive Of The Judoon and Ascension Of The Cybermen. In 2019, the entire current cast and crew were awarded Honorary Doctorates by Sheffield Hallam University for their work on the show.

As the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker stepped aboard the TARDIS to begin filming in 2017. As the first woman to play the iconic role, Jodie has thrilled audiences with her portrayal of the Time Lord, winning the hearts of Doctor Who fans across the globe. Jodie’s multi-layered, warm, funny, and inspiring depiction of the Doctor not only created a first in Doctor Who history, but in 2020, Jodie was voted Second Most Popular Doctor of all time, coming within a whisker of her friend David Tennant, in a poll of more than 50,000 fans for Radio Times.

Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor sits in an alien jail cell during the Doctor Who Special 2020: Revolution Of The Daleks
Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor – Doctor Who Special 2020: Revolution Of The Daleks – Photo Credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/BBCA

Chris Chibnall says: “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the TARDIS keys.

“Jodie’s magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She’s been the gold standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity, and humor. She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production. I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to!

“For me, leading this exceptional team has been unrivaled creative fun, and one of the great joys of my career. I’m so proud of the people we’ve worked with and the stories we’ve told. To finish our time on the show with an additional Special, after the pandemic changed and challenged our production plans, is a lovely bonus. It’s great that the climax of the Thirteenth Doctor’s story will be at the heart(s) of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.

Jodie Whittaker stands on stage and smiles as she's being introduced by Moderator Terri Schwartz and Jodie Whittaker at the "Doctor Who" Panel San Diego Comic-Con 2018
Moderator Terri Schwartz and Jodie Whittaker at the “Doctor Who” Panel San Diego Comic-Con 2018

“I wish our successors – whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose – as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!”

Jodie Whittaker adds: “In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds, and wonders I was to see in them. My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it, and for what it has brought to my life. And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories.

“We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.

“I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

About our guests

In this episode, host Monica is joined by Eugene and Nate “Doc In The Box”  to discuss how Doctor Who has a history of long breaks between seasons and in some cases even during mid-season. But Doctor Who has a huge expanded universe as well. We talk about why Doctor Who has resonated with fans for 58 years and what do you as a Whovian do while you wait for new seasons.

Eugene, hos of the Who New Podcast

Eugene is the executive producer of the Who New Podcast. He also acts as the moderator for the show. You can find him as the person behind all of the Who New Podcast social media. His podcast is about the modern series of Doctor Who. They gather together to discuss the themes, ideas, and concepts per episode. Who New consists of seven friends who share a love for the Doctor Who series. It includes Alburn, Arleene, Brian, Eugene, Frank, Heather, Josh, Kelsy.

Recent Who New podcast mentioned during this episode: Episode 705: The Angels Take Manhattan Part 2

Cosplayer Nate (Doc In The Box)

Nate is the creative director and content creator for Temple of Geek. He serves as the host for Temple of Geek’s Doctor Who Review Series “Who Review”.

Monica

Monica is one of the hosts of the Temple of Geek Podcast. She also dabbles in cosplay photography. She can usually be found around the Southern California pop culture and comic book convention scene. You can check out some of her work here.

For more Whovian coverage check out:

Titan Comics Doctor Who at Comic-Con @Home 2021- Missy and More!

Author

  • Monica Duarte

    Born and raised under the California sun. Monica is the Editor-In-Chief at Temple of Geek. She also serves as Executive Producer of The Temple of Geek Podcast, Retro Rebel Podcast, and Portrait of a Fangirl. Lover of all things geeks but especially sci-fi like Doctor Who, The Expanse, Star Wars and Star Trek.

    View all posts
Monica Duarte

Monica Duarte

Born and raised under the California sun. Monica is the Editor-In-Chief at Temple of Geek. She also serves as Executive Producer of The Temple of Geek Podcast, Retro Rebel Podcast, and Portrait of a Fangirl. Lover of all things geeks but especially sci-fi like Doctor Who, The Expanse, Star Wars and Star Trek.

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