Showrunner Chris Chibnall and the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, have confirmed they will be exiting the TARDIS. Chris Chibnall 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.
Chris Chibnall makes history
Showrunner Chris Chibnall will be remembered for making the groundbreaking decision to cast Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. During his tenure as showrunner episodes, such as Rosa, Demons Of The Punjab, and Spyfall garnered critical acclaim and award recognition. Those awards include two Bafta Must-See Moment nominations, along with multiple National Television Award, BAFTA Cymru, TV Choice, Screen Nation, Hugo, Saturn, and Critics Choice nominations.
The series was awarded the Visionary Awards TV Show Of The Year, the Canadian Rockie Award from the BANFF Television Festival for best sci-fi and genre series, while Mandip Gill and Vinay Patel were recognized with wins from the Eastern Eye Awards. 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.
Under Chibnall’s direction, the series won 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.
The Impact of Jodie Whittaker and the 13th Doctor
In a time where the majority of our superheroes were male, the reveal of Jodie Whittaker’s casting was met with an overwhelming “It’s about time.” It was said so often that it became a slogan for the eleventh series.
When Jodie Whittaker made her first public debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 the crowds exploded with applause, both at the Doctor Who panel, the women in Sci-Fi panel, and when Jodie surprised fans at the Her Universe Fashion Show. She was an instant hit with these fans. Perhaps it was the fact that she was so endearing as a person, or perhaps it was just the general excitement over having more representation in our favorite show.
For some who knew Jodie from shows like Broadchurch (which was also helmed by Chris Chibnall and stared other Doctor Who alum) and her previous work, there may have even been a comfort that a well-received actress would be taking up the mantel and not some unknown strangers.
There is just something special and unique about Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor that resonates with fans. 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.
Perhaps it’s the fact that she is representing millions of women who can now see themselves as the Doctor. A role that, for most of our lives, has gone to men. The 12th series slogan “Space. For All” spoke to that representation and to the inclusivity that so many yearn for. There are many reasons why Doctor Who has lasted as long as it has. I believe part of it is the show is always evolving along with our society. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it honors the past but doesn’t hang on to the past. It allows itself to evolve, to change, and to grow.
Fan Reactions
At the comic book conventions all around the world, children and adults of all ages dress up as the 13th Doctor. There is definitely something about Jodie’s Doctor that resonated with fans. Her empathy, kindness, and silliness both on and off the screen have made her a fan favorite.
On Instagram, Cosplayer @maddie_whovian writes “Jodie’s Doctor changed my life. I could write over 1k words about how much Jodie’s Doctor means to me. Yes, I had a feeling her run as the Doctor was coming to an end here soon, but I’m still not ready. She changed my life. She changed a lot of people’s lives. The 13th Doctor broke barriers and paved the way for a lot of people to dream big. Darkness never sustains. Love abides. Oh, my Doctor of hope. I will miss you. I look forward to the 2021/2022 episodes while I process the fact that after that, you’re moving on.”
@TardisMonkey on Twitter says “Thank you Jodie Whittaker for inspiring me to be who I am” and shares a photo of themselves wearing a 13th Doctor Cosplay and holding a pride flag.
Thank you Jodie Whittaker for inspiring me to be who I am 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ 💙💙✨#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/pebj2LGAKp
— TardisMonkey 🦖 (@tardis_monkey) July 29, 2021
@Laura_Shannon_ shares on Twitter that “Jodie Whittaker crashing through a train roof will always be an iconic entrance to the show”
Jodie Whittaker crashing through a train train roof will always be an iconic entrance to the show 😭
— Laura 🏳️🌈 (@Laura_Shannon_) July 29, 2021
Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall confirm they are leaving
The BBC and BBC America have released statements from both Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall.
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.
“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.”
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 transmit 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 transmit in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.
New episodes will stream on BBC America. You can stream the previous seasons on HBO Max.
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