Brief Summary
This video explores the decline and eventual cancellation of Doctor Who during the Sylvester McCoy era. It covers the reasons behind the show's dwindling popularity, the creative changes implemented to revitalize it, and the ultimate factors that led to its demise in 1989. The video also touches on fan reactions, attempts to revive the show, and the legacy of the Seventh Doctor.
- The show experienced a decline in viewership after its hiatus in 1985.
- Creative changes were implemented to bring back mystery and character development.
- Scheduling conflicts and external pressures contributed to the show's cancellation.
The Decline of Doctor Who
In 1985, Doctor Who went on hiatus, which negatively impacted its reputation. The show's audience, which had once been as high as 9 million, decreased significantly. By 1989, viewership had dropped to 3 to 4 million, signaling the show's decline.
The Sylvester McCoy Era
After the 1985 hiatus, Doctor Who returned with "Trial of a Time Lord," but audience numbers decreased. This led to the firing of Colin Baker, the sixth Doctor. Sylvester McCoy was then cast as the seventh Doctor, initially playing the role with a light and comedic approach that evolved into a darker and more mysterious portrayal. Andrew Cartmel became the script editor and was instrumental in changing the show's direction, bringing back mystery to the Doctor and developing the companion's role.
Scheduling Conflicts and Cancellation
Doctor Who was moved from its Saturday night slot to Monday nights, where it faced competition from ITV's "Coronation Street." Sylvester McCoy expressed his frustration with the BBC's treatment of the show, which included frequent schedule changes. Rumors of cancellation circulated during season 26, and although BBC head of serials Peter Grine stated there were no plans to cancel the show, this was interpreted differently by fans and the media.
Attempts to Revive the Show
Television production at the BBC was changing, with pressure to outsource production to independent companies. Several companies bid to produce Doctor Who, but no progress was made. Fans grew restless, leading to campaigns of letters and phone calls to the BBC. Despite these efforts, the BBC remained silent.
Fan Reactions and Unofficial Cancellation
Frustrated with the BBC's silence, some fans considered suing the BBC for £30 million, covering the loss of three seasons. Peter Grine stated that the show was being rested for an extended period to allow for a fresh and vibrant return. John Nathan Turner attempted to get a special commission for the show's 30th anniversary in 1993, and BBC Enterprises planned a straight-to-video release titled "Lost in the Dark Dimension," which was eventually canceled.
The Legacy and Return
In 2007, Peter Grine stated that he did cancel Doctor Who. Sylvester McCoy got the chance to regenerate in the 1996 TV movie, passing the role to Paul McGann. Sophie Aldred returned as Ace in the 2022 episode "The Power of the Doctor," bringing closure to her character's story. The video concludes by reflecting on the era and its impact on Doctor Who fans, noting the show's resurgence in scripts and performances during its final seasons.
