MovieChat Forums > Doctor Who (2006) Discussion > Doctor Who 60th anniversary special sets...

Doctor Who 60th anniversary special sets ratings record

posted 6 months ago by Satan2016 (23649)
10 replies | jump to latest

That's just the UK. I doubt Disney will say.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a45949869/doctor-who-60th-anniversary-record-viewing-figures/

Doctor Who made its grand return on Saturday (November 25) with David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Russell T Davies back to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary and kick off its new era.

The first of three anniversary specials, 'The Star Beast', translated all the hype into ratings success. The episode had an overnight rating of 5.08 million, according to figures quoted by the BBC's entertainment correspondent Lizo Mzimba.

Not only is it the biggest launch for a drama this year, it's also the biggest overnight ratings for an episode of Doctor Who since 'Resolution' in 2019, which was the show's first New Year's Day special after years of Christmas Day instalments.

[–] Satan2016 (23649) 5 months ago

Bump, because some moron said ratings were dropping again!

[–] RipRoss (365) 5 months ago

So the ‘record’ is the highest ratings since an early episode in the disastrous Jodie Whittaker era, but by far the lowest ratings of any of David Tennant’s episodes.

In other words, fail, but nice try with the spin.

[–] capuchin (2714) 5 months ago

the biggest launch for a drama this year

That's the record being referred to in the article. An annual record for a drama show launch. Not too shabby.

You have to compare present viewing figures with present viewing figures. It's pretty meaningless to compare overnight viewing figures from 2023 with those of 2006-9. The world has changed.

[–] RipRoss (365) 5 months ago

Setting a record means achieving the best result in the entire history of something, not within a specific time period. This is quibbling over semantics, but the article’s headline is misleading and should have said ‘season record’.

Either way, the show is holding steady with Whittaker’s ratings. It could be on the verge of cancellation, but that’ll probably depend on how well it does on Disney+. Or if Disney just wants to keep it afloat for the benefit of their social agenda.

[–] Skavau (9877) 5 months ago

It's BBCs biggest international series currently. It's not going anywhere.

And Disney has nothing to do with whether or not it continues. It's a BBC show.

[–] capuchin (2714) 5 months ago

Setting a record means achieving the best result in the entire history of something

Not in this instance. I've just told you what it means here. I agree the headline is misleading. Headlines often are.

Doctor Who isn't on the verge of cancellation. And it won't be on the verge of cancellation regardless of what happens with it on Disney, because Disney have no say whatsoever in the matter. All Disney could do is not renew their distribution deal.

Doctor Who is owned by the BBC and made primarily for a British audience. The BBC is a public service broadcaster who are not bound by ratings anyway, because they're not a commercial enterprise. They do not operate by the rules and practices of American network television.

[–] RipRoss (365) 5 months ago

Saying to set a record without a qualifier does mean within the entire history of whatever that record is. I do understand what you mean. And like I said, this is just arguing over semantics.

The BBC does have to take ratings into consideration because it should be accountable to its audience and continually demonstrate its relevance to taxpayers.

In the future the BBC will likely be pursuing more on deals with third party media companies providing funding, so Disney can indeed have a big say on the matter.

But now that I think about it, I believe the BBC wants to keep the show afloat too, partially for some of the same reasons Disney would. So I agree the show probably won’t be cancelled for some time. But definitely more so if Disney stays on board.

[–] capuchin (2714) 5 months ago

And like I said, this is just arguing over semantics.

It isn't an argument. Or at least if it is, it's a one-sided one. I'm literally just giving you accurate information to correct your misconceptions. It hasn't worked. You've persisted in each and every one of them. But that's your problem rather than mine.

[–] RipRoss (365) 5 months ago

I think we’re on the same page on things overall and just arguing over side points.

I was speculating that the show could be on the verge of cancellation, but after thinking things out replying to you, I now agree that it’s likely not.

[–] Skavau (9877) 5 months ago

>The BBC does have to take ratings into consideration because it should be accountable to its audience and continually demonstrate its relevance to taxpayers.

To an extent, but not remotely to the extent of a Netflix show. Doctor Who is also one of its most securest brands.

>In the future the BBC will likely be pursuing more on deals with third party media companies providing funding, so Disney can indeed have a big say on the matter.

Disney could break off their partnership. Doctor Who would still likely go on without them.