‘Doctor Who’ Series 13 Production Begins; Fewer Episodes Expected
by Erik Amaya
The Doctor is on her way back to television screens.
Per BBC America, the 13th series of the revived Doctor Who is once again in production. Jodie Whittaker returns as the 13th Doctor — a numbering system we’re going to continue using despite an number of secret Doctors emerging over the years — and Chris Chibnall continues on as showrunner. In speaking with BBCA’s website, he addressed the difficulty in filming during a pandemic — which includes a further reduction of episodes:
“Given the complexity of making Doctor Who, and with new and rigorous COVID working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual 11,” he said. “But rest assured, the ambition, humor, fun and scares you expect from Doctor Who will all still be firmly in place. For everyone around the world, this is a challenging period – but the Doctor never shirks from a challenge!”
As it happens, Chibnall’s rein as showrunner has seen the series compress from the traditional 13 episodes (plus a Christmas special) to a number more in keeping with modern BBC production orders.
Meanwhile, the Doctor will be seen again soon in the upcoming holiday special, “Revoution of the Daleks.” Produced before the pandemic shutdowns, it sees the Doctor attempt to break free from an intergalactic prison while Yaz (Mandip Gill), Ryan (Tosin Cole), and Graham (Bradley Walsh) face off against a Dalek invasion of Sheffield.
The special has not yet been scheduled to air as the BBC has yet to finalize its holiday programing.