It’s a bit complicated. The BBC own Doctor Who, but the commercial rights for the show are controlled by its wholly-owned subsidiary, BBC Worldwide, which owns 50% of BBC America. So, while BBCA don’t actually own the rights to broadcast the older serials, they could certainly buy them – if they thought they would draw an audience, and BBC Worldwide were happy that it wouldn’t harm their DVD sales (and that they couldn’t sell the rights for more money elsewhere).
I think it’s worth noting that BBC Worldwide withdrew the broadcast rights to the older serials around the time of the launch of the new series in 2005 – they were trying to sell the new series, and I suppose they wanted to offer a potential broadcaster exclusive rights to the Doctor Who brand. I dare say they also wanted to prevent the possibility of viewers hearing about a new show called Doctor Who and tuning in to the wrong channel by mistake, only to find Jon Pertwee being terrorised by a badly-CSOd glove puppet.
I wonder if BBCA are using the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to test the waters with some of the old stuff – in which case, whether they broadcast any more will depend on the ratings. But then that’s true of everything in commercial TV, of course.
It’s a curious choice. Not one that I would rank as one of the best Pertwee serials. However I suppose it ties in directly with “Rose”, the first Nu Who episode.
I’m not a shill for the Entertainment Weekly magazine, but this week their cover story is on Dr. Who’s 50th Anniversary. The best part (for me) is an interview with Peter Jackson, who it turns out is a big DrWho fan. He met his partner Fran Walsh because of Dr.Who! LOTR & Who trivia collide.
(Also Jackson’s daughter, one of his adorable kiddies who had cameos in the LOTR films is now 16. Time moves way too quickly).
Interesting article with Steven Moffat. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be around after the 50th special. There’s also rumors Matt is leaving.
I hope they don’t ruin this show. It’s always a risk bringing in a new Show Runner/Writer and then even more risk with a new actor. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I recall rumors last year that Matt wanted out and they managed to get him back this season for the 50th.
As soon as someone new starts they speculate on when they’re leaving. As soon as they confirm leaving they speculate when they’ll return in a special episode.
I’ll believe it when it’s official, and not before.
This definitely made my morning (well, the David Tennant part anyway–I would have preferred Donna to Rose if they were going to bring back a companion who we thought was permanently gone).
I really hope we get the chance to see Ten and Eleven together.
I can’t recall where I read it, but aren’t the new episodes supposed to tie in with the 50th Special? We’ll all be guessing what’s going on with Clara Oswald and any new mysteries Steven Moffatt dreams up.
Looking forward to seeing tonights episode. I’m curious how the Doctor finds Clara again.
