Should Ncuti Gatwa’s Debut Be Called Series 14, or Season 1? Vote

When Doctor Who returned to our TV screens back in 2005, the show was branded as “Series 1.” This was despite the fact it was still a continuation of the classic era and not a reboot.

However, the show had also been off the air for 16 years, except for the TV Movie in 1996 starring Paul McGann. Since 2005, the show has stuck with sequential numbering for each regular run, taking us all the way to Series 13 last year.

Both Moffat and Chibnall initially planned to rebrand Matt Smith and Jodie Whittaker’s inaugural runs as Season 1/Series 1, but it didn’t come to pass. Now, it appears that Russell T Davies is attempting to do the same with Ncuti Gatwa.

Speaking in the latest issue of SFX magazine, RTD explained: “[2024’s] where the Disney launch will really be starting. Disney love [the 2023] specials and are going to support them, but the massive Disney launch starts in REDACTED with season one.

“Because I think people are beginning to ask, ‘Why is there no big Disney push behind this?’ That’s coming in REDACTED. Ooh, we’re not supposed to say REDACTED, are we?”

He adds: “Next year, season one. Yes, we’re calling it season one … What fun it is, to be controversial.”

Some have speculated that this may be down to Disney, as they would likely prefer to market the show around the rest of the world as a whole new series to make it less intimidating for new viewers.

But, what do you think? Should the show stick with Series 14, or is it time for another new beginning? Vote in our poll below. Results will be announced at a later date.