‘Doctor Who’ Season 14 Release Window, Cast, Plot, and More

It’s always a bittersweet moment when The Doctor regenerates. This personality that you’ve come to know and love has to leave, but at least it’s still the same person, right? There’s a science to the art of regeneration. It has to properly send off the current Doctor while giving room for a new actor to come in and fill the Timelord’s shoes. Just based on how many people cherish this show, that’s a task I wouldn’t want to have.

Welcoming a New Doctor

A few months ago, it was announced that Ncuti Gatwa would be talking on the mantle as the next Doctor. The collective internet exploded, with many Whovians (and surprisingly locals) expressing their excitement. There was even a section of the fandom with a newfound desire to get back into the show specifically for this new iteration of the beloved character.

It was a huge step when Jodie Whitaker took on the role, making history as the first-ever woman to do so. That decision had been teased for some time, and now the role is once again blown open because Ncuti will be the first ever black actor to fly the TARDIS and have adventures across time and space. In addition, according to Neil Patrick Harris (who will also be starring in the show as the villain), Gatwa’s incarnation will be the first gay Doctor. Needless to say, we were salivating for the first glimpse of 14th Timelord and what we got was complicated—but also awesome. 

Spoilers…

In a trailer released by the BBC, Jodie’s Doctor begins her regeneration and instead of the face we were expecting, we were met with a familiar one, a callback to teeth and three “whats” in a row. We came face to screen with one of the most beloved actors to take on the role—the one and only David Tennant. Jaws dropped and I believe they’ve been open ever since. From what we know, Tennant will serve as the interim Fourteenth Doctor, then hand over the reins to Gatwa. 

This news is somewhat expected, but at the same time shocking. It was already known that Tennant would be taking part in the 60th anniversary of the show, but what was uncertain was what capacity. He was already a special guest for the 50th anniversary, starring alongside Matt Smith and Tom Baker, but according to reports, Tennant will serve in the role for a full three episodes before taking his leave. It’s sure to be nothing short of fantastic.

A New (Kind of) Showrunner

If that wasn’t enough reason to be excited, original Doctor Who reboot showrunner Russell T. Davies will also be returning to the series. Just to jog your memory Davies served as showrunner from 2005-2010, where he and Tennant (and Christopher Eccleston!) made quite the team. It was his mind that spawned stories such as The Waters of Mars and Midnight. It will be interesting to see where he and Gatwa take the show as Davies described the incoming Doctor’s audition as a “thunderbolt.” Did I mention that Catherine Tate will also be returning as Donna Noble, at least for Tennant’s run? Yeah, we’re in for a treat.

Davies said to the BBC: “If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we’ve got plenty more surprises on the way! The path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger, and fun! And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble? How, what, why? We’re giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!” This is huge seeing that Donna’s exit was always a sore spot for fans, and now the possibilities are endless when it comes to her return.

What Now?

So that bit was the good news, the bad news is, we have to wait until November 2023 for the season 14 premiere. So you basically have time to catch up on all 13 seasons. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find the time to slip some Classic Who in your watch.

Featured Image via The BBC

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