Series 5 to be split in two?
According to various sources this weekend, the fifth series of Doctor Who will be split into two to avoid conflict with next year’s FIFA World Cup.
The rumours suggest that new showrunner Steven Moffat has decided to change the show’s broadcasting format completely by beginning the run over Easter 2010, then ending episode 6 on a big cliffhanger in June, to be resolved in episode 7 when the series returns in October.
It’s thought that the BBC are keen to avoid a ratings clash with the football, which resulted in a major audience dip back in 2006 during Doctor Who’s second series. The new format would also mean that the 2010 Christmas special would be considered as part of the series itself, rather than a standalone adventure.
As always with these sort of rumours, treat them with a pinch of salt for now – but we’ll keep you updated when/if any more information appears!
This would be a wise decision methinks.
I really doubt this will happen. I mean, it’s not due to whatever events are on that the ratings decline, it’s due to whether or not the episodes on are good compared to the football. Series Two wasn’t really a good series, so you could expect the ratings to decline. The second half of Series Four ran against Euro 2008 and got great ratings due to the fantastic storylines.
Due to the anticipation surrounding Series Five with Moffat in charge, I’d believe they might be fools to split the series in half. Also, there would be the problem with Series Two of Merlin clashing with the second half of Series Five if they were to split the series in two.
How can a series be declared “good” until its aired?? The thing was still shooting while it was airing!
The main reasons why it wont be split is it will clash with the BBC’s other saturday night shows and then x-factor over on ITV.
The other reason is mercandising… no box sets or action figures to sell at christmas.
They could always change the broadcast time, or show it on Sunday.
*In a small voice* It was my favourite. I mean, it had Doomsday, it had School Reunion, it had Girl in the Fireplace. Fear Her – I love that one.
Ah, now that I can agree with. I love Merlin.
But fans got really annoyed last year when they made it earlier. Do you remember all the complaints about people who weren’t home from work etc? And Doctor Who just embodies Saturday nights at 7pm. RTD said that he was given the timeslot much earlier than you normally would for another show, and that that timeslot is what made the show what it is. If you’re going to move anything, move one of the talent contests to a Sunday – it hasn’t done Dancing on Ice any harm.
i loved series two! thats so unfair. That was when I became a full on whovian :D. I agree with Mass, I think it would be stupid to compete against x factor and I personally think audiences will be annoyed if they have to go MORE months without seeing an episode. Think of the strain its putting on everyone now because they have to wait months before the next doctor who special.
I think it could seriously harm the programme by splitting it in two
Oh come on Moff, dont ruin this for us! =(
I wouldnt be able to bare it!
But, I suppose it might just be bullcrap from the Sun again. =)
Most probably. This is the angst we go through for paying attention to these rumours. Worth it every time.
Great idea, I’m not missing any footie for Doctor Who