Doctor Who is being used as a “scheduling pawn” according to the man currently at its helm.

Peter Capaldi has criticised the BBC for broadcasting the current series so late, with recent episodes airing around the 8pm mark on BBC One. Subsequent and inevitable reports have suggested that the time slot has sparked a ratings crisis with overnight figures for the Twelfth Doctor’s second string of adventures averaging 3 million. The actor has insisted, however, that the issue at hand lies with the fact that families can no longer sit down and enjoy the show together.

“I see a lot of kids and families who all love Doctor Who and want to watch it together,” he said. “I used to do that with my daughter when it came back, so it has to be on at a time that’s reasonable for them to do that. Once you get past 8.15pm, you’re getting yourself into adult territory. So I think it’s beginning to move into a zone it doesn’t quite belong in. At its heart, it’s designed for children. So it’s a shame they aren’t given that opportunity.”

His sentiments are shared by Steven Moffat who elaborated: “Doctor Who is not built to go out at 8.25pm. It’s for earlier in the evening. I’m not blasting the BBC or anything, but it’s s not smart. We’re doing fine, though, once you put the consolidated figures in. We’re fine.”

Is Doctor Who on too late?

• Yes. Doctor Who is a family show and, just like Peter said, there are many families with younger children who can now no longer enjoy it together.
• No. What's the big deal? 8pm and later is the perfect time slot for Doctor Who.
• I'm not bothered WHEN it's on, just as long as it is! Doctor Who is back, people, so quit complaining! Did the 16 year hiatus teach you nothing?!

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The new series will continue tonight on BBC One in The Zygon Inversion at… erm, 8pm…