In continuing to break the already broken spirits of many a long-time fan who had hoped this new era may bring a narrative course correction to the Time Lord’s space-time adventures, new Doctor Who companion actress Millie Gibson has teased that the show’s upcoming episodes will not only “attract a lot of Gen Z” viewers, but also feature a number of “controversial elements” that may lead fans to question the show’s identity.
Gibson, who made her debut as The Doctor’s latest partner Ruby Sunday in the 2023 Christmas Special The Church on Ruby Road – otherwise known as the premiere episode of Ncuti Gatwa’s run as the titular hero – provided this tease to her time in the TARDIS during a December interview with UK-based news outlet The Independent.
Pressed by the outlet’s Senior Culture and Lifestyle Writer Katie Rosseinsky as to whether or not she could give any details as to what fans might expect from her and Gatwa’s adventures, Gibson carefully asserted, “Ruby has a relationship with the Doctor that I don’t think the audience has necessarily seen before.”
“She really humanises him and balances him to be more like her, really – more innocent and pure and human, which is so beautiful to watch,” she added, additionally noting that “There’s a hidden secret with [Ruby] that rolls throughout the whole series”.
From there, Gibson claimed that her and Gatwa’s first series (or season, for American viewers) would have “an element of Black Mirror in it, not so much at the start, but it definitely grows darker.”
She further declared that the series’ upcoming slew of Russell T Davies-helmed episodes “will attract a lot of Gen Z”, as they “go with the times and represent a lot of faces and themes that are really important to see on television”.
“There’s so many controversial elements to this season – the good sort of controversy – and it’s what we need to see on our tellies,” the actress added. “Some people might think, ‘This isn’t the Doctor Who I know.’ But I’m really excited to see it.”
“It’s really cool that they’re doing concepts like these and changing it up,” she concluded.
Unfortunately for not just Gibson, but the entirety of the current Who crew, it seems audiences are less than excited about the future of The 15th Doctor.
Per UK entertainment news source Radio Times, Doctor Who‘s Series 14 has been bleeding viewers ever since its debut with the first of its three introductory specials, The Star Beast.
Following this special’s 5.08 Million overnight / 7.61 Million over 7 days viewer count, its follow-up Wild Blue Yonder, saw a drop to 4.83 Million overnight / 7.14 Million consolidated.
In continuing this trend, the third special, The Giggle – which featured the proper introduction of Gatwa’s incarnation of The Doctor – drew in only 4.62 Million overnight / 6.85 consolidated.
And though the ratings for The Church on Ruby Road will not be available until one week from its Christmas premiere date, it’s likely this trend will be reflected in its numbers – though it is possible that its airing during the holiday, during which viewers have more free time than average, may have provided it with a slight boost.
As of writing, the next episode of Doctor Who Series 14 has yet to confirm its proper release date.