Doctor Who Declared ‘As Dead as Ever’ by Dalek Writer Robert Shearman
Former Doctor Who writer Robert Shearman recently expressed his views on the state of the beloved sci-fi series, suggesting it is “as dead as we’ve ever known it.” Speaking in Doctor Who Magazine issue 622, Shearman, acclaimed for the 2005 episode “Dalek,” shared his complex feelings towards the show.
Current State of Doctor Who and Its Expanded Universe
Shearman admitted to experiencing fluctuating sentiments towards Doctor Who, explaining, “I go through phases, I have a real push/pull thing with the show.” Currently, he is in what he describes as a “pull” phase, noting, “The show is probably as dead as we’ve ever known it.”
He elaborated on his perspective, contrasting the present with earlier periods in the show’s history. Unlike past times, when there was always a sense of continuation, Shearman perceives a now unavoidable finality in both the series and its expanded universe.
The Evolution of Doctor Who
Reflecting on the past, Shearman mentioned how the mid-1990s had a “current Doctor,” thanks to initiatives like the New Adventures books featuring characters like Sylvester McCoy’s or Paul McGann’s Doctor. However, he believes the series has now reached a point where future productions may feel retrogressive. “No one’s going to start writing Doctor Who books with a Billie Piper Doctor because no one knows what that means,” Shearman observed.
He further highlighted how this feeling was encapsulated in “The Reality War,” saying it provided a sense of finality that hadn’t been present before. The conclusion of Series 15 in May 2025, which ended with Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor regenerating in a surprise scene with Billie Piper, supports this sentiment.
Uncertainty Looms Over Doctor Who’s Future
Since the series’ latest season ended, the show’s future remains uncertain. The decision regarding the co-production deal with Disney has been postponed until 2026, when the highly anticipated UNIT spin-off, “The War Between the Land and the Sea,” is set to release.
Emegypt will continue to follow this developing story, providing updates that explore potential outcomes for one of television’s most iconic series.
