Summary
Doctor Whohas received tons of criticism, with some calling the show “woke.” However, its showrunner has clapped back at the critics.
The venerableDoctor Whohas been airing in one form or another for over 60 years. It’s the longest-running science fiction series in Britain, and its ever-changing storyline has evolved over time. While the series has embraced inclusivity and diversity by allowing a female to lead the show, in the form ofJodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, they also gave Black actors prominent roles. For instance, Jo Martin was cast as the Fugitive Doctor. Additionally, Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor, is the first Black and queer actor to lead the show. While some celebrate the series' evolution, some are not happy with these changes, calling the series “woke.” Showrunner Russell T Davies, who revived the series in 2005, finally broke his silence about this criticism of the show.
Davies recently appeared on the BBC Radio 2 showDoctor Who: 20 Secrets from 20 Years. During an interview, he acknowledged the criticism aimed at the show for championing diversity. “And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues,” he said (viaRadioTimes). However, Davies did not want to engage with the critics, saying he had no time for them. “Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door,” he explained. When asked if he wrote such themes for the show, Davies said it was “the only way to write.” He adds that his current approach to writing works for him because listening to criticism will only limit his creativity.
And I think it’s harder to write with that narrow window. That’s really the why. Why limit yourself, why breathe in the exhaust fumes, why be toxic? Come over here where the life and light and air and sound is.
Varada Sethu, the new companion inDoctor WhoSeason 15, previously talked about the “woke” criticism targeted at the show. She also teased that there were references to it in the new season. Sethu wasn’t bothered by the allegation of the show being “woke.” Instead, she took it as a compliment that they were “doing the right thing.” For her, being woke means championing kindness, inclusivity, and progress. She also shared that Gatwa told her their tandem—two Black actors—would “p*** off so many people.”
Doctor WhoHas Kind Of Been ‘Woke’ Since The 1960s, If You’ve Been Paying Attention
Doctor Whohas embraced diverse casting, inclusive storytelling, and social commentary, which some have dubbed “woke” in recent times. However, the show has always been like this, even in the 1960s. The show has always challenged the norms of the day. It has featured various themes, including social justice and anti-authoritarianism. Diversity has been part of its core values, so casting a female or Black lead, addressing real-world issues, and featuring those underrepresented should not be surprising. These are all part of the show’s DNA.
While it’s understandable for some to view some episodes as political or preachy, this all depends on the viewers and their perspective. If they come from a place of hate, they could take those episodes negatively, with some simply dismissing them as “woke.” However, the show being “woke” also depends on how one defines that term, becauseSethu takes the word positively. Regardless, what the show has been doing is aligned with its long-standing mission to challenge injustice and celebrate difference.Doctor Whofans love what they see on the show, and those who only want to criticize it could just skip it and watch other sci-fi shows that will entertain them.
