Mark Gatiss has shared his thoughts on the future of Doctor Who as the BBC prepares to open a new tender process for the long-running series. The writer, who has contributed nine episodes and appeared in five, gave a candid take while promoting his U&Alibi detective series Bookish.
Mark Gatiss has a bleak prediction for Doctor Who’s next era
Gatiss did not echo the optimism coming from other corners of the Doctor Who universe. While former showrunners Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat have spoken positively about the franchise’s path forward, Gatiss pointed to history as a warning sign.
He referenced the show’s previous cancellation and the promises that followed. “When it was cancelled in 1989 the BBC made a big statement saying ‘We’re committed to taking Doctor Who through the ’90s,'” Gatiss told Radio Times. “They put it out to tender then, and then it just quietly didn’t happen, and I have a feeling maybe that’s what’s going to happen.”
The writer acknowledged the series’ remarkable comeback in 2005, which launched a second run spanning over two decades. He praised that achievement while suggesting the show may benefit from stepping away.
“I think the fact that Doctor Who had a second act of 21 years is absolutely amazing,” he said. “And for it to come back possibly even more popular than it was in the first run… but I think maybe it’s just time for a break, because all good things come to an end.”
Furthermore, Mark Gatiss also cited F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous observation about second acts in American lives, applying the sentiment to television. He argued that a proper hiatus could generate renewed demand and open the door for new creative leadership. “You want people to miss it and have fresh ideas,” he explained, “and probably someone to run it who grew up with David Tennant as the Doctor, rather than Tom Baker.”
Despite his gloomy outlook, Gatiss stopped short of declaring the Doctor Who franchise finished. He believes the show’s proven ability to regenerate makes a future return likely, just not immediate. For now, fans await official movement on the tender while writers like him prepare for a longer silence than many might expect.
