Steven Moffat to quit Doctor Who

[LonnieFisher]

http://beforeitsnews.com/middle-east/2016/01/writer-steven-moffat-to-quit-doctor-who-2553058.html

The head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who, Steven Moffat, is to step down from the show, the BBC has confirmed.

His last series will go out in spring 2017 following a Christmas special, after which he will be replaced by Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall.

Moffat took over the reins on series five of the world’s longest running sci-fi series in 2010.

BBC One’s controller, Charlotte Moore, said Moffat was an “absolute genius”.

In a statement, the BBC said he had been responsible for introducing the 11th and 12th Doctors – Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi – as well as two companions in Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.

Moffat said it took “a lot of gin and tonic” to talk Chibnall into taking up his new position.

“I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future,” he said.

“At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

New worlds

Chibnall described Doctor Who as “the ultimate BBC programme – bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world”.

He added: “So it’s a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama.

“I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore.”

Ms Moore thanked Moffat “for everything he has given Doctor Who”.

She said: “I’ve loved working with him, he is an absolute genius and has brought fans all over the world such joy.

“I will be very sad to see him leave the show but I can’t wait to see what he will deliver in his last-ever series next year with a brand new companion.”

[Mikey]

Wish he was "thrown in a skip" right now

[palitoy]

You'll be hating the new guy in no time!

[Mikey]

I'll give him a chance - I had no problem with Broadchurch

[phil]

Glad to hear he's finally leaving. The show needs fresh blood as far as scripts are concerned.

[LonnieFisher]

I'd like to see the show take more time away from Earth.

[emeraldknight47]

Hearing that Moffatt is leaving is sort of a double-edged sword. In many ways, he has led the Doctor Who franchise into places where it's obvious only Moffatt wanted it to be without listening to peers or fans. On the other side of that sword, you've got the guy who brought both Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi into the world[s] of Who, with the former of the two bringing the Doctor Who franchise more recognition and popularity on this side of the pond than anyone before him. Yes, RTD may've been the one who planted the seeds of Who's popularity worldwide as opposed to just in the UK, but it's been Moffatt who's been tending the garden and making sure that it grew, largely, the way it should grow. He's had missteps along the way, sure, but haven't we all?

It's all a matter of perspective; a mistake made by a normal, humdrum person is usually unnoticed save by those he is closest to or works and lives with. Moffatt was, and will be a bit longer, the custodian to a character and franchise that's been around for fifty-plus years, so any missteps or botched stories he's done are going to be noticed on a much more massive scale. I'm a Trekker, a WHOvian, a Browncoat, an X-Phile, a LOSTie, an honorary Winchester Brother and a Scooby Gang supporter. Each of these shows have had their moments where I put my face in my hands and ask, to no one in particular, how something usually so good could be so bad/stupid/ridiculous or just plain sad. But then, there are moments in each of these franchises that shine resplendently (Wrath of Khan, Blink, Serenity, Jose Chung's From Outer Space, numerous LOST episodes as well as numerous SUPERNATURAL episodes, and, of course, Buffy's piece de resistance "The Body") and I think to myself "Yeah, it's worth wading through some occasional sewage to find a diamond or two.

Hopefully, the Doctor's new caretaker will spend the months he has before taking the reins doing some serious thinking about where he wants to take The Doctor since we're all traveling with him. More time away from Earth would be good (although Earth seems to be his absolute favorite place to spend time) and perhaps giving him a companion who isn't human could be a welcome change, as well.

[Gorn Captain]

I have always felt that Moffat works best when he's supervised by another head writer/producer. He has written some absolutely wonderful stories that way, some of the best in Who history.
But once given freedom, he is unable to restrain himself, breaks his own rules (and "rules" of the show), and is unable or unwilling to bring a story to a sensible conclusion. At those times, he isn't writing SF, he's in a magical world where anything's possible. And Dr. Who isn't Harry Potter. You can't Expelliarmus your way out of a Who story.
So I'm relieved that he's moving on, and as Mike said, it could be sooner as far as I'm concerned. I'm hoping he won't take this time to "make a statement" and do some damage along the way. I have a feeling he'll make a dramatic exit and take Capaldi with him.
Let's wait and see.

[Mikey]

If I had a wish after Moffet leaves, the show would go back to being an almost Columbo style mystery/crime drama like during the Tom Baker years and they get John Oliver as the Doctor.

[Bruce Banner]

I agree it's time for a change... (of show-runner that is, not Doctor. Capaldi is still brilliant).
But I just hope Chibnall doesn't try and do anything totally wacky regarding casting.

[emeraldknight47]

Hopefully, if asked, Capaldi will remain when Moffat's time is over. His performances throughout Season Nine and on the Christmas Special have now firmly cemented him in my head as Twelve and it would be nice to see someone else approach the run Tom Baker had as Four.

[Gorn Captain]

It's always good if someone bridges the '"handing over", both for the team behind the camera as well as the actors. Makes it more consistent, so I really hope the actor stays while the producer changes. As far as I'm concerned, Capaldi can stay on as long as he likes.

[Godzilla]

I've enjoyed the Moffs years and I think this last one was one of the best. I will be shocked if Capaldi doesn't go with him.

[Mikey]

I've heard Russell Brand is on the shortlist for 13th Doctor

[palitoy]

Looks like the Beeb may be throwing the baby out with the bath water. Capaldi is strongly rumoured to be exiting as well. This is coming from a tabloid so take it with a grain of salt.

http://epicstream.com/news/We-Wont-Be-Seeing-Peter-Capaldi-As-The-Doctor-Anymore

Part of me gets it and it's certainly part of the show history but I honestly think the audience can accept "new showrunner, familiar Doctor"