Doctor Who's Future Looks Bright: The Success of 'The Church on Ruby Road'

Introduction

Doctor Who's future is looking brighter than ever with the recent success of its seasonal special, 'The Church on Ruby Road.' This special, which introduced new companion Ruby Sunday alongside the Fifteenth Doctor, has garnered remarkable viewership numbers, setting the stage for an exciting season 14 premiere.

Millie Gibson and Ncuti Gatwa talking in Ruby's house with Michelle Greenidge in the background in the Doctor Who seasonal special

The viewership numbers for the Christmas special are nothing short of staggering. According to Radio Times, the Doctor Who revival was viewed over 10 million times on the BBC iPlayer during the week of December 25–December 31. Specifically, 'The Church on Ruby Road' received 1.79 million streams and had an overnight rating of 4.73 million on Christmas Day, positioning it as the third-most watched show for the BBC on Christmas Day.

Doctor Who The Church On Ruby Road Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor 2004 Flashback

This exceptional reception of the seasonal special is a testament to the enduring popularity of Doctor Who and the captivating storytelling that has captivated audiences for decades. It also sets the stage for the much-anticipated season 14 premiere, which is poised to build on the momentum generated by the success of 'The Church on Ruby Road.'

Doctor Who The Church On Ruby Road Millie Gibson and Ncuti Gatwa as Ruby and The Doctor

Impressive Numbers and Significance

The success of 'The Church on Ruby Road' is further underscored by the comparison with the final Doctor Who 60th anniversary episode. Its 4.73 million overnight rating positions it above 'The Giggle,' which received a 4.62 million rating overnight upon its release. Additionally, the Christmas special's totals position it as the third-most watched show for the BBC on Christmas Day, a remarkable feat for a one-off episode.

Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa Nightclub Dance

The impressive viewership numbers reflect the massive hype surrounding the Doctor Who anniversary specials, particularly 'The Giggle,' which reintroduced the infamous character The Toymaker. Showrunner Russell T Davies' work with the specials clearly resonated with viewers, drawing them back in droves for 'The Church on Ruby Road.' This bodes well for the future of Doctor Who, indicating an enthusiastic response to the series' direction and the introduction of new characters and storylines.

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor standing in the TARDIS

The success of 'The Church on Ruby Road' is indicative of the enduring appeal of Doctor Who and the dedication of its fanbase. The introduction of Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in 'The Giggle' clearly resonated with viewers, paving the way for an impressive season 14 premiere. The series is poised for a triumphant return, with the anticipation for its mid-2024 arrival reaching new heights.

Future Outlook

The success of 'The Church on Ruby Road' serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead for Doctor Who. The introduction of Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in 'The Giggle' garnered a beloved reception, evident in the impressive viewership numbers of the seasonal special that followed. This trend sets the stage for an exciting season 14 premiere, with the anticipation and enthusiasm of fans reaching new heights.

As Doctor Who prepares for a mid-2024 arrival with season 14, the series is poised for a triumphant return. The overwhelming response to the seasonal special and the introduction of new characters demonstrate the enduring appeal and relevance of Doctor Who, ensuring that the iconic series continues to captivate audiences for years to come.