The Mind-Blowing TV Shows From the Brilliant Minds Behind Doctor Who

Summary

Doctor Who has had talented showrunners who have created other brilliant TV shows, contributing to its success as the longest-running sci-fi series.

Russell T. Davies, Steven Moffat, and Chris Chibnall, former showrunners of Doctor Who, have successfully ventured into creating other noteworthy series such as "It's a Sin," "Years and Years," and "Broadchurch." These additional series delve into significant historical events, dystopian futures, and gripping crime dramas, effectively showcasing the exceptional writing skills and captivating storytelling abilities of these showrunners.

Doctor Who has been blessed with a talented roster of showrunners since 2005, and each of them has been involved in the creation of other exceptional TV shows. As the longest-running sci-fi series ever, Doctor Who owes part of its success to the remarkable writing that occurs behind the scenes. Its ability to explore a vast range of times, places, characters, and stories sets it apart, and this may explain why those involved in its creation have been able to recreate that magic in other series.

Starting in 2005, Russell T. Davies served as showrunner and launched the revival of Doctor Who. He worked with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, who portrayed the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, until 2010. During Davies' era, Steven Moffat also contributed as a writer and later took over as showrunner from 2010 until 2017, writing for the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors, played by Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi, respectively. Chris Chibnall, who had written several episodes, then became the showrunner from 2018 to 2022, with Jodie Whittaker starring as the Thirteenth Doctor. Now, with the show approaching its 60th anniversary, Russell T. Davies has returned to the Doctor Who role. Fortunately, Doctor Who is just one of the incredible series these talented creators have worked on.

7 It's a Sin - Russell T. Davies

6 Years and Years - Russell T. Davies

It's a Sin revolves around a group of young gay men residing in 1980s London, a pivotal period during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the UK. Displaying exceptional storytelling skills, RTD crafts a seamless narrative that encapsulates a tumultuous decade within the span of just five episodes. The series made its debut on various British streaming platforms and broke viewership records (as reported by The Independent). With its outstanding ensemble cast and its exploration of a significant and challenging era in recent British gay history, It's a Sin carries immense emotional weight and is highly recommendable.

Years and Years is a gripping miniseries that chronicles an extended period of time, following the journey of a family from Manchester as they navigate the unraveling of Britain into a dictatorship. It all begins with a chaotic night in 2019, when a scandalous act by a politician unfolds on live TV, bringing the family together to celebrate the birth of a child. Over the course of six episodes, the series delves into the next 15 years, depicting a disturbingly plausible future where Britain is consumed by the insatiable hunger for power of a single individual. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Doctor Who and Black Mirror, Years and Years weaves together a chilling narrative that presents an unsettling glimpse into a future that feels unnervingly close to our own reality.

5 Inside Man - Steven Moffat

Inside Man is a gripping crime drama filled with thrilling twists that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Starring David Tennant and Stanley Tucci, the story follows two men whose lives become entangled despite never having met and being miles apart. Tennant portrays a priest in a quaint British village, while Tucci portrays a death row inmate who provides valuable insights for solving unique crimes.

The series skillfully explores the idea that anyone is capable of committing murder under certain circumstances, as unfortunate events push individuals to their breaking points. Throughout four riveting episodes, a complex web of connections forms among the characters, culminating in a shocking and captivating final chapter. Moffat, the creator, has even hinted at the possibility of a second season, should the show be renewed (as mentioned in RadioTimes).

4 The Time Traveler's Wife - Steven Moffat

Showing a passion for retelling and re-imagining of classic literature, Moffat brings his talent to the forefront once again in his adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife into a captivating 6 part series. This remarkable series has garnered a significantly better audience response compared to the 2009 film adaptation starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, as noted by Rotten Tomatoes. One possible explanation for this success may lie in the series' slower pace, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story. True to his form, the writing by Steven Moffat is astute and intricately layered, showcasing his expertise gained from his tenure with Doctor Who and his knack for crafting epic sci-fi tales.

3 Dracula - Steven Moffat

Dracula, written by Steven Moffat in collaboration with Mark Gatiss, offers a fresh take on the classic novel as it delves into the dark world of Count Dracula amidst the backdrop of Victorian London. While the series received mixed reviews due to its departure from the original novel, Moffat and Gatiss skillfully balance horror and humor, resulting in a compelling and captivating new interpretation of the iconic character. Spanning three episodes, Dracula draws inspiration from the original novel and the numerous cinematic and theatrical adaptations that came before it, while injecting its own unique twist to further enrich the legendary tale.

2 Sherlock - Steven Moffat

Teaming up once again with Gatiss, Moffat continues his trend of adapting classic novels into re-imagined series. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his faithful companion, Dr. John Watson, this modern take on the iconic character brings him into the present day. Running from 2010 to 2017 alongside Moffat's tenure on Doctor Who, the series successfully produced four seasons and a Christmas special.

With its incredibly clever and innovative approach, the show reinterprets the original novels by drawing direct inspiration from them. It showcases Sherlock's exceptional deduction skills through clever storytelling techniques and features outstanding performances by the cast, including Andrew Scott as the menacing Moriarty. From beginning to end, the series captivates and sparks the imagination.

1 Broadchurch - Christopher Chibnall

Broadchurch, a critically acclaimed series, aired for three seasons between 2013 and 2017. Set in a small British seaside town, the show portrays the aftermath of the shocking murder of an 11-year-old boy. The incident attracts intense media attention, turning the once-sleepy village into a media circus. As reporters and police investigate, the entire community becomes involved in the case. However, it is up to the police to untangle the clues and determine the true culprit responsible for the young boy's tragic death.

Featuring the talented Olivia Colman, who has won numerous awards, as well as the renowned actors David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker (both of whom have portrayed the iconic role of Doctor Who), this series presents an exceptional cast. With its compelling storyline, Broadchurch keeps viewers guessing until the final moments. While Chris Chibnall's tenure as the showrunner of Doctor Who has been met with controversy, Broadchurch exemplifies his ability to create intrigue and mystery as a writer. It is riveting to see Tennant and Whittaker in roles that are more grounded yet equally captivating.