Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series, has faced criticism from fans who argue its quality has declined since the departure of showrunner Steven Moffat in 2017. The show, which aired its first episode in 1963, has seen fluctuating ratings and mixed reviews for recent seasons under Chris Chibnall (2018-2022) and Russell T Davies (2023-present).
Key issues identified by critics include inconsistent writing, overcomplicated plotlines, and a lack of character development. The introduction of the first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker (2018-2022), was praised for representation but criticized for weak scripts. The show's current era, with Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, has attempted to reboot with a younger tone and diverse cast, but viewership remains below peaks of the David Tennant and Matt Smith eras.
To revitalize the series, experts suggest returning to simpler, character-driven stories, hiring a showrunner with a clear long-term vision, and reducing the reliance on nostalgia. The BBC has not announced major changes as of June 2026, but fan campaigns and media analysis continue to push for reform.
