Doctor Who in America & New Doctors

Apparently BBC America is getting record ratings for the new Doctor Who episodes. This is at least what the Doctor Who news page is saying Here. This comes at a time where many question if Matt Smith will be able to follow David Tennant. This whole idea that the "Next Doctor" will not be able to pull it off is a bit dated isn't it? We recently did it to Tennant when he picked up. We have been doing it for over 40 years. Are people just now noticing Doctor Who and bringing up worries of the 1960's & 70's? I think the biggest worry I recall was the Tom Baker to Davidson. I would argue that Tennant is not the Tom Baker of today.


When Tom Baker episodes made it to the U.S. he brought with him a stereotype that would almost condemn the show here in the U.S.  It was all anyone talked about when you mentioned Doctor Who.  "Isn't he the guy with the Curly hair and the Scarf?"  Well yes, one doctor was.  And the show never survived it in the U.S. as popular as it seemed to be in the U.K.

Many have predicted similar reactions to David Tennant.  I keep looking at the ratings increasing on BBC America and I keep thinking that the show will only continue this.  Will Doctor Who gain more popularity in the U.S.?  I believe if the BBC decides to keep making Americans wait to see the show it will fall back in ratings.  If the BBC decides to let us have it the day after as they did this Christmas and New Years or if it decides to let us have it the same day I do believe this increase of ratings trend will continue.

I also have faith in Moffat and what he will do with the show.  If the show is well written with the wonderful production value it currently has I believe this will only help it go beyond what Russell T. Davies accomplished.  I do believe that there is a good chance our up and coming Doctor Matt Smith just may be the heavy hitter to contend with in the minds of Americans that Tom Baker once was.  I also think we may be able to break that curse with the current show.

I'm hoping for another 47 years of Doctor Who in my life time.