First Doctor Who Showrunner Steven Moffat has candidly reflected on the vitriol he would receive from the show’s fandom seven years after his exit from the role. Moffat wrote regularly for the show starting in 2005 before being promoted to showrunner in 2010, leaving the series in 2017. However, he recently wrote the Doctor Who season 14 episode “Boom,” and will write the 2024 Christmas special “Joy to the World,” in what is expected to be his final episode. However, his run was not without controversy from some fans of the series.
Talk to The Hollywood Reporter At the Toronto International Film Festival, Moffat revealed how his time as Doctor Whos showrunner led to him being accused of multiple forms of bigotry by fans of the show. This stems from dislike of sexual jokes in his episodes and accusations of misogyny due to his writing of some female characters. He continued to say so Showrunners often appear as “Chief Satan of the nation“ There is no exception with him. Check out what Moffat had to say below:
The level of hate you get could bring down three passenger jets. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t stop. I was embarrassed to no end. I was a homophobe, misandrist and a misanthrope and a sexist and a misogynist and a racist. I have been against so many people that I can only be described as an omnibigot, which I would suggest means I am treating everyone equally.
What Moffat’s experience as showrunner says about Doctor Who
Doctor Who keeps getting criticized
Vitriol aimed at Moffat’s tenure on the sci-fi adventure show is part of the show’s history, with plenty of online discourse surrounding the series’ various developments over the years. Chris Chibnall, who was showrunner for seasons with the 13th Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), Was criticized by fans unhappy with the gender of the doctor. One of the most controversial developments was the introduction of Doctor WhoEternal Child, changing the origins of the main characters as a Time Lord of Gallifrey.
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The show continues to receive criticism after first showrunner Russell T. Davies’ return, with Doctor Who Addressing racism and Portraying the Fifteenth Doctor (Nkuti Gatwa) as black and LGBTQ+ is getting hate online. The opposing reason why Moffat received hate underscores his opinion about the showrunner seat for the series, because the show always receives negative reactions for different reasons. The historical curse did not stop the series from thriving, though, with Doctor Who Season 15 already confirmed to arrive next year.
Our take on Moffat reflecting on his Doctor Who showrunner
Vitriolic fans still exist to this day
While TV shows are bound to get different reactions from dedicated fans, Doctor Who is unique in maintaining controversy, no matter who was in charge of the series. Given the constant hatred towards his showrunners, it’s no surprise actors like Gatwa have responded to racism and bigotry aimed at the latest protagonist. However, while hate is sure to be aimed at the show no matter what happens in its future, The series still remains a popular sci-fi adventure show With many thought-provoking storylines to engage its audience.
Source: THR