Doctor Who: Peter Capaldi says BBC is neglecting the show

Doctor Who type TV Show network BBC America

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Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi has leveled some criticism at the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of neglecting the longrunning sci-fi adventure series.

“The BBC is an incredible organization, but…sometimes people there think, [Doctor Who is] looking after itself,” Capaldi said in a new interview with Newsweek. “And it’s not being looked after. I think maybe their eye was taken off the ball, or the show was seen as a thing they could just push around. It’s not. It’s a special thing.”

When asked whether he thought the BBC has taken the cult-beloved series for granted, Capaldi said, “Undoubtedly.” The star also criticized the broadcaster’s decision to move the family show to a timeslot deemed too late for young viewers.

Capaldi also talked about the upcoming changes to the series, including a new showrunner. In 2017, Who writer and Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall is taking the reins from Steven Moffat, who has helmed the series since 2010; a new executive producer has traditionally meant a new actor portraying the show’s time-traveling protagonist (Matt Smith took over from star David Tennant after showrunner Russell T. Davies left in 2010), but Capaldi has said that BBC executives have asked him to stay.

“I love doing Doctor Who,” Capaldi told Newsweek. “Obviously things are going to change with it, and I might want to carry on and see what that’s like — or I might not. It’s a very difficult decision to make, as Steven says, when it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve not made that decision yet.”

Capaldi also speaks about the physical injuries that come along with playing the Doctor; casting a replacement for Jenna Coleman, who is departing the series after playing the Doctor’s traveling companion since 2013; and why a new Doctor needs to “reflect the times.”

Head over to Newsweek to read the full story.