Despite reports indicating lower-than-expected viewership for the latest season of Doctor Who, the BBC is actively highlighting the show’s strong performance among younger audiences and on its iPlayer streaming service. This comes after the conclusion of the first season featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, a season that has sparked discussions about its overall reach and impact.
Recent data from UK television analytics firm Barb revealed that the eight episodes of Doctor Who Series 14 averaged 2 million overnight viewers and 3.5 million viewers within seven days. These figures represent the lowest in the long-running science fiction franchise’s history, even falling below the ratings of Season 26, which preceded a lengthy hiatus for the show.
However, the BBC has presented a different narrative, emphasizing the show’s success in the digital realm. In a statement to The Times, a BBC spokesperson addressed the ratings discussion by stating that “Overnight ratings no longer provide an accurate picture of all those who watch drama in an on-demand world.” They further elaborated, “This season of Doctor Who premiered on iPlayer nearly 24 hours before broadcast, and episode one has already been viewed by nearly six million viewers and continues to grow.” The BBC maintains that Doctor Who is a leading program on iPlayer and is their “top drama for under-35s this year,” positioning it as a major success within this demographic across streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters.
Showrunner Russell T Davies has also publicly addressed the ratings performance. In an interview with Radio Times, Davies expressed pride in the season, acknowledging that while ratings might not be “what we’d love,” they are “building over the 28-day period.” He pointed to the first episode, “Space Babies,” as an example, noting it had reached 5.6 million viewers and was still increasing. Davies emphasized his mandate to attract a younger audience, stating, “That’s been massively successful.” He further commented on the viewing habits of younger demographics, suggesting that “The audience no one ever gets are the under-30s,” as they are less likely to watch traditional television. Davies concluded by asserting that Doctor Who‘s figures within this younger bracket are “astronomic” and that it is the BBC’s top program in that demographic.
The contrasting perspectives from the BBC and traditional ratings reports highlight the evolving landscape of television consumption. While linear TV ratings remain a metric for viewership, the rise of streaming and on-demand viewing necessitates a broader understanding of a show’s overall performance. The BBC’s focus on iPlayer numbers and younger demographics suggests a strategic shift towards measuring success in the digital age, particularly for a franchise like Doctor Who aiming to engage new generations of viewers.
Whether the current ratings model accurately reflects the full reach and impact of Doctor Who in 2024 is a subject of ongoing debate. The BBC’s emphasis on digital engagement indicates a belief in the show’s continued relevance, especially among younger audiences, despite the decline in traditional linear viewership. The future direction of Doctor Who, and how its success will be measured, will likely continue to be shaped by these evolving viewing habits and the BBC’s strategic priorities.
The discussion surrounding Doctor Who ratings 2024 reflects a wider industry conversation about how to assess the success of television programs in a fragmented media environment. As viewing habits continue to diversify, networks and streaming services are adapting their metrics and strategies to capture a complete picture of audience engagement.
Ultimately, the perception of Doctor Who‘s performance in 2024 depends on which metrics are prioritized. While linear ratings indicate a decline, the BBC’s focus on digital success and youth engagement paints a more optimistic picture, suggesting the show is adapting to the changing media landscape and finding its audience in new ways.
