The Whoniverse is expanding! With the return of Russell T. Davies as showrunner, Doctor Who is not only back but also poised to grow in exciting new directions. Davies himself has expressed a desire to create more Doctor Who spin off series, echoing his previous era which gave us hits like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. This news has fans buzzing about the possibilities.
As dedicated Doctor Who enthusiasts, we’ve been pondering which spin-off series could best capture the magic of the original while forging its own unique path. Here’s our take on some of the most compelling concepts for a Doctor Who spin off series, exploring their potential to thrill and engage audiences.
UNIT: Earth’s First Line of Defence
UNIT headquarters, featuring Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and UNIT personnel, highlighting the organization's readiness to defend Earth against alien threats.
Whispers of a UNIT spin-off have been circulating for some time, fueled by reports like Deadline’s piece citing BBC sources. This concept seems not only plausible but incredibly promising. Jemma Redgrave shines as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, and the groundwork is already there to incorporate beloved former companions, perhaps as field agents. Imagine Tegan Jovanka or Dorothy “Ace” McShane utilizing their experience in a UNIT context. The premise is inherently strong: a paramilitary organization tackling extraterrestrial threats on Earth while the Doctor is busy traversing time and space. A UNIT doctor who spin off series offers a grounded perspective on the Whoniverse, focusing on Earth’s defense against alien incursions.
(Torchwood is intentionally omitted here as a separate entry. A UNIT series feels more imminent, and both Torchwood and UNIT share thematic territory. Furthermore, Torchwood could easily be integrated into a UNIT series as a rival or even clandestine counterpart.)
The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Uncharted Territory
Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor, a charismatic and enigmatic Time Lord, hinting at untold stories from his era.
The idea of an Eighth Doctor series frequently resurfaces among fans. Paul McGann’s tenure as the Doctor was tragically brief on television, limited to a single TV movie and a mini-episode. However, his portrayal has flourished in Big Finish audio dramas, revealing a rich and complex Doctor. The question remains: could an Eighth Doctor doctor who spin off series work on screen? While the appeal is undeniable, having two Doctors concurrently on screen might confuse casual viewers. If revisiting a past Doctor were on the cards, the Fugitive Doctor, portrayed by Jo Martin, also presents a compelling option. Nevertheless, the persistent fan desire for more Eighth Doctor adventures warrants its inclusion in any spin-off discussion.
The Paternoster Gang: Victorian Mystery Solvers
The Paternoster Gang – Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint, and Strax – posing in Victorian London, ready to solve mysteries.
The Paternoster Gang, a creation of Steven Moffat, has long been a fan-favorite concept for a spin-off. Madame Vastra, a Silurian detective, her human wife Jenny Flint, and their Sontaran butler Strax, operating in Victorian London, offer a unique blend of mystery, humor, and sci-fi. They graced Doctor Who during the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras and expanded their adventures in Big Finish audios. A doctor who spin off series centered on a lesbian Silurian detective solving Victorian mysteries with her companions seems like an obvious win. The question isn’t why it could exist, but why it doesn’t already!
Clara and Lady Me: The Immortal Duo
Clara Oswald and Lady Me (Maisie Williams) standing together, hinting at their immortal adventures in a stolen TARDIS.
Another intriguing possibility arising from the Moffat era is a series featuring Clara Oswald and Lady Me. Clara, after her extended tenure as the Doctor’s companion, achieved immortality and teamed up with Lady Me, also immortal, absconding with a TARDIS. Their subsequent adventures remain unexplored territory. A doctor who spin off series tracking the escapades of these two unkillable women holds immense potential. What kind of trouble could two immortals with a TARDIS get into? The main hurdle might be securing Jenna Coleman’s return, given her busy acting career.
(On a side note, Borusa’s immortality plot in “The Five Doctors” seems increasingly convoluted when considering how casually Clara, Lady Me, and Captain Jack Harkness achieved it. Perhaps Borusa needed to consult them for tips!)
Porridge the Emperor: Reluctant Galactic Ruler
Porridge, portrayed by Warwick Davis, in his unassuming attire, contrasting with his hidden identity as a galactic emperor.
Neil Gaiman’s “Nightmare in Silver” introduced Porridge, a galactic emperor who abandoned his responsibilities to join a traveling circus, Hedgewick’s World of Wonders. This character, yearning for a simpler life while burdened by galactic duties, is ripe for exploration. A doctor who spin off series could follow Porridge as he reluctantly defends civilized worlds, all while preferring quiet moments playing chess in a barn. For fans who enjoyed Willow and lamented its cancellation, a Porridge series could offer a similar blend of fantasy and reluctant heroism, with Warwick Davis delivering a compelling performance as the weary warrior-king.
Clyde and Rani: Continuing Sarah Jane’s Legacy
Clyde Langer and Rani Chandra, Sarah Jane's companions, working together, suggesting a new generation of defenders.
The absence of The Sarah Jane Adventures is still keenly felt by many. Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith was iconic, and her companions, Clyde and Rani, were equally memorable. Their recent appearance in Tales of the Tardis highlighted the chemistry between Clyde and Rani, hinting at a romantic connection. A doctor who spin off series focusing on Clyde and Rani carrying on Sarah Jane’s work, while navigating their evolving relationship, would be a touching and exciting prospect. Imagine Rani encountering a new incarnation of the Master – especially given Anjli Mohindra’s real-life relationship with Sacha Dhawan, the current Master actor – the dramatic potential is undeniable!
The Masters: A Multiverse of Mayhem
A collection of Masters – Simm, Gomez, and Dhawan – representing the chaos and intrigue of multiple incarnations interacting.
Speaking of the Master, the idea of a series featuring multiple Masters is inherently appealing. Big Finish audio dramas have already explored the dynamic of Masters interacting, and the John Simm/Michelle Gomez crossover in Doctor Who was a highlight. A doctor who spin off series, or even a mini-series, exploring the chaotic interactions of different Masters would be a delight. Imagine the Simm/Gomez dynamic amplified by the addition of Sacha Dhawan’s Master – pure, unadulterated chaos. This concept promises a wild ride for viewers.
Abslom Daak, Dalek Killer: Comic Book Carnage
Daleks being destroyed, representing the action-packed, Dalek-slaying adventures of Abslom Daak.
The recent Doctor Who episode “The Star Beast” drew inspiration from Doctor Who Weekly comics, specifically “The Star Beast.” This opens the door to another comic book adaptation: Abslom Daak. Daak, a criminal turned Dalek-slayer, is a chainsaw-wielding anti-hero who battles Daleks and other threats. His stories are action-packed and often feature a ragtag crew, including an Ice Warrior. An Abslom Daak doctor who spin off series would be a fun, action-oriented addition to the Whoniverse. (However, certain outdated tropes from the original comics, like the “girlfriend in the refrigerator,” should definitely be left out.)
Class: Second Chance at Coal Hill
The cast of Class, the Doctor Who spin-off, standing in Coal Hill School, hinting at untold stories in this universe.
Before the current wave of spin-off buzz, there was Class, a Doctor Who spin off series focusing on students at Coal Hill School. Dealing with the aftermath of the Doctor’s adventures, Class explored intense themes with compelling characters, including refugees from genocide. Despite its merits, Class was sadly short-lived, lasting only one season and ending on a cliffhanger. A doctor who spin off series revisiting Class, perhaps with a time jump and a mix of original and new characters (Class 2.0?), could provide much-needed closure and further explore this rich universe.
Martha and Mickey: Earth Defenders Extraordinaire
Martha Jones and Mickey Smith, former companions, ready for action, suggesting their potential as Earth's defenders.
Finally, Martha Jones and Mickey Smith, both resourceful and engaging characters, deserve more screen time together. While they could easily feature in a UNIT series, a dedicated doctor who spin off series focused on Martha and Mickey as Earth’s defenders would be highly welcome. Their dynamic hasn’t been fully explored, and Freema Agyeman’s captivating screen presence guarantees an engaging watch, regardless of the premise.
The future of Doctor Who spin off series is brimming with potential. From UNIT’s grounded action to the wild possibilities of immortal duos and multiverse Masters, the Whoniverse is ripe for expansion. Which of these concepts will become a reality? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is already building.
