Doctor Who is back with a bang, and the excitement is palpable! With new episodes thrilling fans, showrunner Russell T. Davies has ignited further anticipation by expressing his ambition to expand the Whoniverse with more spin-offs, echoing the era that gifted us Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. This news has us, like many Doctor Who enthusiasts, eagerly pondering the possibilities of what these new ventures could be.
As dedicated followers of the Time Lord’s adventures, we’ve been brainstorming dream Doctor Who spin offs that could captivate audiences. Here are some of our top picks, delving into potential series that could enrich the Doctor Who universe. (Fair warning: spoilers for classic Doctor Who stories may follow…)
U.N.I.T.: Earth’s First Line of Defense
There’s strong buzz suggesting a U.N.I.T. spin-off is not just a wish, but a likely reality. Reports, including a credible piece from Deadline last March citing BBC insiders, point towards this becoming a concrete project. And we couldn’t be more thrilled. Jemma Redgrave shines as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, and the groundwork is perfectly set to integrate beloved former companions like Tegan Jovanka or Ace as field operatives. The premise is instantly compelling: U.N.I.T., the Unified Nations Intelligence Taskforce, stands as Earth’s bulwark against extraterrestrial threats while the Doctor is engaged in cosmic escapades elsewhere. This concept for a doctor who spin off practically writes itself, offering a blend of action, science fiction, and grounded Earth-based narratives.
It’s worth noting: A Torchwood revival isn’t featured here, primarily because a U.N.I.T. spin-off seems much further along in development. Functionally, a U.N.I.T. series could explore similar themes as Torchwood, perhaps even featuring Torchwood as a shadowy, competing organization, creating compelling narrative tension.
The Eighth Doctor Adventures
The concept of an Eighth Doctor series frequently surfaces in fan discussions, and for good reason. Paul McGann’s tenure as the Doctor was tragically limited on screen to a TV movie and a fleeting minisode appearance. However, his portrayal has flourished in the realm of Big Finish audio dramas, earning widespread acclaim. The question then arises: why not translate this success to television? While the allure is undeniable, the practicality presents a slight hurdle. Having two distinct Doctors concurrently on screen might introduce confusion for casual viewers. If revisiting a past Doctor were on the cards, the Fugitive Doctor, portrayed by Jo Martin, would also be a strong contender. Yet, the persistent clamor for more Eighth Doctor adventures makes it a noteworthy inclusion in any discussion about potential doctor who spin offs.
The Paternoster Gang: Victorian Investigators
The Paternoster Gang spin-off has reportedly been considered at various points, and it’s easy to see why. Introduced by Steven Moffat, this trio comprises Madame Vastra, a Silurian lady detective; her wife Jenny Flint, a resourceful human; and Strax, a Sontaran nurse and warrior with an unexpected gentle side. Set in Victorian London, they solve mysteries, often of a paranormal or alien nature. The gang became fan favorites during the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras and have also enjoyed further adventures in Big Finish audio productions. A series centered on a lesbian Silurian detective, her human spouse, and their Sontaran companion unraveling Victorian mysteries seems like an incredibly appealing and unique premise. The question isn’t why it could exist, but why doesn’t this doctor who spin off already grace our screens?
Clara and Me: The Immortal Duo
Another intriguing concept stemming from the Moffat era is a spin-off featuring Clara Oswald and Lady Me. Clara, after her extended tenure as the Doctor’s companion, achieved immortality, joining forces with Lady Me, also immortal, and together they commandeered a TARDIS. Their subsequent adventures remain unexplored territory. The potential for a series chronicling the escapades of these two unkillable, formerly human women is immense. What kind of trouble could they possibly encounter? The primary hurdle, perhaps, is securing Jenna Coleman’s return to the role of Clara, given her thriving career. This doctor who spin off idea taps into a rich vein of narrative possibility left deliberately open.
Porridge: Reluctant Galactic Emperor
Neil Gaiman introduced a truly captivating character in his second Doctor Who episode: Emperor Ludens Nimrod Kendrick Cord Longstaff Tenimbril the Twenty-ninth, who chose to abandon his imperial duties to work at a cosmic circus, Hedgewick’s World of Wonders, under the alias Porridge. The concept of a reluctant ruler is inherently fascinating. Imagine a series following Porridge as he grapples with defending civilized worlds from intergalactic threats, all while yearning for the simpler life of barn slumbers and chess games. This doctor who spin off concept resonates particularly strongly in the wake of the Willow TV series cancellation, fueling the desire for more Warwick Davis portraying a weary, yet valiant warrior striving to do his best.
Clyde and Rani: Sarah Jane’s Legacy
The absence of The Sarah Jane Adventures is still keenly felt by many, a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable Elisabeth Sladen. Among the show’s beloved characters, Clyde Langer and Rani Chandra stood out. Clyde, the wisecracking heart, and Rani, the resourceful journalist-in-training, complemented Sarah Jane Smith perfectly. The recent Tales of the TARDIS episode featuring Clyde and Jo Grant subtly highlighted Clyde’s romantic feelings for Rani. This sets the stage for a compelling doctor who spin off: a series centered on Clyde and Rani as a couple, continuing Sarah Jane’s legacy of defending Earth while navigating their evolving relationship. Furthermore, the prospect of Rani encountering the current Master incarnation, given the real-life romantic connection between actors Anjli Mohindra and Sacha Dhawan, adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The Masters: A Multiverse of Mayhem
Speaking of the Master, the Doctor’s nemesis offers fertile ground for spin-off exploration. Big Finish audio dramas have already demonstrated the sheer entertainment value of pitting various Master incarnations against each other. The on-screen crossover featuring John Simm and Michelle Gomez during Peter Capaldi’s era further solidified this appeal. A TV series, or even a miniseries, focusing on a Master ensemble would be an absolute delight for fans. Envision the chaotic dynamic of Simm, Gomez, and Dhawan’s Masters unleashed in a single narrative – pure, unadulterated Doctor Who villainy. This doctor who spin off idea promises high-octane drama and deliciously wicked interactions.
Abslom Daak: Dalek Slayer
The recent Doctor Who episode “The Star Beast” served as a loose adaptation of the comic strip from Doctor Who Monthly. Following this thread, another comic strip deserving screen adaptation is Abslom Daak. Daak is essentially a criminal presented with a stark choice: execution or a mission to eliminate Daleks. His chosen path involves battling Daleks with a chainsaw, along with encounters with Draconians and other alien adversaries. He assembles a motley crew, forming a found family that includes even an Ice Warrior. This concept for a doctor who spin off is inherently action-packed and humorous. While adapting, it would be wise to omit the problematic “girlfriend in the refrigerator” trope from the original comics, ensuring a more contemporary and nuanced narrative.
Class: The Coal Hill Legacy
Beyond Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, Doctor Who previously spawned Class, a series centered on students at Coal Hill School grappling with the aftermath of the Doctor’s adventures. The show delved into intense themes, including genocide and refugee experiences, through the lens of young adults facing extraordinary circumstances. Despite its quality and potential, Class was prematurely canceled after a single season, leaving a significant cliffhanger and unresolved character arcs. A sequel series, perhaps titled Class 2.0, could revisit these characters, now beyond their teenage years, potentially incorporating a new generation of students into the mix. This doctor who spin off deserves a second chance to explore its compelling premise.
Martha and Mickey: Earthbound Defenders
Lastly, Martha Jones and Mickey Smith. While their adventures could easily be integrated into a U.N.I.T. series, their dynamic warrants specific mention. Seeing Martha and Mickey team up to safeguard Earth would be immensely satisfying. Both are engaging characters, and their on-screen relationship was ripe for further exploration. Freema Agyeman and Noel Clarke possess undeniable screen presence, and a doctor who spin off focusing on their characters would be a guaranteed draw for many fans.
This article is inspired by Charlie Jane Anders’ newsletter, Happy Dancing, available on Buttondown. Charlie Jane Anders is a celebrated author whose works include the Victories Greater Than Death trilogy and Never Say You Can’t Survive. She is also the co-creator of Escapade, a trans superhero for Marvel Comics, and a reviewer for The Washington Post. Her TED Talk, “Go Ahead, Dream About the Future” has garnered significant attention. She co-hosts the podcast Our Opinions Are Correct with Annalee Newitz.
