Part 4/9:

Through the lens of spectacle rather than substance, Doctor Who suddenly morphed from a beloved sci-fi staple into what some viewed as a soapbox for ideological messages. The show, which promised adventure and creativity, veered into territory that felt exclusionary to some longtime fans, alienating large portions of its audience.

The Backlash

The viewer's discontent manifested in plummeting ratings and declining engagement. With barely 2 million viewers tuning in at its peak, it became evident that even loyal fans were abandoning ship. There was an outcry over the noticeable shift in focus, where the Doctor—traditionally a powerful and multifaceted character—was sidelined in favor of supporting characters, and storytelling was sacrificed for messaging.