Part 4/6:
While Davies claims some measure of pride in the show's efforts to reach younger demographics—including those with progressive social identities—the strategy appears to be backfiring. The focus on attracting under-30 viewers, many of whom do not typically consume traditional television, has not translated into long-term engagement or widespread support from existing fans.
Longtime viewers, who have been loyal for decades, feel betrayed. They observe that the franchise has abandoned its legacy and core audience, many of whom have collectively walked away. This phenomenon mirrors what has happened in other franchises like Star Wars, where attempts to reboot or reimagine with new audiences often come at the expense of original fans.