Steven Moffat leaving Doctor Who; no new episodes until Christmas 2016!

The Doctor Who fandom was delivered some shocking news today as it has been reported that show runner Steven Moffat is officially stepping down from the show after season 10. Now as this news may be upsetting to some fans it will undoubtedly be good news to others as Moffat's tenure as show runner as been spotty at best for many fans.

The extremely upsetting news is that season 10 will not air until the Spring of 2017. That means that the only Doctor Who episode fans will have in 2016 is the Christmas Special which has been confirmed to still be on. I'll say that again, besides the Christmas Special, no new Doctor Who in 2016! What?! That is crazy! Apparently, since there are so many other big events going on for the BBC in 2016, like the Olympics, they want to hold a big event back for 2017. That just seems like an odd way of thinking and frankly screws over the fans. Way to go, BBC.

Replacing Moffat will be Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall. Chibnall is no stranger to Doctor Who however as he has written several episodes in the past; "“42”, “The Hungry Earth” / “Cold Blood” (2010), “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship” and “The Power of Three”". (Not exactly the best episodes out there to be honest.) It is being reported that Chibnall will take over for season 11 in 2018.

Speaking about his departure, Moffat stated,

"“Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”"

Chibnall commented as well saying that,

"“Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world.  So it’s a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore.  Steven’s achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who’s creative ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”"

I'm stunned by this news and although I may be happy to see Moffat go the current Doctor Who schedule timeline is a bit frightening. No new episodes in 2016 except the Christmas Special. Then Season 10 in Spring of 2017. Then we have another long wait until season 11 (with Chibnall) in 2018. These are going to be hard times for Doctor Who fans.

How do you feel about Moffat leaving the show? Excited to see what Chibnall can do as the show runner?

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Source: Doctor Who TV