‘Doctor Who’ season 9: Is Peter Capaldi unhappy with timeslot?

Why have the ratings for “Doctor Who” declined this season? It is a question that many have wondered for weeks this season, with us feeling like the biggest reason is simply that there is no longer any big buzz around events like anniversaries, a regeneration, or once-in-a-lifetime guest stars. The show has settled in, and we feel like for the most part, more and more people are content with watching the show either online or on a DVD / streaming site after the season concludes.

What’s interesting is seeing what the show’s own star in Peter Capaldi had to say about the numbers. Speaking per The Guardian, he attributed the performance in some ways to a late start time following “Strictly Come Dancing” on Saturday nights:

“I feel it’s slightly used as a pawn in a Saturday night warfare. I feel as if it should go out at 7.30pm or around that time. I see a lot of kids and a lot of families and these families who all love Doctor Who want to sit down and watch it together. I used to do that with my daughter when it came back so it has to be on at a time that’s reasonable for them to do that.”

“And once you get past 8.15pm, you’re getting yourself into adult territory and although a lot of adults really like it, at its heart, it’s designed to do a lot of entertaining of children as well. So I think it begins to move into a zone it doesn’t quite belong in. I feel it’s a shame they’re not given that opportunity.”

To a certain extent, we do agree with Peter and his sentiment, but we do also know that at least in America, there is a benefit to airing behind like a super-popular show like this one is “Strictly.” Then again, maybe the viewing patterns for people in Britain are different than here on another continent.

If you want to get some other updates right away when it comes to “Doctor Who,” click here to see the rumors regarding the show potentially cutting back on its episodes next season! Also, you can sign up here to secure some more TV news on everything we cover, including some exclusive teasers, via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: BBC.)