Will the New Doctor Who Showrunner Chris Chibnall End Classic Series Continuity References?

Before Chris Chibnall took over as showrunner, he contributed to a few individual episodes of Doctor Who, often featuring revivals of classic monsters or characters like The Silurians in “The Hungry Earth” and the UNIT United Nations Intelligence Taskforce in “The Power of Three”.

It’s uncertain whether these inclusions were his idea or a prerequisite for his hiring. Nevertheless, it serves both long-time and new fans to have these references, as long as the new stories stand on their own and have strong, engaging characters.

Is There a Potential for a Shift Away from Classic References?

Some fans wonder if Chibnall, being a long-time Doctor Who fan himself, will end the series' classic references. He has been a part of keeping the show alive during its hiatus and has closely associated with the series as a fan.

While it is hoped that the new stories will stand alone, Doctor Who has a long and rich history, and Chibnall has been a fan since his youth. Additionally, classic lore has been deeply embedded in the new series through thirteen years of storytelling. It seems unlikely that classic series references will disappear anytime soon.

Chibnall's Approach to Continuity

Unlike Russell T Davies, who initially feared incorporating old references, Chibnall has been more permissive in this regard. His approach is reminiscent of Davies, but even in the premiere episode, Rose Moffat brought back classic series references, like Autons.

It is expected that Chibnall will not completely remove classic references, even if he chooses to focus less on them. Just as RTD eventually incorporated classic elements, Chibnall will likely also bring back the classic characters as needed.

Addressing Audience Expectations

While it is understandable for fans to want fewer classic references, it is crucial that the new stories engage both long-time and new viewers. The classic series references serve to provide continuity and excitement for long-time fans while also introducing new characters and plotlines for new viewers.

Chibnall has shown a willingness to incorporate elements from the rich Doctor Who universe, and it is likely that he will continue to do so, even in moderation. It will be interesting to see how he balances classic references with the need to move the series forward and attract new audiences.

Regardless of the changes, the Doctor Who series remains a vibrant and beloved part of television history, and fans can look forward to continued adventures and new stories in the coming seasons.

Conclusion

While there is speculation about Chibnall's approach to classic series references, it is clear that he will likely maintain a balance between continuity and new content. The Doctor Who series has a strong fan base that appreciates the rich history and continued evolution of the show.