For years, American fans have been weeks or months behind when it came to airing the “Doctor Who” holiday episode in the United States.
Well, here’s an early present to all of our “Who” fans.
BBC America announced this morning that they will air the upcoming holiday special on Christmas Day.
Yes, that means we’ll get it the same day as it airs in the U.K.
Written by series runner Steven Moffat, this year’s special is called “A Christmas Carol.”
Here’s the press release from BBC America.
BBC AMERICA TO PREMIERE DOCTOR WHO SPECIAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Harry Potter’s Michael Gambon Guest Stars in the Holiday-Themed Adventure
Following Matt Smith’s appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday November 16, BBC AMERICA announces that the new Doctor Who Christmas Special will premiere in the U.S. for the first time on Christmas Day. The festive Dickens-inspired adventure, A Christmas Carol, is penned by award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat (Sherlock, Coupling) and premieres Saturday, December 25, 9:00 pm ET.
Newlyweds Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) are joined by Harry Potter’s Michael Gambon and Opera diva Katherine Jenkins, for what may be the Doctor’s most Christmassy adventure yet.
Lead Writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, commented on the upcoming special: “Oh, we’re going for broke with this one. It’s all your favorite Christmas movies at once, in an hour, with monsters. And the Doctor. And a honeymoon. And … oh, you’ll see. I’ve honestly never been so excited about writing anything. I was laughing madly as I typed along to Christmas songs in April. My neighbors loved it so much they all moved away and set up a website demanding my execution. But I’m fairly sure they did it ironically.”
Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, added: “Doctor Who has become a key part of the BBC AMERICA schedule, and having the opportunity to air A Christmas Carol on Christmas Day is like receiving our very own holiday gift. The Timelord may travel through time and space, but he’s certainly found a home at BBC AMERICA.”
Doctor Who is currently filming in Utah for next season’s two-part premiere set in the U.S. during the late ’60s. Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston and guest star Mark Sheppard are all in production stateside. The next season premieres spring 2011 on BBC AMERICA.
In the run up to A Christmas Carol on Christmas Day, BBC AMERICA will be running a marathon of the series, beginning at midnight on December 24 and leading up to this year’s special. The marathon includes previous Christmas specials and a selection of favorite Doctor Who episodes from recent seasons.
Christmas Day will also see the premiere the Doctor Who Prom, a live concert featuring stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill as hosts. The Doctor Who Prom was filmed earlier this year at the world renowned Royal Albert Hall and features appearances from the Weeping Angels, Daleks and the TARDIS. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, who record the soundtrack for the series, present a selection of intergalactic music – including Murray Gold’s music from the TV show, plus a selection of classical favorites.
Fans can catch up on the new Doctor’s first season with Doctor Who: The Complete Fifth Series Blu-ray and DVD, both are now available in stores.
BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. BBC AMERICA is distributed by Discovery Networks. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 68 million homes.
Makes sense to have the Christmas special on Christmas Day.
By George, I think they finally got it!
Finally! I loathe waiting for Doctor Who to get aired over here. Though I’ll grant that at least the wait is rarely as long as it was for Sherlock. That was ridiculous.
Wait, they’re actually showing the Doctor Who Prom on BBC America? Sweet!
My kids have become big Dr. Who fans as I’ve tried to catch up since my last Dr. I regularly watched was Tom Baker. I’m all caught up now through Matt Smith so my family is eagerly anticipating any new Who.
Hmmm ! you Americans complaining about something coming late to you . That is just one or two things you get late.
We Europeans have had that sense for ages with regard to US made TV series – or films for that matter.
I am glad though that you get it the same day, I just wish we would get your US stuff on the same day, too.
@babylonlurker: I wish you could, too. Heck, I’m still confused by the fact that Canada has to wait days, weeks, or even months for their networks to air some of our programming when a good number of them can pick up US broadcasts anyway.
Well, the show airs on Saturdays. And the Christmas special (I’m assuming) would be shown on the closest Saturday to the original premiere. And since Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, then that’s when the episode will be shown.
I’m actually a little surprised, though. Usually, new episodes aren’t shown on holidays in the US. Especially a holiday like Christmas. I expected the “Doctor Who” special to be shown on January 1st (that’s a week later). But I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to catch it on the night of the 25th. I think by then, everyone would have left (for Christmas).
Oh hell ya I have been waiting for this year Doctor Who Christmas specail and can hardly wait. They keep getting better every year and this year sounds like it going to be even better than last.