The Public's Perception When Doctor Who Was Rumored to Return in 2005

In 2005, when rumors began to circulate about the return of the long-lost Doctor Who, the general public was surprised by how low the show had fallen in their minds. Despite the enduring love from Doctor Who fans and a thriving market for fiction and audio plays, the show had largely been written off by the broader public as a somewhat embarrassing relic of the past.

Public Perception at the Time

The Doctor Who books and memorabilia were still popular among fan collectibles, but in general, the show was seen as something best left in the history books. This sentiment was echoed in personal interactions, such as my friend who, upon seeing my Doctor Who collection, felt it was necessary to inform me that the show was dead and silly, suggesting that I should move on.

Richard E. Grant's Experience

In 2004, when Richard E. Grant agreed to play the Doctor in an animated webcast, it was clear that his representatives immediately thought he had made a mistake by associating himself with such a dead property. Grant was reticent to discuss the project in interviews, and safety measures included placing a writer in a closet to prevent overly enthusiastic coverage. However, once the project took off and became a hit, Grant was more than happy to appear on the show.

Steven Moffat and Rowan Atkinson

The Doctor Who community had a chance to revisit the series through a spoof episode written by Steven Moffat with Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor in 1999. The episode, titled Curse of the Fatal Death, was a fun send-up that speculated about the Doctor's remaining regenerations. This led to some speculation that perhaps the program would be closed for good, given the Doctor's extensive use of his regenerations during the skit.

Revival Prospects and Fans' Response

The idea that the show could regain popularity was a wilder concept that we now take for granted. However, at the time, the prospects of a Doctor Who revival appeared increasingly unlikely. The public was not only willing but eager to see the show return, driven by an unexpected surge of interest and support from both fans and the media. The impact of these rumblings and the eventual reveal of the revival highlighted the enduring appeal of the Doctor Who brand, proving that sometimes great things can rise from seemingly impossible circumstances.