Why PBS No Longer Shows Doctor Who

Introduction

The Doctor Who series has had a long and storied history on public television. However, viewers may have noticed that the show is no longer regularly featured on PBS. This article will explore why PBS no longer carries Doctor Who and examine the changes in the landscape of public television, which have shifted the distribution and viewing habits of the show.

The Early Days of Doctor Who on PBS

During the 1970s and 1980s, PBS was the primary distributor of British television shows, including Doctor Who. At that time, public television was the only game in town for broadcast of foreign programming. With Doctor Who, PBS leveraged the show’s popularity as a fundraising tool, which brought in a substantial number of fans who contributed to their local stations. This ensured the show’s presence on PBS for at least a decade, from the original run in the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Some stations continued to broadcast episodes, even into the 1990s and beyond, thus prolonging the show’s visibility on public television.

The Change in Distribution

With the advent of cable television, home video, and streaming, the distribution landscape changed significantly. Doctor Who, having become a more sophisticated and high-value production, such as the New Who series, became less of a primary focus for rapid and easy distribution by PBS. Instead, Doctor Who is now distributed by BBC Worldwide, which allows public television stations to air episodes from Series 1 through 8, along with some Confidential episodes. However, these opportunities are limited, as only a few stations continue to air the show.

The Rise of BBC America and New Distribution Models

The launch of BBC America in 2002 marked a significant shift. This cable channel featured Doctor Who as a draw to attract viewers. No longer was there a need for PBS to continuously air the show as a fundraising tool. Streaming platforms and DVD releases further reduced the need for a terrestrial broadcast network to carry the show. In 1992, Maryland Public Television ran a successful fundraising campaign for Doctor Who, which helped it air the recently uncovered story Tomb of the Cybermen. However, these efforts became increasingly rare as more distribution options emerged.

Conclusion

In summary, the shift from the early days of Doctor Who on PBS to the current landscape has been driven by technological advancements and changes in distribution models. While PBS was once the primary outlet for Doctor Who, the advent of cable, home video, streaming, and the rise of dedicated cable channels like BBC America has made the continuation of regular broadcasts by PBS less essential. Nonetheless, the show's presence on public television has left a lasting legacy, especially among those who remember the early broadcasts.

Keywords: PBS, Doctor Who, BBC America, Streaming, Public Television