As Doctor Who prepares to return this weekend, the show finds itself at a fascinating juncture. The revival era, which recently marked its 20th anniversary, is now bringing a fresh wave of energy to the series with Varada Sethu’s introduction as the new companion, Belinda. However, this excitement comes on the heels of months of uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, including rumors of cancellation following scrutiny of the 2024 season’s ratings. With this year’s season poised to play a crucial role in securing the show’s future, the stakes are high.

According to showrunner Russell T Davies, the key takeaway from the new season should be Doctor Who‘s unwavering commitment to joy, regardless of the challenges it faces. In a recent Zoom interview with io9, Davies reflected, “I think joy, as ever, is at the heart of Doctor Who. Whether the episodes are scary, set on a distant planet, or in Miami in 1952, there’s a real sense of fun and a big, broad program with big jokes, big scares, and freaky monsters.” Davies loves this aspect of the show, describing it as a “great big swinging for the fences” approach that, when successful, truly knocks it out of the park.

One of the most significant ways Doctor Who is swinging for the fences this season is through the introduction of its new companion, Belinda Chandra, played by Andor star Varada Sethu. Belinda, a nurse more concerned with getting back to Earth for her next shift than with the Doctor’s charms, marks a distinct departure from the immediate friendship dynamic seen between the 15th Doctor and Ruby Sunday last year. Although Millie Gibson will guest-star across the season, rekindling that best-friend energy, Belinda’s character brings a hesitant and more grounded perspective to the show.

Davies explained that this change in approach was partly a response to Ruby’s character, who embodied the perfect companion archetype. By introducing Belinda, the show can explore different dynamics, showcasing the program in a new light and giving the Doctor a fresh foil to play off of. “It just shows the format in a different light, it shows the Doctor in a different light—it gives Ncuti brand new material to play with,” Davies noted, highlighting the importance of keeping the lead actor engaged with new and challenging material.

Behind the camera, changes are also underway, with half of the season’s episodes penned by writers other than Davies, marking a shift from the previous season where Davies wrote the bulk of the episodes himself. This influx of new voices brings a “breath of fresh air” to the show, according to Davies, who appreciates the opportunity to work with diverse talents such as Inua Ellams, Juno Dawson, Sharma Angel Walfall, and Peter Tighe. This collaborative approach not only keeps the show lively but also inspires Davies personally, as he finds joy in discussing ideas with fellow writers.

Davies’ desire to continually refresh and revitalize Doctor Who has been a key factor in the show’s enduring success, both during his initial tenure and now in his second stint as showrunner. Reflecting on his legacy, Davies humbly acknowledges the impact Doctor Who has had on its fans, many of whom stop him in the street to express their appreciation for the show. As he walks through Manchester, past the largest student population in Europe, Davies is reminded of the show’s reach and its ability to captivate new generations of viewers.

“I’m the luckiest man in Great Britain,” Davies said, “to have people stopping me in the street telling me how much Who meant to them when they were kids. So long may that continue! I always think there’s some brand new eight-year-old watching it for the first time, who will be just as wide-eyed and entranced.”

Doctor Who returns to Disney+ worldwide, as well as BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, this Saturday, April 12.

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