Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat has candidly reflected on the vitriol he would receive from the show’s fandom seven years after his exit from the role. Moffat wrote regularly for the show starting in 2005 before getting promoted to showrunner in 2010, leaving the series in 2017. However, he recently wrote the Doctor Who season 14 episode “Boom,” and will pen the 2024 Christmas special “Joy to the World,” in what is expected to be his final episode. However, his run was not without controversy from some fans of the series.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at the Toronto International Film Festival, Moffat revealed how his time as Doctor Who’s showrunner led to him being accused of multiple forms of bigotry by fans of the show. This stems from dislike of sexual jokes in his episodes and accusations of misogyny due to his writing of some female characters. He went on to say how showrunners appear to often be branded as “chief Satan of the nation,” with him being no exception. Check out what Moffat had to say below:
The level of hate you get could down three passenger jets. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t stop. I was vilified endlessly. I was a homophobe, misandrist and a misanthrope and a sexist and misogynist and a racist. I was against so many people I could only be described as an omni- bigot, which I would suggest means I’m treating everybody equally.
What Moffat’s Experience As Showrunner Says About Doctor Who
Doctor Who Continues To Get Criticized
Vitriol aimed at Moffat’s tenure on the sci-fi adventure show appears to be part of the show’s history, with plenty of online discourse surrounding the series’ various developments over the years. Chris Chibnall, who was showrunner for seasons featuring the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), was criticized by fans unhappy with the Doctor’s gender being changed. One of the most controversial developments was the introduction of Doctor Who’s Timeless Child, altering the main characters’ origins as a Time Lord from Gallifrey.
The show continues to receive criticism following first showrunner Russell T. Davies’ return, with Doctor Who addressing racism and portraying the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) as black and LGBTQ+ garnering hate online. This opposing reason for why Moffat received hate underscores his opinion on the showrunner seat for the series, as the show appears to always garner negative reactions for different reasons. This historical curse hasn’t stopped the series from thriving, though, with Doctor Who season 15 already confirmed to arrive next year.
Our Take On Moffat Reflecting On Being Doctor Who’s Showrunner
Vitriolic Fans Still Exist To This Day
While TV shows are bound to garner different reactions from dedicated fans, Doctor Who is unique for maintaining controversy no matter who’s been in charge of the series. Because of just how constant hate for its showrunners have been, it’s no surprise actors like Gatwa have responded to racism and bigotry aimed at the latest protagonist. But, while hatred is sure to be aimed at the show no matter what happens in its future, the series still remains a popular sci-fi adventure show with plenty of thought-provoking storylines to engage its audience.