Summary
At this year’sSan Diego Comic-Con, Russell T Davies reveals that the fourth wall breaks will return inDoctor Whoseason 15. After originally running from 1963 to 1989, Davies relaunched the iconic British series in 2005 after a lengthy hiatus. He managed to introduce a few fresh elements to the show while maintaining some of the campy sensibilities that previously characterized it. The producer left the show in 2010 but returned to head the recently concludedDoctor Whoseason 14. He will now return for season 15.
Speaking atDoctor Who’s San Diego Comic-Con panel, whereScreen Rantwas in attendance,Davies confirmed that the breaking of the fourth wall will be a part of the show going forward. He also adds that the new season will feature a lot more music. Read his full quote below:
I think it’s part of the show going forward, to be honest. It’s breaking the fourth wall, the fact we all know that phrase means that it’s very well known. It’s a thing lots of things [are] doing, lots of shows [are] doing. And I like it, I think it’s fun. I think everything I’ve ever written is just one beat away from turning to the camera and going, ‘What do you think?’
I can promise you more music! I’m sure many of you are delighted to hear that. There’s more music… It’s not a musical, but there’s an episode that’s packed full of songs. I should say no more, I’ve given away too much.
Why Is Russell T Davies Employing The Fourth Wall Breaks In Doctor Who?
Doctor Who Does Have A History Of Fourth Wall Breaks
Breaking the fourth wall is not a concept that’s particularly newtoDoctor Who.Over the years, some of the most memorable scenes or sequences in the show have involved a character directly addressing the audience. For example, there have been a few times when Tom Baker, the eccentric Fourth Doctor, broke the fourth wall, either to give the audience adequate or additional context, or just to simply deliver witty lines directly to the audience for humor’s sake.
Since Davies returned asshowrunner, however, he’s been a lot more particular about his use of the age-long technique, with almost everyDoctor Whoseason 14 episodefeaturing a character breaking the fourth wall. Most notably,Mrs. Flood broke the fourth wall at the end of the Christmas specialwhen she reacted to her neighbor’s shock at seeing the TARDIS dematerialize. This has led to speculation about how she fits into the show’s bigger picture.
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In a recent interview following theending ofDoctor Whoseason 14, Davies was asked why he chose to employ the technique since returning to the show. He remained vague in his answer, stating thatthere might not be an explanation for the repeated fourth wall breaks. His Comic-Con answer indicates he’s just having fun with the show’s format. While that might be true, Davies has proven himself to be a very meticulous screenwriter and producer over the years, and it’s equally likely the constant fourth wall breaks are intended to serve a purpose further down the line.
Doctor Who
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Doctor Who: Released on June 26, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
