Steven Moffat Exits Doctor Who, Chris Chibnall to Take Over

NEW YORK: Steven Moffat will step down as head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who after season ten, with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall to take over.

BBC One is planning to air Moffat’s final 12-part season, its tenth, in spring 2017. There will also be a Christmas special in 2016. The debut of the series with Chibnall as head writer and executive producer is set for 2018.

Chibnall, who has previously written for Doctor Who, is best known for the hit series Broadchurch. His other credits include The Great Train Robbery, United, Law & Order: UK, Life on Mars and Torchwood.

Moffat said: “Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season ten, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

Chibnall commented: “Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC program: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world. So it’s a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore. Steven’s achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who‘s creative ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”

Charlotte Moore, the controller of BBC One, said: “I want to thank Steven Moffat for everything he has given Doctor Who—I’ve loved working with him, he is an absolute genius and has brought fans all over the world such joy. I will be very sad to see him leave the show but I can’t wait to see what he will deliver in his last ever series next year with a brand new companion. I have decided to schedule Steven’s big finale series in spring 2017 to bring the nation together for what will be a huge event on the channel. 2016 is spoilt with national moments, including the Euros and Olympics, and I want to hold something big back for 2017—I promise it will be worth the wait! I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris Chibnall, a wonderfully talented writer who I know will bring something very special to the hit series.”

Polly Hill, the controller of BBC drama commissioning, added: “Like Charlotte I would like to thank Steven for his brilliance, which has made Doctor Who a global hit under his tenure. Chris Chibnall is the perfect successor to take over the reins of this incredible show, so I am delighted that his love for Doctor Who has made it impossible for him to resist! Chris is an incredible writer and his vision and passion for Doctor Who gives it an exciting future and promises to be a real treat for Doctor Who fans across the world.”