I know Doctor Who was developed as a family show. But…
Do children actually watch Doctor Who?
Again and again I hear that Doctor Who is considered to be a family show, always has been. Consequently, aside from teenagers and adults, children (age group 7-12) are part of their target audience. DW being a family show, or at least aspiring to be one, is something that intrigued me for quite a while now. Due to people online, sharing their memories of watching Doctor Who as a child, I know Classic Who’s audience indeed included children. But what about New Who?
I tried to find information about the DW viewership demographic, however I wasn’t very successful. I just assume that, when it comes to any kind of media, the targeted audience doesn’t always coincide with the audience, that watches the content in actuality. So striving to be watched by the entire family (including kids) isn’t necessarily something, that is achieved in reality?
Therefore I’m asking DW fans with children, younger siblings, nieces/ nephews etc.: Do children (7-12 years old) nowadays actually watch Doctor Who?
My curiosity regarding this topic probably stems from the question if it is reasonable to cater to a specific audience, that maybe doesn’t exist anymore? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily want more violence, swearing or adult content. However sometimes I get the feeling, DW is limited by the need to adhere to a certain age rating. But on the other hand I know, aside from the public image and the long-standing tradition, there are monetary reasons to hold on to the “family show image”.
I think it would mean a lot to Kate Stewart to meet the Doctor who ultimately started her father's UNIT journey. Because of Timey Wimey stuff she can't tell him who she is of course, but she can still show some thanks.
Bonus:
I like to imagine since Donna works for UNIT now, she likes to ask Kate along for lunch occasionally. And I also think 14 wouldn't hear the END of it once she finds out about Jamie.
in the second to last serial of classic doctor who, the curse of fenric, there are strange pseudo vampires. at one point the doctor explains that - despite the folklore - it’s not the physical crucifix that repels the vampires, it’s the faith of the person holding it, their absolute belief in something more than themselves. the priest present fails to repel the vampires with a crucifix, because his faith had been broken by the events of WWII. the doctor repels the vampires with his faith in those he has had as companions, muttering their names over and over.
i mention all this because - and i am not making this up - it is immediately followed by a soviet man repelling the vampires with the power of belief in communist revolution. they aired this in the 80s.
as the show was then cancelled one story later, it remains the only show to ever be cut down in its prime twenty six seasons in.