How can Doctor Who make gains in viewer numbers and ratings?
BBC, Doctor Who
Ratings are important when it comes to any television show. What could we see Doctor Who change?
Though Doctor Who cracked the Top Five most watched special on Christmas Day, it still didn’t compare to the past. The truth is, with BBC iPlayer, iTunes, and other streaming services available, nothing is ever going to bring back the 13 million views that Christmas Invasion had.
However, it doesn’t stop many people from using the ratings as a reason the show could be going “downhill”. Though viewers aren’t a good measurement, you can bet that Chibnall is doing everything to secure great ratings. We know that the new season will be more cinematic, and they’re already making sure to have great scenery.
But is there anything they can do with the viewers? Does the day of the week have anything to do with how an episode is viewed? In America, it’s suicide for a show to be on the weekends, but it seems to do the trick in Britain. Doctor Who has consistently been shown on the weekends, but a big change that might be made is from Saturday to Sunday.
The change makes some sense. Sunday nights are more for being at home with the family, and well, watching television! Saturday nights are often full of plans, especially since the audience that Doctor Who is reaching is adults and young adults. AKA – people who try not to be home on Saturdays. (Me excluded.)
Also, since most shows have Saturday slots, giving Doctor Who a Sunday slot would definitely help it out. With less to compete against, it makes it stick out and give people a reminder. This also follows Chibnall having his television shows on less exciting days of television. Broadchurch aired on Mondays.