Doctor Who hires more female writers and directors for season 12
By Ariba Bhuvad
Who runs the world? GIRLS! On Doctor Who season 12, that is. Over the course of its 50+ year legacy, this series hasn’t done the most stand-up job when it comes to gender diversity. In fact, since the series returned in 2005, only four women have written episodes, and only five have directed, according to SYFY Wire. And not a single one of them was a woman of color.
Clearly, Doctor Who needed to catch up with the times, which is why Jodie Whittaker coming on as the first female Doctor was such a big deal. And thanks to showrunner Chris Chibnall, things are changing behind the camera, as well.
In season 11, four directors — two men and two women — took on 10 episodes. The season’s best episode, “Rosa,” was written by Malorie Blackman, the first black person to ever write a Doctor Who episode.
And the series shows no signs of slowing down. Three new female writers have been brought on for season 12: Nina Metivier, Maxine Alderton and Charlene James, along with two female directors in Nida Manzoor and Emma Sullivan. Also coming aboard on the directing side are Jamie Magnus Stone and Lee Haven Jones, while writers Vinay Patel, Ed Hime and Pete McTighe return from season 11.
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That brings the total to five female additions! Chibnall released a statement expressing his excitement:
"We’re thrilled that Doctor Who continues to attract some of the most exciting and dynamic talent working in television. Along with our returning faces, we’re excited to welcome new members to the Doctor Who family. The Doctor Who team is crammed with British television’s brightest writers and directors: we’ve adored working with them, and can’t wait to show you the explosive stuff they’ve created!"
It’s a welcome change to see the series taking such drastic steps forward. We’ll be able to see what the new team puts together early in 2020!
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