Posted in: BBC, Doctor Who, Preview, Trailer, TV | Tagged: bbc, chris chibnall, doctor, doctor who, jodie whittaker, preview, series 13

Doctor Who: BBC "Radical" Promise Keeps Our Murphy/Fern Dream Alive

So the next 1-1/2 years will definitely be a very interesting time for the BBC's Doctor Who. Before the end of this year, Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop, and showrunner Chris Chibnall will be hitting our screens with a one-story Series 13 and Jacob Anderson (Broadchuch, Game of Thrones) joining the cast as Vinder. Following that, Whittaker and Chibnall wrap up their runs on the long-running show by the end of 2022 (more on that in a minute). This means the dumpster fires of mindless speculation are roaring high into the skies on both sides of the pond as folks try to be the first to predict who the new showrunner and lead will be.

Yesterday, we even had Star Trek: The Next Generation & The Stand star Whoopi Goldberg reminding folks at the Edinburgh TV Festival that she still wants the job. Whoever does end up running the show and piloting the TARDIS, Piers Wenger, BBC Director for Drama, wants viewers to know that "change" is in the air. Speaking at the same festival Goldberg was attending, Wenger was asked about the long-running series' future and updates on who will be coming aboard. While keeping any and all specifics under wraps, Wenger responded, "As with any change of Doctor and showrunner, we'll be radical […] Change is ahead."

So we're just going to put this out there again. Cody Fern as the Doctor. Ryan Murphy as showrunner. Oh, and duh? Sarah Paulson as the Master. Now that would be radical… Here's a look at the first official trailer for Series 13, followed by the synopsis released by AMC Networks:

She's back. The Thirteenth Doctor is returning for the thirteenth series in what is set to be a six-part Event Serial. Since their last epic battle in Revolution of the Daleks, the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and Yaz (Mandip Gill) have been exploring the universe together but with the Doctor now questioning everything about her past there, she will undoubtedly be searching for answers. This adrenalin fueled; universe-spanning series will also see an addition to the TARDIS with actor and comedian John Bishop joining the cast as Dan Lewis who will quickly learn there's more to the Universe than he could ever believe. Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones, Broadchurch) is also set to make his debut on Doctor Who as reoccurring character, Vinder. Jacob's new role will see him join forces with the Doctor, Yaz and Dan as the Doctor faces her biggest ever adventure. Series 13 is set to introduce some terrifying new adversaries
and the return of truly iconic old enemies. Expect action, fun, scares, extraordinary new worlds as the Doctor and her friends confront a deadly evil…

After Series 13 premieres in the fall, Whittaker and Chibnall will be a part of three feature-length specials in 2022- with the final special also marking the end of Whittaker's run (and we're assuming the introduction of the new Doctor, still unknown as of this writing). The first special will screen on New Year's Day, with the second airing in the spring, the third in fall 2022 as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations. Of course, BCTV has some thoughts about the showrunner search here if you're interested.

"My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life," Whittaker said. "I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories. We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had." Chibnall added: "Jodie and I made a "three series and out" pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we're handing back the Tardis keys. Jodie's magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations."

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