SDCC Announces Air Date of 'Doctor Who' Season 9; Releases First Official Trailer

Jenna Coleman, Peter Capaldi and Michelle Gomez
courtesy the Irish Examiner

During the "Doctor Who" panel, in the infamous Hall H of San Diego Comic Con, the official date for the upcoming ninth season was revealed. The new season is set to air on the BBC, Saturday, September 19th.

Peter Capaldi, the Doctor and first time con-goer, was asked by moderator, Chris Hardwick, during the Doctor Who panel if it has been like any other show he's been on before. It's a well documented fact that Peter Capaldi is a long-time Whovian, so his response was quite touching; "It's the only show that's in my bones." He also admitted to getting teary eyed the first time he saw the TARDIS in person when he guest starred alongside David Tennant, in the 2008 episode, "The Fires of Pompeii."

In addition to the release date of the next season, attendees were treated to an exclusive look at the first official season 9 trailer. In it, we see old villains return, new foes arrive and what looks to be a lot of action. Not only are we treated to glimpses of what appear to be Missy and Clara working together, but we're also shown a brief interaction between Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor and Maisie Williams' (Game of Thrones) yet unknown character.

What do you think, Whovians? Are you excited for the new season and do you have any guesses who Maisie Williams will be playing? Let us know your thoughts & theories in the comments!

-Nowal Massari

Steven Moffat Says Ninth Season of 'Doctor Who' Set to Answer a Big Question

"Why this one? Why did I choose this face? It's like I'm trying to tell myself something. Like I'm trying to make a point. But what is so important that I can't just tell myself what I think?"

A seemingly sly implication that Whovians would be receiving an explanation behind the reappearance of Peter Capaldi in the Whoniverse. While that moment never came in his first season as the Doctor, it appears as though it will be addressed in the upcoming season.

For those unfamiliar, Peter Capaldi appeared alongside David Tennant's 10th Doctor in an episode called "The Fires of Pompeii" as the Roman Merchant, Caecilius. He was next seen in Torchwood: Children of Earth, as Home Office permanent secretary, John Frobisher. While Doctor Who is no stranger to reusing actors, Karen Gillan was first seen in "The Fires of Pompeii" before stepping into the TARDIS with Matt Smith, this is the first time in NuWho history that an actor that has previously been on the show has portrayed the Doctor. I emphasize NuWho, because Colin Baker portrayed a Gallifreyan guard before he became the Sixth Doctor.

'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Air Time and More!

BBC One has just released their Christmas schedule line up, which means one very important thing; Whovians now know when to shrug their familial holiday duties and turn on the telly!

This year's special, "Last Christmas," will be airing Christmas day on BBC One at 6:15PM across the pond and BBC America at 9/8C stateside. Come to think of it, with rumors of Jenna Coleman's impending exit, the title "Last Christmas" seems a little foreboding.

Fans of the show received a sneak peak at the special during the season finale, "Death in Heaven," when Nick Frost showed up in the TARDIS dressed as Santa Claus. Who, by the way, is perfect for this role in every single way. Frost will be returning as Saint Nick to join Clara and the Doctor for their (alleged) last adventure. Trapped on an Arctic base (i.e the North Pole), the trio set out to help a group of scientists that are under a deadly, alien attack. Making an appearance in the episode will be Patrick Troughton's son, Michael Troughton, as Professor Albert.

Showrunner Steven Moffat promises that he hasn't lost his mind, but freely admits that this is the craziest episode he has written. In an interview with Radio Times, he says "It's The Thing meets Miracle on 34th Street – the movie we've all been waiting for. It's certainly the strangest bloody thing I've ever written." He doesn't want fans to write the episode off, however, saying "I sense that the very people who think they might hate this, won't hate it at all. Of all the Christmas specials I've done, it's the one most like the paradigm Doctor Who episode."

If you haven't watched the trailer for the episode yet, consider this my early gift to you. While you're at it, see if you can spot Dan Starkey out of his Sontaran garb!



-Nowal Massari

First Teaser for the Doctor Who Christmas Special Released!

If you like your television spoiler free, I suggest you look away now!

Now that the late watchers have gone, the season 8 finale of Doctor Who gave fans a sneak peek into this years Christmas special, by introducing Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Santa Claus.

The episode was followed immediately by the first official teaser trailer, and let me say that things are looking quite terrifying up at the North Pole. Check it out and let us know what you think!

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'Deep Breath'

Images Courtesy of the BBC

BY NOWAL MASSARI

After what seemed like a nerd-ternity, the series eight premiere of "Doctor Who" has finally arrived. As with all post-regeneration Doctors, we enter the first episode with a touch of sadness and slight caution. As pointed out by Chris Hardwick and Wil Wheaton on "After Who Live," we nerds are living in a post-Phantom Menace world and we do not like change. However, we always warm to the new Doctor as time goes forward (or backward). So now, hold on to your sonics and take a "Deep Breath."

New Paranormal Period Drama, 'The Living and The Dead' Coming to BBC America and BBC One

BBC America and BBC One have announced that they've greenlit a new six-episode 60-minute period drama called "The Living And The Dead." The drama will be co-written by BBC "Life On Mars" creators Ashley Pharoah and Matthew Graham, who will also be executive producers alongside Faith Penhale, and Katie McAleese. It is co-produced by BBC Wales Drama Production and BBC America in association with Monastic Productions for BBC One.

Details and setting from the press release:

Somerset, England, 1888. A land and a community on the edge of monumental change, on the great hinge between ancient traditional ways and an industrial, scientific future. A land of ghosts and myths, poltergeists and demons - if there was ever a time for those ghosts to rise out of the ground, this would be that time. At the heart of this small community is Nathan Appleby, a reluctant gentleman farmer who is obsessed with proving the existence of the afterlife.

In the new original drama, this complex and compelling man will investigate hauntings, paranormal happenings, and ghostly visitations, encouraged by the Society for Psychical Research. But as these terrifying investigations become ever more frequent and ever more scary, Nathan starts to see and hear disturbing things that he simply cannot have imagined. Will Nathan’s interest in the occult begin to threaten his family, his livelihood and even his sanity?

The cast of the new series has not yet been announced but according to Pharoah and Graham, “We are as excited about this show as anything since 'Life On Mars' and 'Ashes To Ashes.'" They promise scares and lots of emotional punch as well, “We want it to be moving, tender, sensual — and very, very scary.” No news on a release date but it is reported that the show will be distributed worldwide by BBC Worldwide. The release states that, "It will shoot in the West Country of England next year and casting will be announced in due course."

We'll keep you posted on when you'll be able to catch this latest scripted ghosty show from BBC.

-Larissa Mrykalo

IDW Announces 'Orphan Black' Comic Book Series

Courtesy IDW

Despite its snub at the Emmys, fans really dig the BBC America hit, "Orphan Black" and IDW Publishing paid attention. They just announced at Comic-Con that coming in 2015 is a new comic book series based on the show. Details were released yesterday via a press release from IDW and it revealed that not only will it not be cloning the show, it'll offer new story lines set in the show's world.

Here is the announcement from IDW:

Orphan Black, the acclaimed sci-fi series by Temple Street Productions, assumes a new identity in the form of a comic-book series from IDW Publishing. IDW’s series will not be a clone of the show but will feature some all-new stories set in the complex and thrilling world of Orphan Black.

“Orphan Black, in addition to being a captivating TV series, is a perfect premise for comics,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “And as the second season has expanded the series in exciting new directions, that has only increased the amount of stories we’ll be able to tell in comic-book form.”

New Paranormal Series, 'Intruders' Coming to BBC America

Courtesy BBC America

BBC America will debut its new paranormal drama, "Intruders" on August 23 at 10 p.m. ET immediately after the season eight premiere of "Doctor Who." Thanks to our friends over at Three if By Space, we got introduced to a new trailer that features the stars of "Intruders" (including John Simm, Mira Sorvino, Tony Kittles, and James Frain) and we were intrigued. Glen Morgan (executive producer of "The X-Files") serves as the writer and executive producer and Daniel Stamm directs the new series. "Intruders" is based on Michael Marshall Smith’s novel about "a secret society devoted to chasing immortality by seeking refuge in the bodies of others."

BBC America further describes "Intruders" as:

A contemporary, chilling, paranormal tale set in the moody Pacific Northwest, INTRUDERS spins a fascinating and complex web of drama. As strange, apparently unrelated events start happening, multiple story-lines — a missing wife, an assassin covering his crimes, a child on the run — begin to intertwine to reveal a conspiracy that will forever change our understanding of human nature.

Check out not only the trailer featuring the stars of the series but also the official trailer and let us know if you'll be tuning in on August 23.

New "Meet the Stars of 'Intruders'" Trailer


"Intruders" Trailer


-Larissa Mrykalo

First Official, Full Length Doctor Who Trailer Released

"Am I a good man?"

As the clock ticks down to the August 23 premiere of "Doctor Who," the BBC is giving Whovians everywhere a peek into where the next season will be headed. With glimpses of old villains, and new, to quote the Doctor himself, this time around we will all be time traveling "into darkness."

Check out the full length trailer below and tell us what you think we can expect from this darker season!



-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Season Eight Premiere Date and Trailer Released

Image Courtesy Official Doctor Who Facebook

After Matt Smith's Christmas regeneration/departure, Whovians everywhere wondered how long they would have to wait before officially meeting the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi. Well, wonder no more! Earlier, the BBC announced that the eighth season of the sci-fi smash hit will be premiering in late August:

"The new Doctor lands on August 23, with a feature-length first episode called “Deep Breath” – starring Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman as his companion, Clara.”

Along with the premiere date, the BBC also released a new teaser trailer for the upcoming season, where we catch a glimpse of a confused Clara being asked if the Doctor is a good man. With "Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicking off soon, it's safe to assume that fans will be treated to even more sneak peeks, new information and trailers right up until the premiere on August 23.

Slap on your bow ties and check out the newest teaser!



-Nowal Massari

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" to Kick Off in August

Courtesy Mirror Online

Whovians of the world have been preparing for the August arrival of Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor for quite some time. As the moment draws closer, BBC America and BBC Worldwide have announced that "Doctor Who" stars Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi will be taking the TARDIS on a whirlwind, seven city, five continent "world tour" to promote the new season!

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicks off on August 7 in Cardiff, with Capaldi and Coleman also be stopping in London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Mexico City, and ending on August 19 in Rio de Janeiro.

'Doctor Who' Returning in August

Courtesy Doctor Who Official Twitter

Hear that sound in the distance? Could it be? After an eight month hiatus, the TARDIS is returning!

The official Twitter account for "Doctor Who" announced earlier this morning that the popular series will be hitting BBC One in August, along with a teaser photo that features the silhouette of new Doctor, Peter Capaldi, inside of the TARDIS.

A short while later, they also linked followers to the first teaser "trailer" for the upcoming series eight. Check it out below and stay tuned for all the latest info!

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'The Time of the Doctor'

The Doctor and Handles, courtesy BBC America

BY NOWAL MASSARI

A shielded planet has been sending out a message into all of time and space, drawing a crowd of the most horrifying villains in the universe. The Doctor has also been drawn in by this message, which not even the TARDIS can translate. So, like the rest of the growing army, he waits above the planet, though not at all patiently.

With the help of Handles, a decapitated Cyberman head, he transports onto other ships regaling the inhabitants with tales of his heroism and seeks their camaraderie. He is waving the eyestalk of a defeated Dalek, gesticulating his points with it, when he realizes that he is aboard a Dalek ship. High-tailing it out of there, he transports back aboard the TARDIS, when the phone rings. 
The telephone is no longer patched to the console of the TARDIS, so he asks Handles to remind him to fix that tiny inconvenience. Being a Cyberman, Handles requests details, which causes a teensy spat between the odd couple.

'The Time of the Doctor' Extended Trailer Released

With only a week left until "The Time of the Doctor," an extended trailer has been released. While it begins with some Christmas festivities and cheer, it appears as if the universe is on the brink of a second Time War. How will the Doctor save everyone this time? Tune in on December 25 at 9 p.m. ET to find out and say goodbye to Matt Smith.



-Nowal Massari

Trailer for "The Time of the Doctor" Has Arrived

After weeks of repeatedly watching the eleven second teaser, a full trailer for the "Doctor Who" Christmas special has been released.

The Doctor and his companion are returning to Trenzalore, where his tomb is and where he was warned he must never go. Facing the likes of Weeping Angels, the Silence, Cybermen and Daleks, how will it all end?

The Time Lord has entered the trap...and the clock is striking twelve...



-Nowal Massari

BBC Saying Goodbye to Matt Smith with New Special

Image courtesy Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

The time to say goodbye to Matt Smith is rapidly approaching. To help fans bid Smith farewell, the BBC will be airing an hour long special dedicated to his tenure as the Doctor on December 25, 8PM EST on BBC America, right before his final episode, "The Time of the Doctor."

"Doctor Who: Farewell to Matt Smith," will feature highlights from his run as the Doctor, as well as interviews from Smith's cast mates, writers, producers, guest stars of the show, celebrity Whovians and Smith himself. The retrospective documentary will be narrated by none other than Alex Kingston, better known as River Song. 

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Lands a Guinness World Record

Image Courtesy of the BBC

The "Doctor Who" 50th anniversary episode, "The Day of the Doctor" received a Guinness World Record. The 75-minute-long special episode earned the record for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama. The BBC released a statement confirming that the episode was broadcast across six continents and in 94 countries.

With over 500K tickets sold, the episode was also screened in over 1500 theaters worldwide, including 3D screenings in the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia.

Steven Moffatt, showrunner for "Doctor Who," said of receiving the award, "For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he's gone and done it himself!"  "The Day of the Doctor" drew in 10.2 million viewers on BBC One, with another 1.36 million tuning into "Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty," on BBC 3.

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Recap: 'The Day of the Doctor'

BY NOWAL MASSARI

Whovians across the world have been waiting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who" with the 76 minute special, "The Day of the Doctor." With a week dedicated to the longest running sci-fi series on television, the special was aired in a global simulcast, so that fans everywhere could share the experience together. It will be the longest episode since its return eight years ago and was aired exactly 50 years to the day of the very first episode, "An Unearthly Child."

Popularity of the show began to rise when it came back in 2005, after a hiatus, but the show really took off in the United States when David Tennant stepped into the role. It became an even larger phenomenon once Matt Smith took over as the eleventh Doctor. With celebrations world wide, even a limited 3D theatrical release, "The Day of the Doctor" has promised to be a game-changing episode. And what an episode it was.  If you've yet to watch the special, hide you eyes. Spoilers.

Tom Baker: The Rest of the 'Doctor Who' Story

As I was working on a story, Tom Baker revealed he WILL be involved in the "Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special." Want to know what he originally revealed about the plot that you can now check for yourself? Well, here's the important quote:

Sagers: I need to backtrack a second. What is your role in the special?

Baker: Well I can’t give that away. The role, such as it is, it’s me again. But I can’t tell you exactly the incident because they’d be furious but

Baker: I suddenly make an extraordinary appearance, Aaron, and have a scene which amazes the current Doctor as he finds in some little museum or something. And it is a sweet little scene that goes on for three or four minutes then I mysteriously go away. So everybody was very kind that I went and did this. I had to go a long way. I live a long way away from the studios. It worked out very well, I think, judging by the reactions of the technicians. And right up until this moment I’m under a blizzard of requests for interviews and photographs and things because of the excitement of 50 years of “Doctor Who.”

What do you think? Did Baker's words match the scene presented in the "Doctor Who" 50th Special?

-Aaron Sagers

Countdown! Just William Hartnell Days Left Until 'The Day of The Doctor'

Hartnell as the First Doctor had to wear a wig to
 get this signature long hair 

William Hartnell, of St. Pancras, London, was born January 8, 1908. Born to Lucy Hartnell, he never knew his father and was partly raised by his aunt, but spent a lot of time with his mother's family in Devon, where he learned to ride horses on their farm. After leaving school, young Billy flirted with petty crime.

Upon joining a boxing club for young boys, he met art collector, Hugh Blaker, who eventually became Hartnell's unofficial guardian. Blaker initially wanted young Hartnell to train as a jockey, but having a personal love for the theater, he helped the young man get into the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts. Blaker also paid for Hartnell to receive some "polishing" at the Imperial Service College, but he ran away due to the strict rules set before him.

In 1925, Hartnell started working under Frank Benson as a stagehand, and soon he began taking parts in numerous Shakespearian plays. In 1928 he performed in the play "Miss Elizabeth's Prisoner" alongside actress Heather McIntyre, whom he married in 1929. His first film role was in 1932, which lead to over 60 film performances throughout his career. In 1942, he was cast in Noel Coward's "In Which We Serve," but he arrived late to set, which caused Coward to berate him in front of the entire cast and crew. He was forced to apologize to everyone, though Coward fired him anyway.