The original post: /r/television by /u/[deleted] on 2024-06-28 20:14:55.

Doctor Who has an almost cult-like following. You may have caught an episode or two or maybe liked one or two Doctors. You may have been a superfan back in 2013 with the big 50th anniversary craze but haven’t thought about it in years.

But there is a dedicated fanbase of millions of viewers who will tune in, speculate and watch 40 seasons of nonstop Doctor Who. Regardless of the quality.

Because let’s be honest, Doctor Who is a 6 out of 10 show at best. It’s not necessarily a bad show, but it’s not really high quality entertainment. So I think the big question is why do fans devote themselves to a show that the general public would consider quite mid?

I think the thing that stands the test of time is how unique it is. And I’m not talking about the lore, which is unique in it’s own right, but rather the format of the show. Let me break it down:

  • Nearly every 45 minute episode provides comedy, action, drama, tragedy, fun monsters to look at, a mystery, etc. It’s designed so that if you tune into a random episode, you will get every emotion and experience you want wrapped up in a 45 minute bundle.
  • It’s got one overarching story that spans 60 years, that rewards viewers for speculating and yet doesn’t punish viewers for tuning into a random episode.
  • It’s got the ability to do any kind of story, with a “Doctor Who twist” to it. The only genre that really seemed like it would never work in Doctor Who was a musical and they’ve just proven that to be possible with it’s newest season.
  • It prides itself on essentially being an “action hero” show, but with no violence. The heroes focuses on pacifism first more than any other show and avoids all form of weapons like the plague.

There are contradictions to this format but there’s contradictions to everything when you’ve been on the air for 60 years. The bottom line is that even though Doctor Who is a 6 out of 10, there is no other show that is like Doctor Who.

If you’re itching for a crime drama, you wouldn’t really stomach a 6/10 when masterpieces like Breaking Bad or The Sopranos exist. If you want a sitcom, why bother with a 6/10 when there’s The Office or Always Sunny in Philadelphia? If you want Sci-Fi, there’s an endless supply of 10/10 Sci-Fi shows that are well known like Star Trek TNG or even niche ones like Sense8.

Most genres are filled with 10/10 shows that can tailor to your tastes. But if you’re itching for a show like Doctor Who, nothing gives you that experience except watching Doctor Who. Regardless of the quality.