7 Moments That Almost Killed Doctor Who
Just because the Doctor can regenerate, that doesn't mean the series is immortal...
Doctor Who has been an institution of science fiction for more than 55 years, but despite being about a hero who can regenerate time and time again, the series has nearly met its end on more than one occasion. The BBC has come close to canceling Doctor Who more than once — and it did cancel it years ago.
The reasons why a popular science fiction series like Doctor Who might be canceled by a network are numerous. It could have to do with the ratings, or it could be about cost. Networks cancel shows all the time, so how has Doctor Who survived?
It's a series with a ton of fans, but it also has a plethora of detractors. Whenever it comes time to cast a new lead, fans are anything but quiet about how they feel about losing "their" Doctor, and the result can see waves of people rage-quitting the series.
Still, the series prevails, but it's come close a time or two to being canceled outright. These moments nearly tanked Doctor Who forever, but like the Doctor, the series was able to regenerate, and move on to wow fans across the world.
7. William Hartnell's Departure
Whenever an actor decides it's time to call it quits on the TARDIS and leave the series, they regenerate. It's a well-known aspect of Doctor Who, and it's what has made it possible for the series to continue with the same character for more than half-a-century.
One actor leaves, another takes their place, and you have a new Doctor! It's a perfect characteristic of Time Lord physiology that makes it possible, but it wasn't always a part of the show. Before there was any talk of a 2nd Doctor, there wasn't a plan to keep the series going once William Hartnell left.
When Hartnell let the studio know he was leaving, that spelled doom for the show. When it was determined that another actor could theoretically take his place, the concern was with the British public — would they accept a new Doctor once Hartnell left? Harnell was the Doctor, so it was anyone's guess.
Fortunately, Patrick Troughton's amazing charismatic take on the character ensured the series would continue with a "new" Doctor. It was a close call, and the show almost ended up being canceled, but it got another three years with Troughton, earning it a stay of execution.