9. Paul McGann: The Eighth Doctor's Adventures
With Doctor Who in its 50th anniversary year, fans are chomping on the bit for more. Eight episodes and two specials don't feel enough for me, though there was some great stuff in the second half of series seven and I have no doubt the 50th special and the follow up regeneration episode are both going to be spectacular. But looking forward, budget depending (and that's the main reason this isn't higher up my list), there's still so much more to explore in the universe of Doctor Who that there could be ten viable spin offs. With Sarah Jane now finished due to the sad passing of Elizabeth Sladen and Torchwood in limbo, we could do with something big and exciting. Enter the Eighth Doctor. He only only got one American TV movie. While a lot of the choices were questionable, there was no denying that Paul McGann was good. (Frankly he's pretty good in anything). And that's why fans are calling for his return wherever possible, where despite his acknowledgement in the canon of Doctor Who, he could easily be cast aside and forgotten. Furthermore, he's produced numerous audio stories and he's excellent. (I'm working my way through the Lucie Miller stuff now). Furthermore, with the mysterious non-Doctor Doctor John Hurt appearing in the 50th special, a kind of in between Doctor between the Eighth and Ninth, this would be the perfect chance to reexamine his character. Of course, its hard to speculate too much until November 23rd has passed. And unless the John Hurt character changes something specific about the Eighth Doctor, there is no limit on age or appearance for this version. Paul McGann has stated time and time again that he would love to appear in Nu Who, so why not given him his own show, showing a pre-Time War Doctor travelling the universe with Sheridan Smith's Lucie Miller (or any new companion they choose to create). It would be a great way to show Gallifrey, the Timelords, the Master and the Daleks, while maintaining that sense of loss that the current Doctor feels following the destruction of his own people. Its also an easy way to have multiple Doctor stories by having a crossover or two where needed. (Perhaps there could be some link between the Eighth and the Twelfth? If budget is a huge problem, what about the occasional mini series? A two-three episode storyline that feels more like the structure of classic Who and could be dotted on our screens in the long periods where the main show is off the air? It would also be worth having a separate show runner (having ties with Moffat and his eventual replacement of course) to focus the energy needed to bring these stories to life. A sort of sequel series to Classic Who and prequel to Nu Who. Eight Who. What's not to love?