10 Questionable Creative Decisions Made On Doctor Who

The Sixth Doctor was given a rough ride when it came to creative decisions. From giving him a costume that felt like an acid trip. Making his personality downright unlikeable. To finally cancelling his incarnation all together.

Originally, his incarnation was meant to undergo a multi season arc, which gradually saw his persona mellow out, eventually finding his inner self, and generally becoming a much gentler, caring character. This was ultimately rushed, given the hiatus between Season 22 and 23, forcing in a radical shift in his character's portrayal, particularly when it came to his relationship with companion Peri.

This cemented the beginning of the Sixth Doctor's downfall. Having gone from a full season, to a mere mini-series, things didn't look up for this conflicting persona, especially with the ratings depleting, and the BBC executives losing faith. After all, it was they who ended up restricting the Sixth Doctor's tenure during Season 23, which nearly resulted in a complete cancellation of the show.

Sadly, they refused to continue the Sixth Doctor's run afterwards, and opted to end it prematurely. Despite desperate pleas from actor Colin Baker to stay on for one more run, BBC executives (namely the evil Michael Grade) shut down communications completely, deciding to move on with Doctor Who without even bothering to get Colin Baker back for the regeneration. Luckily, Big Finish eventually came along to pick up the pieces.