Fiona Saunders

Dr. Melissa Click

Communication 480: Audiences and Fandoms

11, December 2023

Whoniverse as a Lense for the Universe

Introduction

In the expansive realm of British science fiction, "Doctor Who" has continually defied the

constraints of time and space since its inaugural broadcast in 1963. Created by Sydney Newman,

C.E. Webber, and Donald Wilson, the series follows the Doctor—an extraterrestrial from the

planet Gallifrey—traversing time and space in a TARDIS, a blue police box that defies spatial

norms. The Doctor's adventures encompass encounters with diverse companions, intergalactic

conflicts, and moral dilemmas, forging friendships and navigating complex ethical quandaries

along the way.

The show's narrative underwent a transformative reboot in 2005, captivating a global

audience and introducing new layers to the Doctor's identity. In a compelling two-part finale, the

Doctor Who series wrote itself out of extinction with “The Timeless Child.” The Doctor,

previously perceived as a Time Lord capable of regeneration, was revealed to be the Timeless

Child—implying the Doctor is not limited to 12 life cycles. This revelation, unveiled in a

compelling two-part finale known as "The Timeless Child," disclosed that the Doctor's genetic

template served as the blueprint for all Time Lords, granting them the ability to regenerate.

Significantly, the casting choices for the Doctor have evolved, breaking away from the

tradition of exclusively featuring white male actors. Jodie Whittaker's groundbreaking portrayal

as the first female Doctor in 2015 challenged established gender representations, and Ncuti
Gatwa's upcoming role as the fifteenth Doctor marks another milestone in diversifying the

character's identity.

Against this backdrop of evolving plotlines and diverse castings, the research presented

here seeks to delve into the intricate ways in which fans of "Doctor Who," affectionately known

as Whovians, construct meaning and shape their identities through engagement with the show.

Focusing on the r/doctorwho subreddit community, a dynamic digital space where fans converge

to discuss and dissect every nuance of the series, this study employs careful observation and

interviews with community members to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of meaning-making

practices and identity formation. By incorporating life-course perspectives and delving into

generational fan knowledge, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how

the shifting dynamics within "Doctor Who" have influenced the construction of identity among its

passionate fan base, shedding light on the profound ways in which the series serves as a

transformative lens through which to view reality.

Literature review

My research significantly contributes to the academic discourse on fandom by delving into

the multifaceted aspects of generational fandom, legacy films, meaning-making practices, habits,

identity construction, and relationships with characters within the Doctor Who fandom. By

adopting an intersectional lens that considers generational fandom alongside race, age,

engagement with media, and personal relationships to the show, my research expands the

understanding of how fans construct their identities within the fandom context. Dan Golding's

insights into the "generationalizing" of Doctor Who fandom are particularly relevant, especially

as the series continually reproduces and captures the interest of newer generations. Additionally,

Jenkins' concept of "textual poaching" provides a framework for understanding fans' calls for
diversity within the Doctor Who series. bell hooks' idea of the oppositional gaze proves

instrumental in analyzing how audiences critically engage with media representations, specifically

in the context of casting a Doctor of color. Sandvoss's concepts on fan consumption resonate with

my observations of how Doctor Who fans pull meaning and self-identity from the series through

various practices. Yodovich's chapter becomes crucial in explaining how Doctor Who fandom

members develop relationships with characters that influence their practices, habits, and

reflections on personal growth. Applying Hoge's study, I will effectively illustrate how the ludic

nature of fan fiction serves as a medium for fans to engage creatively, transgress traditional

boundaries, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving narrative of the beloved science fiction

series. My research enriches the ongoing academic conversation on fandom by offering a

comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics within the Doctor Who fan community and

its intersectional dimensions.

Star Wars Fans, Generations, and Identity

In Dan Golding's chapter, "Star Wars Fans, Generations, and Identity," he brings a unique

perspective to the study of Star Wars fandom, drawing on his background as an Associate

Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Swinburne in Australia. Golding's

research interests encompass the intersection of media technology and history, with a focus on

cinema, videogames, and soundtracks.

Golding's chapter introduces the concept of a "legacy film," describing it as a sequel to a

dormant franchise that combines the appeal of renewal associated with the reboot model while

maintaining continuity for nostalgic or related purposes. Golding highlights how the Star Wars

franchise maintains a strong connection to its original films, using nostalgia to its advantage. He

questions who is allowed to participate in the "intergenerational" transference of fandom and

how newcomers can be integrated into this community. He explores the idea of "rhyming" within

the Star Wars franchise, where new content echoes thematic elements of previous installments,

emphasizing the role of media and memory in shaping generational identity.

The chapter delves into the practices, habits, and meaning-making of Star Wars fans,

highlighting the significance of generational fandom. Golding argues that generations are formed

through the shared ritual of fans passing on the franchise to family and friends. He specifically

focuses on the theme of "new and the return" in Star Wars, a prevalent motif until Disney's

ownership of the franchise.

Golding's research reveals how Star Wars fandoms use the series as a lens to engage with

politics, reflecting the broader societal impact of popular culture. The chapter emphasizes the

strong connection between the Star Wars franchise and its original films, leveraging nostalgia to

maintain a robust fan base. Golding raises questions about who is allowed to participate in the

"intergenerational" transference of fandom and explores how newcomers can be integrated into

this established community.

In addition to his academic pursuits, it's noteworthy that Golding is not only a researcher

and teacher but also a composer and broadcaster, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to his

analysis of Star Wars fandom and generational identity.

Dan Golding's reading will be useful when discussing fans' relationships to Doctor Who's

legacy film. The series wrote itself out of completion by establishing that the Doctor does not die

after a certain number of regenerations, as first supposed. Instead, in a compelling two-part

episode, the Doctor Who series proposed that the Doctor is in fact the original TimeLord, the

"Timeless Child," from whom all other TimeLords were made. Doctor Who fans from more

recent generations, who may not be as familiar with seasons from 13 years ago, find a renewed
interest in the continuity of the Doctor Who storyline. Under these pretenses, seasons continue to

reproduce, and audiences keep "generationalizing."

Golding’s chapter will be useful for referencing the “generationalizing” of Doctor Who

fandom. Interviewees reported being “generational” fans of Doctor Who, being introduced to the

series firstly by family.

How Texts Become Real

In Henry Jenkins' chapter, "How Texts Become Real," the author's extensive background

in media and popular culture is evident as he explores the intersections of participatory culture,

learning, and politics. Jenkins' career trajectory, marked by a focus on media fans and audiences,

has evolved to encompass the broader impact of participatory culture on education, business, and

politics.

Jenkins, a prolific author and editor, leads the Civic Paths research group, which

experiments with innovative approaches to enhance civic engagement and foster the civic

imagination. A central theme in his scholarship revolves around understanding how everyday

individuals navigate a context where more people have the capacity to create, curate, and

circulate media content.

A significant contribution from Jenkins' work is the concept of "textual poaching," where

audiences actively rework borrowed materials to align them with their lived experiences.

Poachers, in this context, do not passively observe but actively engage with media content,

internalizing meanings and reshaping borrowed terms. This perspective underscores the social

agency of readers and questions the ability of media producers to control cultural and social

identity through mass culture images.

 Similarly, Doctor Who fans internalize meanings and rework borrowed texts to make

sense of their lived experiences, and Jenkins’ concept of “textual poaching” will be particularly

salient when discussing Doctor Who fans’ meaning-making.

Jenkins emphasizes that fans' activities pose important questions about the power

dynamics between media producers and audiences. The term "textual poaching" directs attention

to the transformative actions of fans, which may seem trivial individually but collectively enable

fan cultural productions and the construction of fandom as a social community.

The chapter also explores the close relationship between fans and texts, raising questions

about whether fans are so immersed in the text that they cannot resist or criticize its ideological

construction. Jenkins delves into the role of rereading within fan culture, examining how this

practice alters the relationship between fans and the text. Jenkins’ chapter explicitly underlines

how fans interact with texts and repopulate texts in a way that influences both the media they

consume and their understanding of the texts. As I analyze the practices and habits of Doctor

Who fans, I will reference Jenkins’ chapter.

Jenkins defines fandoms as communities with shared passions and interests, illustrating

how these communities develop distinctive patterns of interpretation, social interaction, and

cultural production. Notably, Jenkins acknowledges the role of fans in challenging white, male

hegemony within fandoms, recognizing the importance of fan expertise in diversifying and

democratizing cultural conversations.

Jenkins described that there is “a hunger for a popular culture that reflects the

demographic diversity of American society or perhaps even global culture.” In my observations

of the Doctor Who fandom, I recognized a call for diversity in the Doctor Who series. As I refer
to r/doctorwho subreddit posts and interviews that call for diverse castings as well as fans’

practices and habits, Jenkins’ concept of “textual poaching” will become extremely relevant.

In addressing the hunger for a popular culture that reflects demographic diversity, Jenkins

advocates for inviting fans of color into the conversation rather than relegating them to the

sidelines. This perspective aligns with his broader exploration of how texts become real within

the dynamic interplay of participatory culture and societal shifts.

Jenkins' chapter offers a rich exploration of participatory culture, textual poaching, and

the transformative power of fan communities, contributing valuable insights to the study of

media, culture, and fandom. In my research, I will use Jenkins to analyze how fans interact with

Doctor Who texts to make sense of the world around them.

Oppositional Gaze

bell hooks, a distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in Literature and the author of over three

dozen books, introduces the concept of the "Oppositional Gaze" in her 1992 essay, "The

Oppositional Gaze: Black Female Spectators." In this critical discussion, hooks focuses on the

relationship between black female spectators and representations of blackness and whiteness in

film. Despite a history of oppression both on and off the screen, hooks argues that black

individuals have the right to observe, or gaze, and the suppression of this right has led to a

"rebellious desire" to look critically. The result of this rebellious act of looking is what hooks

terms the 'oppositional gaze,' a powerful mode of observation that enables black female

spectators to document what they see and construct their own dialogue with their own voice.

Central to the concept of the oppositional gaze is the idea that black women must actively

critique stereotypical representations of black women in film. Hooks contends that for black

female spectators to find pleasure in films lacking positive black female representations, they
must engage in the pleasure of deconstruction. This involves not identifying with the

phallocentric gaze or the construction of white womanhood but constructing a theory of looking

relations where cinematic visual delight becomes the pleasure of interrogation.

Hooks emphasizes the importance of creating a realm of gaze, arguing that those in social

or political power benefit when the gaze is detached. To counter this, the development of

independent black cinema becomes crucial, providing a space where the oppositional gaze can

exist. Engaging with mainstream media is seen as an act of negation, and hooks asserts that the

gaze serves as a mode of transformation, allowing for the critique of images and the plotting of

political movements for racial equality based on the portrayals in cinema.

bell hooks' concept of the oppositional gaze is a powerful tool for understanding how

audiences engage critically with media representations, creating a space for dialogue,

self-expression, and transformation. “Oppositional gaze” challenges stereotypical narratives,

encourages active deconstruction, and underscores the significance of reclaiming the gaze as a

means of empowerment and identity formation. In understanding how Doctor Who audiences

engage critically with media representations, specifically as they pertain to the casting of a

Doctor of color, bell hooks’ concept of “oppositional gaze” will prove applicable.

Fans: The Mirror of Consumption

In Cornel Sandvoss's book, "Fans: The Mirror of Consumption," the author delves into the

intricate web of social, cultural, and psychological aspects of fan consumption, exploring both the

collective dynamics of fan cultures and the individual experiences and identities of fans. The book

goes beyond mere observations of fan behaviors and cultures, proposing a groundbreaking

perspective that positions modern selfhood as reflected and constituted through media

consumption.
 One key aspect of Sandvoss's exploration is the idea that the perception of an external

object, in this case, the media consumed by fans, is intertwined with the fan's sense of self. This

recognition, whether conscious or unconscious, forms the basis for fans perceiving the external

object as an extension of themselves. The author introduces two forms of narcissism in fan

culture: the public performance of fandom, where enthusiasts engage in fan-related activities for

an audience, primarily themselves. Sandvoss proposes a model of fandom as a form of narcissistic

self-reflection between the fan and their object of interest, a process that may occur on conscious

or unconscious levels.

In developing his theory, Sandvoss draws inspiration from the work of media scholar

Marshall McLuhan, who conceptualized mass media as extensions of the self, expanding our

senses beyond immediate surroundings. McLuhan's ideas are woven into Sandvoss's exploration,

connecting the unprecedented volume of information in mass media with feelings of anxiety and

political apathy.

A notable aspect of Sandvoss's argument is the idea that fans not only consume media but

actively appropriate and rework fan texts to align with their self-understanding as critical

consumers. This dynamic interaction between fans and the media they consume further

emphasizes the intricate relationship between fan identity and the objects of their fandom.

Sandvoss’s concepts will prove invaluable to my research as I seek to understand how

fans of Doctor Who pull meaning and self-identity from the show. My observations indicate that

many Doctor Who fans engage with the series through cosplay, memorabilia, self-expression,

and drawing morals. Audiences pull their identities through their consumption of and interaction

with the Doctor Who series, and this is directly reflected in Sandvoss’ “Fans: The Mirror of

Consumption.”
 "Fans: The Mirror of Consumption" by Cornel Sandvoss offers a comprehensive and

original exploration of fan cultures, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between fans and the

media they consume. By proposing a model of fandom as a form of narcissistic self-reflection,

Sandvoss contributes to our understanding of how modern selves are shaped and reflected

through media consumption practices.

Like Father, Like Daughter: The Intergenerational Passing of Doctor Who and Star Wars

Fandom in the Familial Context

In Neta Yodovich's chapter titled "Like Father, Like Daughter: The Intergenerational

Passing of Doctor Who and Star Wars Fandom in the Familial Context," featured in "Fandom, the

Next Generation," the author conducts a detailed exploration of Doctor Who fan generations.

Yodovich extends the definition of fan generations beyond age, considering the point of entry into

a canon and personal political perspectives. The chapter delves into the intricate relationship

between generational fandom and its interactions with technologies, industry practices, and social

and political changes. Set against the backdrop of reboot culture, expanding franchises, and

technological advancements facilitating easier access to older media, the chapter investigates

transgenerational fandoms and intergenerational fan relationships, providing crucial insights into

the enduring nature of fandom over time.

Yodovich uses diverse case studies from various genres and time periods, spanning sci-fi,

celebrity culture, and novels, to offer a multifaceted exploration of this under-studied topic. The

chapter also references characters of Doctor Who, such as Rose, highlighting the intergenerational

passing of fandom within a family context. Relationships to Rose’s character illustrate the deep

connection individuals form with fandom from a young age, and how these experiences are

passed down through generations.

 The focus on the family nucleus and parent-child relationships in fandom studies is a

unique contribution, as Yodovich delves into an area that has been rarely explored. Unlike

previous research that often concentrates on the socialization aspect of fandom, where parents

instill values in their children, Yodovich broadens the scope to include intergenerational passing

that is asymmetrical in terms of gender. The chapter unfolds within the context of fans' life

courses, where roles evolve from children to adults to parents, and the object of fandom serves as

a constant reference point for evaluating personal growth and change over the years.

Yodovich's chapter will be crucial when explaining how members of the Doctor Who

fandom have developed relationships with Doctor Who characters that have influenced their

practices and habits. For members of the r/doctorwho community, forging relationships with

Doctor Who characters is a way for members to reflect on their own identity and personal growth.

My research also recognizes Doctor Who as a generational fandom, and Yodovich's chapter is an

excellent point of reference for this recognition.

Yodovich's academic background and research expertise in fandom studies and cultural

policy, particularly her focus on women's reconciliation of science fiction fandom and feminism,

contribute to the depth and richness of the chapter. Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in the

exploration of identity, feminism, and popular culture within the context of fandom.

Neta Yodovich's chapter offers a nuanced and insightful examination of the

intergenerational passing of fandom within familial contexts. By considering the family nucleus

and parent-child relationships, the chapter expands the scope of fan studies, shedding light on the

dynamic interplay between fandom and the life course. Through rich case studies and personal

narratives, Yodovich contributes valuable perspectives to the underexplored terrain of family

dynamics and meaning-making in fan studies.

A Life Course Perspective on Fandom

In the article "A Life Course Perspective on Fandom" by C. Lee Harrington and Denise D.

Bielby, the authors offer a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between fan studies and

adult development through the lens of a life course perspective. The article addresses a noted

interest in age-related aspects within fan studies and media studies, emphasizing the importance

of integrating theories from gerontology, sociology, psychology, and human development into

discussions on aging within fandom.

Harrington and Bielby highlight a prevailing trend in the literature—discussing aging

within fan studies in a manner that often lacks the incorporation of well-established theories from

fields such as gerontology and sociology. The article's primary objective is to explicitly introduce

life course perspectives into the realm of fan studies, with the aim of providing a more nuanced

understanding of long-term and later-life fandom.

The authors underline the need to bridge the gap between two distinct bodies of literature:

fan studies and life course scholarship. By bringing these two perspectives together, the article

seeks to enhance the comprehension of how fandom evolves over time and how it intersects with

various life stages. The incorporation of life course perspectives, which typically analyze how

lives unfold over time, is seen as a crucial step in addressing the evolving nature of fandom and

its impact on individuals as they progress through different life stages.

One significant finding highlighted in the reading is that becoming a fan has the potential

to redirect the life course, imbuing new meaning, structure, and purpose to specific life stages.

The authors suggest that fandom becomes a hallmark of major turning points in an individual's

personal past, aligning with insights from life course scholars. This perspective sheds light on the
transformative power of fandom, illustrating how it contributes to the shaping of one's identity

and life trajectory.

This life course perspective will be particularly useful when explaining that Doctor Who

fans imbue the series with purpose to specific life stages. As fans draw meaning from Doctor

Who, they emulate the behaviors of Doctor Who characters and create their own identity.

The article emphasizes that modifications in the self, influenced by various life

experiences, play a crucial role in shaping fandom over time. By integrating a life course

perspective, the authors argue that research findings within fan studies can be enriched, providing

a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between individuals and their

fandoms throughout different stages of life.

Harrington and Bielby's article contributes significantly to the field of fan studies by

advocating for the incorporation of life course perspectives. By bridging the gap between fan

studies and life course scholarship, the article will be useful for understanding how fandom

evolves, influences, and is influenced by individuals as they navigate through the different stages

of their lives.

Inclusivity and the Limits of Racebending

The article "Waiting in the Wings: Inclusivity and the Limits of Racebending," authored

by Dr. Samira Nadkarni and Deepa Sivarajan, critically examines the concept of racebending

within the context of media representation. Initially coined in response to the live-action film

"The Last Airbender" (2010), where Asian characters were recast, racebending has evolved into a

term used by fans to advocate for the casting of characters of color in traditionally white

franchises.
 The authors introduce the notion of deraced or colorblind casting, which involves casting

actors without consideration for the written or presumed race of the character. This practice is

rooted in the assumption of a postracial landscape and reflects a deliberate lack of awareness of

nonwhite ethnicities. Deraced casting challenges traditional casting practices that historically

favored whiteness and implies that ethnicities are interchangeable, potentially erasing cultural

specificity.

The article emphasizes that whiteness continues to be an underlying factor in racebent

cultural production, even when attempts are made to diversify casting. In the context of fandom,

racebending occurs when characters are depicted with a different race but often retain some

physical resemblance to the character's original description or portrayal. This involves the

recasting of actors of color into roles that were originally conceived as white.

Racebending is an applicable concept for Doctor Who fandom. In response to repeated

pleas from Doctor Who fans, the series cast its first ever Doctor of color, Ncuti Gatwa.

Additionally, members of the r/doctorwho subreddit community, in response to a lack of identity

with the Doctor Who character, have created their own versions of the Doctor character, of

varying gender and race. To refer to these observations, I will apply the concept of “racebending.”

Nadkarni and Sivarajan's work delves into the complexities and limitations of

racebending, highlighting the tension between efforts to promote inclusivity and the persistence of

underlying racial dynamics. The term racebending, which initially emerged as a form of protest,

has transformed into a broader rallying cry for fans advocating for increased diversity in

mainstream media.

The authors bring attention to the nuanced challenges associated with racebending,

particularly when it comes to navigating the fine line between genuine inclusivity and the risk of
perpetuating stereotypes or erasing cultural specificity. The article encourages a critical

examination of casting decisions and the implications of racebending within the larger discourse

on representation in media.

Nadkarni and Sivarajan's exploration of "Waiting in the Wings: Inclusivity and the Limits

of Racebending" contributes to the ongoing conversation about representation, cultural specificity,

and the challenges of promoting inclusivity within the entertainment industry. I will use

“Inclusivity and the Limits of Racebending” as I discuss Doctor Who’s race and gender

representations and their relationship to the fandom.

Whodology: Encountering Doctor Who Fan Fiction through the Portals of Play Studies and

Ludology

Charles William Hoge's exploration navigates the dynamic world of Doctor Who fan

fiction, employing play studies and ludology as lenses to unravel the intricate relationship

between the canonical series and the creative endeavors of its fans. The study is driven by the

notion that fan fiction serves as a paratextual realm, fostering a captivating and multidirectional

interaction with the source narratives.

Hoge underscores the enticing quality of fan fiction as a playful invitation, breaking down

barriers between fans and the "magic circle" of the text. This creative transgression allows fans to

express criticism within a new space, shaping meanings that extend beyond the screens to

influence the narrative landscape of the Doctor Who television series.

The distinction between the "textual world" (canonical series) and the "paratextual world"

(fan-created narratives) forms a foundational framework. Hoge observes the reciprocal

relationship between these worlds, emphasizing that fan fiction not only accompanies but

influences the canonical series. Notably, instances from the series, like "Love and Monsters,"
showcase the integration of fan concerns and the acknowledgment of fan communities within the

textual world.

The study employs play and ludology as heuristic devices, framing fan fiction as a game

where players/authors contribute actively to existing narratives. Hoge challenges traditional

notions, asserting that fan fiction blurs the lines between game and narrative, offering a fusion

rather than a strict compartmentalization. The magic circle emerges as a crucial space, where

aspiring fan fiction writers engage creatively with the textual world.

In essence, Hoge's exploration illuminates the vibrant interplay between fan fiction and the

Doctor Who universe. The study provides insights into the creative and playful dimensions of fan

fiction, depicting it as a cumulative acceptance of an invitation to contribute paratext to the textual

world. The dynamic relationship between fans and the Doctor Who narrative landscape is

revealed as a captivating and symbiotic exchange that transcends traditional boundaries.

This perspective is crucial for my research, seeking to unravel the diverse and

participatory practices of Doctor Who fans. Applying Hoge's study, I will effectively illustrate

how the ludic nature of fan fiction serves as a medium for fans to engage creatively, transgress

traditional boundaries, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving narrative of the beloved

science fiction series.

Methodology

Established in June 2005, Reddit stands as a prominent, gratis, web-based, American

social platform. Users, referred to as Redditors, engage with various creator boards known as

"subreddits." Contributions to these subreddits, spanning discussions, media posts, images, or

videos, undergo scrutiny through an "up-vote" or "down-vote" mechanism, with the most

upvoted posts ascending to the pinnacle of their respective subreddits. Boasting 52 million daily
users, Reddit serves as a vast digital landscape. Notably, the subreddit r/doctorwho commands a

membership of 589,000, placing it in the top 1% of subreddit communities based on size.

According to a poll taken October 15, 2023, 70.3% Of r/doctorwho subreddit members are men.

The articulated mission of the r/doctorwho subreddit revolves around the exchange of

"news, discussion, art, and fan creations!" While specific daily post statistics are not publicly

disclosed, my empirical findings suggest an average of at least 20 posts daily. Governed by 11

enforced community rules overseen by moderators, these guidelines encompass principles such

as civility, spoiler prevention, piracy prohibition, meme content restrictions, thematic relevance,

and discouragement of external promotions.

In my pursuit of comprehending how enthusiasts of the television series Doctor Who

construct their identity, interpret the show, and react to transformative elements, I conducted a

systematic observation of the r/doctorwho subreddit on Reddit spanning from October 20 to

December 5. Over a period of six weeks, I meticulously analyzed 28 posts within the

r/doctorwho subreddit, examining both the posts and the ensuing discussions.

Supplementary to my observational approach, I conducted interviews with two active

members of the online community. Identifying interviewees involved posting a recruitment

notice on the Doctor Who subreddit, with subsequent interviews being arranged based on the

initial responders. The first interviewee, an American, white male within the age range of 18-25,

known by the pseudonym Brandon, exemplified a long-term commitment to Doctor Who

fandom. Our interview, conducted in person on December 3, 2023, lasted for 25 minutes. The

second interviewee, an Asian-American male aged 20-25 named Nick, responded promptly to

my recruitment post with an enthusiastic declaration of being a "huge Doctor Who fan."

Subsequent coordination led to an interview on December 3, 2023, at 1 p.m. PST. Our interview,
conducted over Zoom on December 3, 2023, lasted 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Both

interviewees, having developed their affinity for Doctor Who during their youth, provided

valuable insights into the dynamics of sustained fandom.

Conducting structured interviews via Zoom and in person at the Gonzaga campus's

Hemmingson building, I crafted open-ended questions to probe the interviewees' perceptions of

identity formation and show interpretation, drawing from the contextual background garnered

through the analysis of the online community.

Findings

Whovianism as a Generational Fandom

Interviewees were initially prompted to contemplate and discuss their initiation into

fandom during the interviews. Brandon and Nick both became fans of the show because they

enjoyed aliens, space, sci-fi, and the ability to binge old Doctor Who episodes. Brandon and Nick

were both fans of the show since childhood.

Nick's initiation into the Doctor Who fandom occurred in 2005 when his parents

introduced him to the series, captivated by the portrayal of the Doctor by David Tennant. His

favorite Doctor, Peter Capaldi, resonated with him due to the darkness inherent in the character,

and he particularly admired Capaldi's acting prowess.

Nick recognized and admired Doctor Who's overarching message that every action carries

consequences. Moreover, he expressed an additional layer of interest in the show, citing its

thematic emphasis on acceptance and the increasing diversity of roles, encapsulating the

multifaceted appeal that drew him into the Doctor Who fandom.

Brandon, as a very young child, became interested in Doctor Who because his dad

watched the show, and he started watching Doctor Who reboots with his dad in 2008. The Doctor
Who series, in being a show that Brandon has watched since childhood, is a comfort show for

Brandon.

Similarly, Yodovich’s research reflected the generational fandom in Doctor Who,

discerning that many Doctor Who fans first became interested in Doctor Who through their

fathers’ interests in the series. “In contrast to early descriptions of solitary science fiction

fandom,” claimed Yodovich, “parents were involved in the development of their daughters' fan

identities through activities that were framed as familial quality time. Most interviewees notably

attributed becoming fans to their fathers”(Yodovich, 58). My interviews corroborate this

generational trend, affirming that contemporary Doctor Who fans are inheriting their fandom

through Golding’s "generationalizing" process, passed down from fathers to children. The

substantiation of Whovianism as a generational fandom, as evident in my observations, assumes

significance, particularly considering that my findings are representative of Whovian generations

actively engaging with the Reddit platform.

Unveiling the Allure of Doctor Who Fandom

During discussions on the r/doctorwho subreddit and in interviews, community members

consistently emphasized their appreciation for the show's exploration of complex moral

quandaries, a sentiment that Nick shared. Nick found value in the show's nuanced portrayal of

right and wrong, citing the episode "The Beginning of the Daleks," where the Doctor grapples

with the choice of exterminating an entire alien race.

This appreciation for complex moral quandaries is evident in my observations of the

r/doctorwho subreddit community as well. Under a r/doctorwho subreddit post titled "Gen Z

males should have more positive role models like the Doctor” from October 28, 2023, Some

members acknowledge that the Doctor is not without flaws and that they don't always make the
right decisions. This complexity adds depth to the character, and members appreciate the Doctor's

identity on the grander scale of good and bad. The Doctor is celebrated for their use of empathy

and non-violence, even when in possession of god-like power and intelligence. This approach is

contrasted with the glorification of violence and apathy in some contemporary male role models.

The Doctor's kindness, compassion, and reluctance to resort to violence are viewed as positive

traits. From these observations, I concurred that most Doctor Who fans appreciate the Doctor’s

depth of character and moral complexities. Brandon echoed what I had uncovered in my

observations of the r/doctorwho subreddit and interview with Nick: Doctor Who fans appreciate

that the doctor is morally flawed. As my interviewee pointed out, the Doctor’s flawed character

“adds more relatability.” When pressed further, Brandon identified that the Doctor’s morally

flawed character relates to everyone, as “you always have that feeling of am ‘I doing the right

thing?’”

Nick also believed the Doctor was a positive role model, echoing my observations, “It’s

been interesting to look at the actors who have played the Doctor over the years because they

seem to all be very positive role models in their personal lives too. You don’t hear of any

scandal… And they all seem very connected to the role even after decades.”

The enduring connection between actors and their roles, coupled with the lack of scandal

associated with these portrayals, adds another layer to the positive influence the Doctor exerts on

fans' perceptions of morality and role modeling. Ultimately, the exploration of moral complexities

within Doctor Who becomes a dynamic and integral aspect of how fans derive meaning, shaping

their identities by drawing inspiration from the Doctor's virtuous qualities and moral dilemmas.

Whovianism and Identity

 As I observed the Doctor Who fandom, I recognized a key aspect of the Doctor Who

fandom: the Doctor Who series is intertwined with the fan's sense of self. Fans perceive the show

and its characters as extensions of themselves, forging unique relationships within the Doctor

Who community. Doctor Who fans engaged in Sandvoss's two forms of narcissism, displaying

public performance of fandom and engaging in Doctor Who out of self-interest.

Consuming Doctor Who media and actively reworking fan texts, Doctor Who fans pull

meaning and self-identity from the show. My observations indicate that many Doctor Who fans

engage with the series through cosplay, memorabilia, self-expression, and drawing morals.

Audiences pull their identities through their consumption of and interaction with the Doctor Who

series, aligning with Sandvoss's model of narcissist self-reflection. Doctor Who audiences see

themselves in aspects of the show. As my observations discern, Doctor Who fans recognize

"aspects of the self in the external object" (Sandvoss, 97).

In my observations of the Doctor Who Reddit community, members emulate and

reincarnate their versions of the Doctor through practices and habits, forging their sense of self

through engagement with Doctor Who, and my interviews reaffirm these findings. Nick has

Doctor Who memorabilia, a Tardis trinket, and a Doctor Who T-shirt that looks like David

Tennant's outfit.

Nick identified most with "the fun Doctors," David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Tom Baker.

In his interview, Nick created parallels between himself and the Doctor's characters, identifying

with the unserious personalities of these Doctor castings. Nick, in identifying with the

personalities of the Doctor as David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Tom Baker, viewed the

personalities of these Doctors as an extension of self. Consciously, Nick recognized "aspects of

self" (Sandvoss, 97) in the Doctor, viewing the Doctor as an extension of self. The Doctor, "Thus
accommodates diverging readings as the imagined resemblance and commonality between fans

and their object of fandom functions as a reflection of the fan's self" (Sandvos, 103). As fans of

Doctor Who engage with the series, fans view the show as a mirror through which they construct

their own identities.

Similarly, on October 29, 2023, a Redditor posted to the r/doctorwho subreddit “What

would your doctor wear?” allowing fans to engage in a form of self-expression by defining their

Doctor's wardrobe, reflecting their personal preferences and identity. The audience constructed a

multiplicity of identities of the Doctor that encompasses different genders through personal

fashion, color preferences, personal interests, complex character design, and inspiration of

existing characters. Some comments revealed how fans incorporate their interests and hobbies

into their Doctor's style. For example, a commenter mentioned elements like carpenter jeans and

sneakers, inspired by their personal interests and style choices. This is representative of Jenkins'

concept, "textual poaching," where audiences actively rework borrowed materials to align them

with their lived experiences. As textual poachers, the r/doctorwho subreddit community does not

passively observe but actively engage with Doctor Who media content, internalizing meanings

and reshaping borrowed terms. In this instance, Doctor Who fans actively reworked the character

of Doctor Who to align with their lived experiences, shaping the fandom’s perceptions of the

Doctor. Several commenters choose to make their version of the Doctor a female. This inclusion

reflects the evolving diversity and representation within the show, as well as the broader cultural

shift towards more inclusive and gender-fluid perspectives on characters and identity. These

constructions of the Doctor, then, are "collective expressions, the byproducts of the social

negotiation of meanings, and the subcultural production of fantasies, but they are also intended as

provocations for further elaborations" (Jenkins, 19). By reworking the identity of the Doctor, the
r/doctorwho subreddit community transforms their perception of Doctor Who, attributing new

meaning to the Doctor's identity. Some fans provided detailed character descriptions, including

clothing, accessories, personality traits, and even favorite foods. This illustrated the depth of

character development that audience members invest in when creating their own versions of the

Doctor. Fans drew inspiration from existing fictional characters, such as Mr. Toad, to shape the

identity of their Doctor. Under the comments of the r/doctorwho subreddit post, fans suggest a

need for the Doctor to fulfill a set of expectations driven by the self. Constructing parallels

between themselves and the Doctor, fans of Doctor Who perceive the Doctor "as an extension of

self" (Sandvoss, 95).

The fan engagement on the r/doctorwho subreddit, as showcased in the October 29, 2023

post titled "What would your doctor wear?" aligns with Hoge's ludological perspective on Doctor

Who fan fiction. The dynamic process of constructing diverse identities for the Doctor, based on

personal preferences and identity, resonates with the notion of fan fiction as a game. The

interchangeable and expandable cast within the Doctor Who textual world, particularly the

Doctor's regenerations, provides fans with numerous avatars to immerse themselves in, akin to

playable characters in a game.

The post allows fans to actively participate in this ludological aspect by defining their

Doctor's wardrobe, reflecting personal preferences and identity. The fan community engages in a

form of self-expression and active role-playing, shaping the Doctor's character to align with their

own lived experiences. Doctor Who Fans actively contribute to the ongoing narrative of Doctor

Who by creating diverse and personalized identities for the central character, akin to playable

characters in a game.
 Doctor Who fans constructed an "identicality" between themselves and the Doctor, putting

themselves in the role of the Doctor. In a r/doctorwho subreddit post from November 1, 2023, "So

I built a Tardis" a Doctor who fan constructed a replica Tardis, the time-traveling device used by

the Doctor. The post displays a photo of the Redditor cosplaying the Doctor in their replica Tardis.

One of many examples of Doctor Who fans "textually poaching," the Redditor actively

constructed parallels between their identity and the Doctor's identity.

This practice of textual poaching within the Doctor Who fandom is echoed in my

interviews, as Brandon constructed parallels of his identity to the 11th Doctor, whom he dressed

up as for Halloween. The interviewee also owns a poster of the Tardis which he keeps in mint

condition. Brandon’s 11th Doctor Halloween costume, the Redditor Doctor and Tardis cosplay,

and r/doctorwho subreddit constructions of the Doctor represent “a creative extension of the

reading process, a way readers take media content and make it their own” (Jenkins, 15). In

developing a “personal relationship” to objects of the Doctor Who fandom, Brandon views

Doctor Who as an extension of self and formulates new personal meaning to Doctor Who.

Sandvoss’s notion that fandom is an extension of self relies on the “assumed congruence

of fan and object of fandom” (Sandvoss, 102). My findings discern that Doctor Who fans

construct parallels between their identity and the Doctor Who series, influencing their identity

construction.

Fans also alligned their identity and the morals of the Doctor Who series, constructing

their identity through the show. Nick, when asked what his Doctor would look like, drew

inspiration from Peter Capaldi, a previous Doctor.

About Peter Capaldi playing the Doctor, Nick said, "he wanted kids to be able to just

wear a very basic thing so that any kid could be the doctor. So, no sonic screwdriver; sonic
glasses because everyone has a pair of glasses… So that would be my ideal doctor thing: any kid

could pick up anything around the house and be the Doctor. At the end of the day, it is for the

kids, and it is a kid's show." As a result of Nick's engagement with Doctor Who texts, Nick is

concerned with accessibility, drawing from past Doctor characters for inspiration. My

observations outline how Nick internalized the morals present in Doctor Who texts and forged

part of his moral identity. In developing morals similar to Doctor Who actors, Nick aligned his

moral identity with the identity of the Doctor. Doctor Who fans, through reworking texts and

engaging with the series and fandom communities, construct meaning and identity.

Doctor Who As a Lense for Meaning-Making

Brandon's moral identity took shape through a profound engagement with the Doctor Who

series, particularly in his identification with the 11th Doctor. The pivotal moment occurred in an

episode where a girl in a cryopod was held captive by the antagonist, who dismissively claimed

she was "nobody important." In response, the Doctor asserted, "Well, I've never met anybody that

wasn't important." Brandon drew a profound connection to the symbolism of the girl in the cryo

pod, articulating, "[the antagonist]She was like 'oh, she [the girl in the cryopod] is nobody

important,' and the doctor was like 'well I've never met anybody that wasn't important.'" For

Brandon, this narrative encapsulated a significant aspect of his identity, conveying the powerful

message that even if one feels they do not fit in, their intrinsic worth remains unaffected.

Summing up the moral essence derived from his consumption of the Doctor Who episode,

Brandon asserted, "Everybody matters no matter what." Harrington and Beibly discerned that fans

forge meanings and identities with fan texts as they develop lived experiences. As Brandon

sought to make sense of his morals and identity, he forged meaning and identity through his

consumption of Doctor Who texts.

 My observations illuminate the intricate dynamics between the life course and Doctor

Who fandom, revealing how fans construct their identities and meaning through the show. The

developmental journey of Doctor Who enthusiasts, such as my interviewee Brandon, underscores

the influences of the series on their evolving sense of self. As Brandon matured into his present

identity, his engagement with Doctor Who played a pivotal role in shaping and refining his

personality. As Harrington and Biebly described, “ the role of fandom in puberty – less in terms of

bodily changes associated with puberty (e.g. development of secondary sex characteristics) than

in adolescents’ engagement with fan objects to help make meaning of their changing bodies, and

to help explore their emergent sense of self and overall independence” (Harrington Biebly, 435).

Brandon identified with the 9th Doctor, as they have a lot of traits in common, mainly a stoic

character. Brandon suggested that his stoic personality was a result of watching the 9th doctor

during formulating years in child development. In childhood, Brandon recalled emulating the 9th

doctor’s behaviors, explaining that this eventually developed into his personality.

Doctor Who has “helped their members to forge connections between key issues within

fictional worlds and real-world concerns” (Jenkins, 20). Interviews and observations of the

r/doctorwho subreddit have confirmed that Doctor Who fans make sense of the world through

watching the show. As the interviewee described, he enjoys engaging in the Doctor Who fandom

because “we are discussing what’s happening today through our own lens, and I never realized

that before I started talking with people about it.” Brandon, Nick, and the r/doctorwho subreddit

community made sense of his world through the Doctor Who series.

Golding's observations of Starwars fandom imply that fans view society through objects of

fandom, claiming, "fandom is not political because it is a distinct community or milieu, removed

in precise ways from other forms of popular culture. It is political because it is popular culture
and is therefore "the arena of consent and resistance." Fandom is a site of conflict. It is a venue

for the circulation and articulation of politics and identities; it is hard to imagine any generation of

Star Wars fandom that is not concerned with the major issues of its time" (Golding, 146). If

fandom is a site of conflict, then fandom is a place for ideas to circulate and perceptions,

identities, and morals to form. My observations indicate that Doctor Who fans forge identities and

belief systems through their engagement with Doctor Who and Doctor Who fandom.

Nick's moral and behavioral framework is intricately woven through his profound

engagement with Doctor Who, a testament to the transformative impact of Nick's engagement

with the series on his character. According to Nick, his amicable nature finds its roots in the show,

as he attributes this aspect of his personality to the Doctor's ability to forge connections with

individuals in every encounter. In his own words, Nick articulated, "The Doctor makes friends

everywhere he goes, and it's like why can't I do that in my daily life? Make a friend everywhere I

go!" This observation underscores the influential role of Nick's engagement with Doctor Who in

shaping Nick's interpersonal values and behaviors, prompting him to emulate the Doctor's

approach to fostering connections and friendships in his own life.

Brandon also constructed several morals throughout his engagement with the Doctor Who

series including “if you don’t fit in, it’s ok,” “not every antagonist is evil,” “even if somebody

might be against you, not everybody has bad intentions,” “anybody can be bad,” “anything can be

used for bad purposes,” and the moral dilemma of at what point does “means to an end” make you

as bad as “they” are? The interviewee referenced specific instances in the series, such as Genesis

of the Daleks, to illustrate the morals he’s constructed.

A subreddit post on October 28 titled “Gen Z males should have more positive role

models like the Doctor,” pointed out that the Doctor's portrayal in earlier seasons (9th, 10th, and
11th Doctors) offered important life lessons, such as dealing with loneliness and violence, and not

glorifying toxic traits like loneliness and apathy. Comments under the post highlighted the

Doctor's character as one that promotes kindness, empathy, and humility.

These discussions, found both in the Reddit community and in my interviews, highlight

the fandom importance of the Doctor as a role model who promotes values like empathy,

non-violence, and the significance of human connections. Through consuming Doctor Who and

engaging in r/doctorwho posts, fans have attributed new meaning to the Doctor Who series and

their lives. This is reflectant of Harrington and Bielby's claims that "media texts and technologies

help unite cohorts, define generations and cross-generational differences, and give structure and

meaning to our lives as they unfold" (Harrington Biebly, 431). As Doctor Who fans develop in

age and lived experience, the Doctor Who show provides structure and meaning through which

fans construct identity and meaning. In the r/doctorwho subreddit post, “Gen Z males should have

more positive role models like the Doctor,” engaging with Doctor Who fandom attributed new

meaning to the Doctor, shaping the identities, practices, and habits of male community members.

As the original poster described, “The message of this show is clear. That loneliness can

be like a disease, and that there's nothing romantic about the apathy and ego-mania that

accompanies it. The show tells us the importance of having people in your life to hold you

accountable - and more crucially - the importance of listening to these people. The Doctor is made

stronger by his friends, and their protests often has led the Doctor to think of ingenious solutions

to conflicts that don't involve violence. They make him a better person.”

Through reworking Doctor Who texts, the Redditor ascribes new meaning to the Doctor in

a way that aligns with his identity. From reworked Doctor Who texts, the Doctor Who fandom

contrives morals, influencing their practices and habits.

 A Reddit post, shared on November 10, 2023, within the r/doctorwho subreddit under the

title "Best Doctor Who Episode," provides a vivid illustration of how Doctor Who fans actively

engage in a dynamic process of drawing the franchise closer to their lived experiences. The

Redditor initiates a discussion by asking fellow community members to share their favorite

Doctor Who episodes, inviting a collective exploration of personal preferences and emotional

connections to specific episodes. In their original post, the Redditor passionately expresses

admiration for the episode "Blink," emphasizing the exceptional writing, the talent of actress

Carey Mulligan, and the introduction of one of the series' scariest monsters. The subsequent

comments reveal a diverse array of responses, each accompanied by personal reflections and

emotional connections to specific episodes. From the chemistry between Sarah Jane and the

Fourth Doctor in "Pyramids of Mars" to the emotional impact of "Vincent and the Doctor," fans

share their individual perspectives and reasons for favoring particular episodes. This interactive

dialogue showcases how Doctor Who enthusiasts not only consume the series but actively

contribute to its meaning-making process by infusing their personal experiences, emotions, and

reflections into the discussion. In this way, fans forge a deeply personal relationship with Doctor

Who, using the series as a canvas to create meaning and shape their identities based on the

episodes that resonate most profoundly with their own lived experiences.

The engagement of Doctor Who fans with the series extends beyond passive viewership,

as they actively participate in reworking and reimagining the show's narratives, forging a deeply

personal connection with the Doctor Who texts. This phenomenon is exemplified by an intriguing

post on the r/doctorwho subreddit, dated October 27, 2023, where a Redditor prompted fellow

fans to contemplate the fusion of two beloved fandoms: Torchwood and Doctor Who. In this
instance, the original poster posed the hypothetical question, "What if Miracle Day had been a

Doctor Who story?"

The ensuing discussion in the comments section reveals a dynamic process of

meaning-making and identity formation among the community members. A Redditor proposed a

regeneration-centric storyline, wherein the Doctor faces a life-threatening injury, stymied from

regenerating due to the anomalous Miracle Day. The ensuing resolution of Miracle Day triggers

the delayed regeneration, introducing a novel twist to the narrative. Notably, the engagement goes

beyond mere textual interpretation, as the community member actively reimagines the cover art,

symbolically infusing Doctor Who elements and transforming the main character into the Eighth

Doctor. Through their engagement with Doctor Who texts and the r/doctorwho subreddit posts,

Whovians created "a creative extension of the reading process, a way readers take media content

and make it their own" (Jenkins, 15). Drawing connections across fandoms and reworking fan

texts, the Redditors created a "creative extension of the reading process" of Doctor Who that

draws the franchise closer to their personal interests, instigating contemplative understanding of

Doctor Who.

Throughout the discourse, fans contribute diverse perspectives on the hypothetical Doctor

Who version of Miracle Day. Discussions touch upon themes such as the potential impact of

regeneration on characters, the nuanced exploration of mortality and identity, and the

incorporation of adult elements in a Big Finish production. Fans express their preference for the

Eighth Doctor in this reimagined context, citing an emotional resonance and suitability for the

narrative.

The act of reconstructing Miracle Day into a Doctor Who story becomes a platform for

fans to articulate their desires for the series—yearning for the preservation of Torchwood's unique
essence within the broader Doctor Who universe. The creative reinterpretation of Miracle Day is

not merely an exercise in fan fiction but serves as a lens through which fans negotiate their

expectations, desires, and critiques for the series. In essence, the r/doctorwho subreddit becomes a

participatory space where fans collectively shape and contribute to the evolving meaning and

identity of Doctor Who, demonstrating a profound and dynamic engagement with the beloved

series beyond the confines of traditional viewership. Textually poaching, the r/doctorwho

subreddit community actively seized media content, skillfully reworking it to derive personal

coherence and meaning within the collective interpretive framework.

Through reworking Doctor Who texts, fans engage in a dynamic process of drawing the

franchise closer to their lived experiences, fostering a deeply personal relationship with the series

to create meaning and shape their identities. A compelling example of this phenomenon unfolds

within the r/doctorwho subreddit community, where, on November 9, 2023, a Redditor posted

"What type of relationship with companion in the future would you like to see explored?" The

original post floated the idea of the Doctor adopting a baby, discovering an abandoned cradle, and

embarking on a journey of parenthood across seasons and stories. In the subsequent comments,

the community members explored various possibilities, expressing preferences for

unconventional companions and discussing the potential impact on narrative dynamics. This

imaginative reshaping of the Doctor Who narrative reflects fans' desire for novelty and innovation

within the show while simultaneously underscoring their active participation in co-creating the

Doctor's universe. The community's collective brainstorming and reinterpretation exemplify how

fans infuse the series with their own perspectives, aligning the Doctor's experiences with their

own desires, anxieties, and aspirations. This transformative engagement not only breathes new

life into the Doctor Who narrative but also allows fans to find resonance with the franchise in
ways that deeply resonate with their individual lives, ultimately contributing to the construction of

personal meaning and identity within the expansive Whovian community.

Whovianism, Racebending, and the Acceptance of the Legacy Film

In their article, "Inclusivity and the Limits of Racebending," Dr. Samira Nadkarni and

Deepa Sivarajan emphasize that whiteness continues to be an underlying factor in racebent

cultural production, even when attempts are made to diversify casting. In the context of fandom,

racebending occurs when characters are depicted with a different race but often retain some

physical resemblance to the character's original description or portrayal. This involves the

recasting of actors of color into roles that were originally conceived as white.

Within the expanse of the Doctor Who fandom, the persistent appeal for a more diverse

representation in the casting of the titular character has emerged as an enduring concern.

Evidenced by archival Reddit posts dating back over a decade—such as the intellectually

stimulating "We Were Discussing the Possibility of a Black Doctor Last Night, and Came Up

With....." from twelve years ago, the thought-provoking "A Black Doctor" posted ten years ago,

and the contemplative "Do you guys think the 14th Doctor Should Be Black?" four years

prior—these digital artifacts underscore the longstanding nature of this plea for greater diversity

in the portrayal of the Doctor. Faced with a historical dearth of diverse castings, impassioned fans

took matters into their own hands, generating alternative depictions of the Doctor to address the

series' perceived inadequacies. Notably, in response to the persistent appeals for a more inclusive

approach, the series took a historic stride by casting Ncuti Gatwa as the first-ever Doctor of color.

My astute observations underscore the nuanced interplay between endeavors to foster inclusivity

and the tenacious persistence of underlying racial dynamics. The casting of a person of color as

the Doctor is a tangible outcome of the dedicated advocacy by Doctor Who enthusiasts, who, after
centuries of virtual racebending discussions, witnessed the series aligning with the fervent

demands of its devoted fanbase. After racebending the Doctor in online fan communities for

centuries, the Doctor Who series racebended the Doctor to meet fandom outcries.

As I observed Doctor Who fans, I understood how Doctor Who fans engage critically with

media representations, creating a space for dialogue, self-expression, and transformation. I

observed that Doctor Who fans applied their “gaze” to diverse character castings.

In the final episode of the 12th season of Doctor Who, the Doctor Who franchise

introduced a legacy film, an episode designed to revive and continue the franchise for the next

generation of fandom. Starring Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor, the episode reveals that the Doctor

is the Timeless Child, the blueprint for all Timelords, the alien race fans previously believed the

Doctor was. Additionally, the Doctor discovered that in past lives she had been a Doctor of color.

As Golding described "the legacy film…is usually a sequel to a dormant franchise that augments

the appeal of renewal associated with the model of the reboot while maintaining a level of

continuity for nostalgia or related purposes. These films are renegotiated, usually, late-franchise

entries (in the sense they follow some years after the previous film) that aren't about starting over

again but about reviving a franchise and passing it on to the next generation. Under this model,

franchises no longer need to end: they can be bequeathed from generation to generation, across

characters, cast, crew, audiences, and fans" (Golding, 136).

In the “Timeless Child” episode, Doctor Who writes itself out of extinction, insinuating

the Doctor’s regeneration cycles are infinite. In this way, the franchise “ doesn't just extend into

the future for endless financial returns and endless new generations of fans but that actively

communicates with the past and with older generations, too” (Golding, 138).
 My observations indicate that the franchise’s legacy film, indicative of increasingly

diverse castings, is a point of tension for fans. Doctor Who fans As Golding describes,

generational fandom can be the source of friction in fandom and fandom culture. New generation

fans are generally accepting of the inclusion of diverse characters, but points of tension arise

between generations, leading new generations away from online spaces, as not everyone is as

accepting of new representations of the doctor. The acceptance of the “Timeless Child” plotline is

a point of tension in the Doctor Who fandom.

As Doctor Who continues to cast increasingly diverse characters, in terms of both gender

and race, Doctor Who fan communities respond positively and neutrally. In my observations of

the Doctor Who fandom, some fans responded well to the Timeless Child plotline and

increasingly diverse castings. My interviewees both expressed an appreciation for the inclusion of

diverse casting, claiming that audience members should be able to see themselves in the Doctor.

Nick, who joined the r/doctorwho subreddit in 2012, expressed that some of the

r/doctorwho subreddit users are very stuck in “the way it should be” or past representations of the

doctor. Nick, on the other hand, believes that the doctor should be able to be any race or gender,

as there are far more strange facts that the fandom has overlooked, such as the Doctor is an alien

and space rhinoceroses can wage intergalactic war.

Nick stepped back from the r/doctorwho Reddit because he felt the space was too

negative. “Especially when Jodie Whitaker was announced it was like ‘The doctor can’t be a

woman!’” described the interviewee, “It’s like, you’re not even giving her a chance here! This

might be the best doctor we’ve ever had we don’t know yet.” It was surprising to learn that

members of the r/doctorwho Reddit felt distanced from Reddit during these online debates over
the Doctor’s gender. The interviewee noted that some people spend too much time on the

r/doctorwho subreddit and felt that some users are too argumentative.

Nick felt included in the r/doctorwho subreddit, especially when other users engaged with

comments or upvoted. Brandon also felt included in the Doctor Who fandom, appreciating that

fan communities encourage him to rewatch episodes.

Nick did not have a hard time accepting the new plot line, mentioning that the Doctor is

the main character of the show, and some sort of explanation for endless regeneration cycles was

warranted. The new plot line made the interviewee more curious about the Doctor’s past life.

Recent changes in the plotline, actors, and writers in The Doctor Who series have not

impacted Nick’s enjoyment of the show. “There are some episodes where I’m like ‘awe that was a

bit of a dud,’ but it [Doctor Who] still entertained me at the end of the day,” said Nick.

Nick is excited to see a change in the Doctor Who series, as Doctor Who has cast its first

season as a person of color doctor with renowned actor Ncuti Gatwa. The interviewee remarked,

“There’s always something about them [the Doctors] individualistically that makes them different

and makes them lovable for their own reason, which I’ve always liked,” said my first interviewee,

“and I’m so excited to see when he becomes the Doctor. He will be brilliant. I’m so certain of it!”

Brandon did not respond well to the change in writers during Jodie Whittiker's seasons,

and, as a consequence, the interviewee had only seen a couple of the episodes from Jodie

Whittiker's seasons. However, the interviewee is very excited about the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa,

whom he has seen on Sex Education. "I'm really excited to see what he[Gatwa] does with the

character because I think anybody you cast is going to bring their own uniqueness to the role. I

really think it's more about who they [the Doctor] are as a person rather than identity. But, having
a different representation is also important because it can show people 'Hey we see you, we're

acknowledging you. Here's another character that you can relate to as well.'"

This excitement for diversity was also observed in the Reddit community, as the recent

changes in casting, introducing a female Doctor, and characters of color were noted as significant

steps toward diversity. My interviewees reaffirmed these observations.

Under comments under r/doctorwho subreddit posts in October, I found that some

members viewed The Doctor's increasing acceptance of regeneration changes and openness to

diversity as character development that influences their choices. Several comments express

frustration at the lack of an in-universe explanation for why the Doctor was predominantly

portrayed as a white man for many incarnations. The absence of an official explanation is

acknowledged, and some fans question whether the Doctor may have subconsciously limited their

regenerations based on their self-perception or surroundings. This lack of explanation is a source

of curiosity and discussion within the community. Other audience members have expressed a

hope for diverse and inclusive Doctor representations in the future. There is a viewpoint

expressed that in-universe explanations may not be necessary, and the choice of actors should not

be constrained by race or gender. This perspective suggests that the character's qualities and the

stories told are more important than the actor's demographics.

On October 29, 2023, a r/doctorwho subreddit post titled "Does anyone know why this

scene was excluded from the pilot?" fans noted that certain scenes featuring a person of color

side character, Bill, were excluded from the pilot episode. This set the stage for a discussion

about representation, inclusion, and storytelling choices. The comments predominantly revolve

around explanations for why the scene was excluded. Members emphasize narrative structure

and storytelling choices. They referred to the television writer, Moffat, explaining that the scene
didn't fit with the story he intended to tell. Some comments expressed dissatisfaction with the

exclusion of the scene, as they enjoyed watching the character Bill engage in her characteristic

questioning. This reflects the importance of the inclusion of characters of color to fans and their

desire for consistent character development. In this way, some members of the r/doctorwho

subreddit community oppositionally gazed at Bill's character by engaging the franchise's

"negation of black representation" (hooks, 308). Questioning the inclusion and exclusion of

scenes with a person of color, some Doctor Who fans developed "critical spectatorship" (hooks,

467) towards their show to understand the exclusion of a scene with a character of color. By

representing black women in film, not as a reaction to existing white-dominated narratives,

Doctor Who creates a space for "new transgressive possibilities for the formulation of identity"

(hooks, 319).

Under a Reddit post titled "What are your hopes and prayers for the next Doctor?" from

December 1, 2023, a Redditor applied an oppositional gaze to Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor. Critically

engaging with how people of color are portrayed in the film, the Redditor commented,

"My hope is that, when we do get historical stories with Ncuti's Doctor, they

won't try to gloss over the troubles he would face in the past for his skin color. I don't want the

stories to be about his being black, but it'd be nice if it isn't just a sidenote that gets brought up

for a line or two.”

Critiquing how black characters are represented in Doctor Who, the Redditor, along with

other members of the r/doctorwho subreddit community “oppositionally gazed” at black

representation in Doctor Who. Engaging critically with their gaze, some members of the

r/doctorwho subreddit community engaged in Doctor Who’s “negation of black representation”

(hooks, 308). This oppositional gaze reflects a conscious effort within the fandom to foster
meaningful dialogue and transformative self-expression, as fans actively challenge and reshape

the series' representation of black characters to ensure authenticity and depth in their narratives.

The Doctor Who fans, particularly exemplified by a Redditor's thoughtful critique,

engage in an oppositional gaze when contemplating the representation of black characters in the

series. Expressing a desire for historical stories featuring Ncuti's Doctor, the Redditor

underscores the importance of not glossing over the challenges the character would face due to

his skin color. The articulated hope is for these narratives to delve into the nuanced complexities

of these challenges rather than treating them as mere side notes. This act of critiquing and

seeking more depth in the portrayal of a black character within the Doctor Who universe

represents an oppositional gaze. Members of the r/doctorwho subreddit community collectively

engage in a critical examination of how black representation is handled in the series, embodying

an oppositional gaze by actively challenging and questioning the narratives that may contribute

to the negation of black representation, as eloquently conceptualized by bell hooks in her work.

Conclusion

Delving into the intricate ways in which Doctor Who fans construct meaning and shape

their identities through engagement with the series, I observed the r/doctorwho subreddit

community and conducted interviews with community members. My findings showcase the

transformative nature of fandom within the context of a globally beloved television series,

highlighting key aspects that contribute to the fans' dynamic relationship with Doctor Who. The

evolution of the Doctor's character, particularly the groundbreaking revelation of the Timeless

Child, has become a focal point for fans. These narrative shifts spark discussions, reimaginings,

and reinterpretations within the community. Diverse casting choices, breaking away from the

tradition of exclusively featuring white male actors, represent a significant and resonant change
for fans advocating for increased representation. The research reveals the profound impact of

these changes on the construction of fan identities, emphasizing that Doctor Who serves as a

crucial lens through which fans navigate complex issues of morality, representation, and personal

growth. Generational fandom emerges as a crucial aspect, linking fans across different age

groups and emphasizing the transmission of Doctor Who enthusiasm from one generation to the

next. This aligns with Dan Golding's concept of "generationalizing" Doctor Who fandom,

providing insights into how the series captivates newer generations while retaining its appeal for

longstanding fans. This intergenerational connection becomes a vital dimension in understanding

the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Doctor Who. The study highlights the critical

engagement with moral dilemmas within the series, connecting fans who appreciate the nuanced

exploration of right and wrong. This shared appreciation extends to fans forging personal

connections to the series, as seen in Brandon's identification with the 11th Doctor's powerful

message of intrinsic worth. Moreover, the research reveals the complex relationship fans have

with Doctor Who texts, as they actively participate in "textual poaching." The reworking of

storylines and characters within the r/doctorwho subreddit community showcases fans' agency in

shaping the narrative according to their desires, underscoring the participatory nature of

contemporary fandom. Through these instances of textual poaching and engagement with the

Doctor Who series, Doctor Who fans have constructed identity and meaning. The research

underscores the significance of diverse castings, as fans critically engage with representations,

applying what bell hooks terms an "oppositional gaze." The collective examination of black

representation within the series demonstrates the fan community's commitment to fostering

dialogue, self-expression, and transformation, actively challenging narratives that may contribute

to the marginalization of diverse voices.

 My findings contribute to the scholarly understanding of fan culture, identity formation

within fandoms, and the negotiation of representation and diversity in popular media. By

examining the multifaceted aspects of generational fandom, identity construction, and critical

engagement with media representations within the Doctor Who fandom, the study enriches our

understanding of how fans actively participate in shaping the meaning, identity, and significance

of a long-running and iconic television series. Illuminating the complex interplay between fans

and the series, this research sheds light on the transformative power of fandom as a lens through

which fans navigate and make sense of their realities. The Doctor Who fandom serves as a

microcosm where fans actively shape, critique, and engage with the series, illustrating the

dynamic interplay between media content and audience agency in the construction of personal

meaning and identity.

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