Jodie Whittaker hit the mark among BBC America viewers with the premiere of “Doctor Who” last Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. The 55-year-old-series regenerated with a 48% growth over last season’s premiere.
It just so happens to be the fastest growing drama on TV this year (BBC America). So far the 13th and the first female Doctor snagged 1.4 million viewers and 658,000 adults 25-54 in its global premiere (Nielsen live/same day ratings). Whittaker’s first episode more than doubled Peter Capaldi’s final episode, and exceeded both David Tennant’s and Matt Smith’s debut episodes.
Madison Square Garden was filled with Whovians during New York Comic Con as they enjoyed a super cool global simulcast that aired at 1:45pm ET/10:45am PT on Sunday, October 7th. According to BBC AMERICA President and GM Sarah Barnett, “At the unlikely time of 1:45pm, fans and new viewers came together at New York Comic Con and around the country for a global simulcast, and embraced this fresh era of Doctor Who. To see such growth for a 55-year-old franchise is rather unusual and entirely brilliant.” They went on to say that “Jodie Whittaker plays The Doctor with great gusto, power, humor and charisma. She, along with Chris Chibnall and Matt Strevens, have ushered in a new Who that is inclusive and thrilling.”
Fans look forward to the second episode of “Doctor Who” this Sunday, ‘The Ghost Monument‘ October 14th at 8/7c. The official synopsis:
Still reeling from their first encounter, can the Doctor and her new friends stay alive long enough in a hostile alien environment to solve the mystery of Desolation? And just who are Angstrom and Epzo? The episode will guest star Shaun Dooley, Susan Lynch, and Art Malik.