Last week, the iconic British science fiction series Doctor Who commemorated a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of the airing of "Rose," the groundbreaking episode that marked the show's return to television after nearly two decades off the air. This episode not only rekindled a beloved franchise but also ushered in a new era for the Doctor and fans alike. However, the celebration was notably subdued compared to the extravagant fanfare usually associated with major anniversaries in the Doctor Who universe.

In an exclusive conversation with io9 via Zoom, showrunner Russell T Davies revealed that there are exciting plans in the works to rectify this low-key affair. Specifically, Davies confirmed that the series will feature an hour-long special episode of Doctor Who Unleashed, a behind-the-scenes companion show. This special will delve into the making of Doctor Who‘s revival era, exploring the creative processes and the passionate individuals who played pivotal roles in bringing the series back to life. The documentary will be available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer in the UK, with a simultaneous release on the show's official YouTube channel for international audiences.

When asked why the documentary was not timed to coincide with the anniversary of "Rose," Davies candidly admitted that the anniversary had not been at the forefront of his mind. "To be honest, [the anniversary wasn’t on my mind]," he explained. He emphasized the importance of reaching new audiences, particularly with the recent global expansion of Doctor Who on Disney+. Some viewers are encountering the show for the first time, and for them, Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor, their Doctor. As a result, he felt it might be backward to focus too heavily on past milestones at this crucial moment of growth for the series.

Yet, the palpable excitement surrounding the 20th anniversary prompted Davies to reconsider his stance. He noted, "I actually thought it’d be a bit backward, be a bit heavy handed to [acknowledge]… and now we’re here and I’m kind of slightly kicking myself, because everyone seems to be full of joy about it!" This shift in perspective led to the decision to create the documentary, which Davies humorously referred to as the result of his late realization that the series indeed deserved a celebration.

As fans eagerly anticipate this new documentary, Davies expressed a sense of urgency to bring it to fruition. He reflected, "It’s coming out late, because I was the one saying ‘let’s not do anything!’ And then quite late in the day I changed my mind! ‘Everyone’s talking about it, let’s do something!’. So we are.”

For more insights from Russell T Davies, fans should stay tuned to io9 next week. In the meantime, Doctor Who is set to return with a brand new season, featuring thrilling adventures and fresh narratives. The new episodes will be available on the BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ worldwide, starting April 12.