Russell T Davies Critiques BBC Boss Over AI-Generated ‘Doctor Who’ Comment and Hints at Next Era

Artificial intelligence has emerged as one of television’s most contentious topics, particularly for a show as protective of its creative legacy as ‘Doctor Who’. Therefore, when a BBC executive praised an AI-generated episode of the series, it was bound to spark controversy.

The BBC has faced similar situations before. In 2024, the broadcaster attempted to utilize generative AI for marketing materials for its flagship shows, starting with ‘Doctor Who’, but quickly abandoned the plan after receiving complaints, labeling it a small trial. This year has also been tumultuous for the series, highlighted by the cancellation of the planned 2026 Christmas special in June, following the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies and the production company Bad Wolf, leading to a competitive tender for the show.

Now, the outgoing showrunner has shared his thoughts on the matter. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show, as reported by Variety, Davies described the comments made by the BBC director-general regarding an AI-generated episode as clumsy.

BBC director-general Matt Brittin spoke at the Royal Television Society conference in London in late September. He mentioned that someone had sent him a fully AI-generated, 50-minute episode of ‘Doctor Who’, which he found quite good, while asserting that AI will not replace human creators. However, he did not disclose who created the episode or whether it featured existing actors.

The timing of Brittin’s remarks exacerbated the situation. Just days prior, he had stated that he would permit AI to present future programs under certain conditions, and he only recently took over at the BBC after an 18-year tenure at Google.

The backlash was immediate. Brittin later acknowledged that he faced criticism for his comments and was reportedly reprimanded during a BBC staff meeting. He moderated his stance, expressing his belief in human creativity enhanced by technology and emphasizing that the BBC must uphold human trust.

Davies focused on the framing of the comments rather than the technology itself. He remarked that it was an inappropriate statement in an industry filled with writers and artists, highlighting that those most affected are often the first to bear the brunt. He humorously noted that his inbox was flooded after Brittin’s comment, speculating on the volume of messages Brittin received.

Despite his criticism, Davies suggested that Brittin may not have extensive experience in television and might be more cautious about sharing opinions in the future. This pointed remark was delivered with the characteristic wit fans have come to expect from him during his time with the show.

Although no longer directly involved, Davies reassured listeners that a new series is definitely on the way. He indicated that production will commence soon, featuring a brand-new Doctor and companion next summer. This news is a relief for fans who have been eagerly awaiting since Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler at the end of the last series.

Davies has previously clarified that the Christmas special was never scripted and that no actor was approached to portray the next Doctor. His departure signifies the conclusion of a second era that began in 2023, following the revival he spearheaded in 2005.

This incident illustrates how sensitive the AI debate has become for creatives. A single offhand comment from a broadcasting executive was enough to thrust a decades-old show into the center of the discussion, and the BBC will need to work diligently to reassure fans that the upcoming chapter of ‘Doctor Who’ will be crafted by human hands.

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