An ongoing BBC sketch comedy series has mocked elements ofDoctor Who’s latest season and Ncuti Gatwa’s regeneration following the season 15 finale.Doctor Whoseason 15is the latest for the BBC’s long-running sci-fi show, but also one marred by rumors of a grim future for the show. Viewership for the series is the lowest the show has seen since before its 2005 revival, while there have been complaints levied against the series for addressing modern social issues in new episodes. This culminated in the season 15 finale, where Gatwa’s Doctor reincarnated into Billie Piper, who previously played Rose.
Now,Cameron Yarde Jnrhas posted a video to X of the BBC’s comedy seriesDead Ringersseason 26, episode 1, which mocks the latest season ofDoctor Who. In the radio sketch, a parody episode of the show plays out, where Gatwa’s Doctor is told by Commander Stewart about “a CGI monster from another dimension” he has to defeat. He asks for hugs and a pep talk from her,causing the monster to “[die] of cringe.“The Doctor later brags about regenerating as Piper “for clicks.” Check out the full sketch below:
The Comedy Series Is Using Real Complaints As Inspiration
Dead Ringersseems to have pulled inspiration for their sketch from real complaints that have been levied against the latest episodes of the show.This includes directly addressing the series as “woke,“a catch-all that’s become part of the show’s criticism online. It also makes fun of whatcharacters inDoctor Whosay to inspire one another, with the monster eventually being defeated because of it. By pulling from common complaints about the latest episode, the sketch offers some common reactions from detractors, but in a more comedic fashion.
The same goes for how it discusses theend ofDoctor Whoseason 15,accusing the show of bringing Piper back for the shock value of having the Doctor’s regeneration look like a past companion. WhileDead Ringersoffers a platform for these critiques, the BBC sketch comedy series pokes fun at a number of subjects throughout its episodes. At the same time, the series becoming a target for mockery on such a scale may not be a great development, especially when the BBC have yet to renew the show for season 16.
It Taps Into Sensationalism - But Also Some Genuine Critiques
Dead Ringers' sketch is tapping into sensationalist criticisms of the sci-fi show, such as it being labeled as “woke” for its inclusive approach to its stories. At the same time,it also addresses some genuine critiques, such as whether Piper’s return was used to generate more interest given the series' dwindling ratings. Given the uncertainty ofDoctor Who’s future and if season 16 will happen, though, this latest sketch seems to be kicking the series while it’s down.
