Steven Moffat Reflects On Criticism As Doctor Who Showrunner

Steven Moffat was appointed as the showrunner for Doctor Who at the start of 2010, taking over the reins of the long-running sci-fi series from Russell T Davies, who stepped down after reviving the show for the BBC. In 2017, Moffat departed the series, bowing out alongside Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. 

Speaking at a “Visionaries” session at the industry conference segment during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, the Coupling creator discussed Doctor Who with the European bureau chief Scott Roxborough (via The Hollywood Reporter). At one point during the interview, the conversation shifted to the topic of being cancelled. Moffat reflected, quite candidly, on the vitriol he’d received as Doctor Who showrunner throughout his tenure. This is what he had to say:

“The level of hate you get could down three passenger jets. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t stop,” he admitted. “I was vilified endlessly. I was a homophobe, misandrist and a misanthrope and a sexist and misogynist and a racist.”

“I was against so many people I could only be described as an omni- bigot, which I would suggest means I’m treating everybody equally.” Moffat concluded. For any showrunners in the running for the job on Doctor Who, Moffat quipped they’d be taking on the role of “chief Satan of the nation.”

Make no mistake, Moffat has as much love for Doctor Who as its core audience and praised the series for the ability to recast leads with a regeneration storyline, hailing the concept as “the single smartest television format ever devised. By that I mean you can sack anyone. If anyone pisses you off, you can just get rid of [them]” and regenerate a new Doctor played by a new star.”

“I think this is unique to Doctor Who. It is a star vehicle every single time,” he added. “But you can switch out the star. Where else can you do that? … I’m sorry, all Doctors, if you’re listening, we love you all.”