Doctor Who: Will Peter Capaldi’s Tenure Be Cut Short?

Peter Capaldi had stated that he will be a part of Doctor Who at least through Series Ten. With the announcement that the next season is being pushed back to 2017, will that still be the case?

Typically, unless one uses Sherlock as the guide, the next series of an episode comes in the following year. However, that will not be the case this year, as the only episode of Doctor Who that we will get during 2016 will be the upcoming Christmas special.

With Series Ten being pushed back another year, and the changes coming to Doctor Who, it may be fair to begin to wonder about Capaldi’s future on the show. A new companion will be coming on next season, and Chris Chibnall will be coming in as the new showrunner in 2018. The show will be much different than what we have come to know over the past few years.

Now, it may be time to wonder whether or not those changes will include the Doctor. Yes, Capaldi is slated to be a part of Series Ten, but was that based on the show airing at the same time next year? Will pushing back any filming or production for the next season cause problems with Capaldi’s future plans?

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Let us also keep in mind that the one episode that will air during the 2016 calender year is a Christmas special. This has been the point in time where regenerations typically occur, and given the upcoming changes on the show, it may not be a surprise if the next incarnation makes their debut at that point in time.

Ideally, this will not happen. In a perfect world, Capaldi will be around not only for Series Ten and Steven Moffat’s swansong, but for some time after that. At the very least, he and Moffat could depart together, bowing out in time for Chibnall to get his own Doctor, with whom he can make his vision reality. But one has to wonder whether or not that will be the case, or if Capaldi will make his final appearance during the special.

Next: Determining Peter Capaldi's place in history

Peter Capaldi has been an excellent Doctor, and has breathed a new life into Doctor Who. Hopefully, he can continue in the role for a few more years. It may not be a surprise, however, if his departure comes a little earlier than expected.