Doctor Who to Film in the U.S. for First Time for Season Opener

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October 10, 2010

The BBC announced that season six of Doctor Who will film in the U.S. for the first time.

Doctor Who: The Complete Fifth Series
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The season six opener will be a two-part episode co-produced with BBC America. It’s set in the 1960s and filmed in Utah. As written by Steven Moffat, “the Doctor (Matt Smith), Amy (Karen Gillan), and Rory (Arthur Darvill) find themselves on a secret summons that takes them on an adventure from the desert in Utah — right to the Oval Office itself.” Given the time period of the setting and desert location, I’m guessing the story has something to do with nuclear development. Also appearing in the episode will be Alex Kingston as River Song. Filming will take place in mid-November, which is also when the DVD set of Season 5 is released.

Season six will be shown on BBC America in two parts, in spring of next year and then again in the fall. The reasoning is a bit manipulative: “By splitting the series, Moffat plans to give viewers one of the most exciting Doctor Who cliffhangers and plot twists ever, leaving them waiting, on the edge of their seats, until the autumn to find out what happens.” First, a Christmas Special guest-starring Katherine Jenkins and Michael Gambon will air during the holiday season.

6 Responses

Dwight Williams writes:

October 10, 2010 at 4:44 PM

I was hoping for something like this to happen back when the revival was kicking off and CBC was co-financing it. Those first couple of years, I wanted to see the TARDIS showing up on Sparks Street in Ottawa or maybe in Dundas Square in Toronto.

Never gonna happen, is it?

Grant writes:

October 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM

Always great to see River Song. I was just watching the “Weeping Angels” two parter this weekend. Her character is so much fun.

Can’t say I’m thrilled about breaking up the season. That’s actually kind of annoying.

Thad writes:

October 11, 2010 at 11:49 AM

Technically Doctor Who (the show) has filmed in the US before, but the Doctor (the character) hasn’t. There was a Manhattan ep a couple of years back which involved some location shooting, but the principal cast didn’t come along for any of it.

Utah, huh? That’s not too far to drive. Wonder if they’re looking for extras.

Caporushes writes:

October 11, 2010 at 1:23 PM

There was that terrible movie, wasn’t that filmed in the US? The 8th Doctor was in San Fran or something, I believe– unless that was a fake US?

Regardless, sort of excited for this episode… but does that mean the new season is going to be 6 episodes followed by a several month wait for 6 more? Laaaame.

James Moar writes:

October 11, 2010 at 2:18 PM

The 8th Doctor movie was filmed in Vancouver, so it’s disqualified.

Sarah writes:

October 13, 2010 at 8:43 PM

More River Song? Sigh.

I hope our quarries can live up to the BBC quarries!