Russell T Davies responds after BBC director-general claims AI Doctor Who episode was "pretty good"

Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday 6 October, former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has responded to claims by new BBC director-general, Matt Brittin, that he has seen an AI-produced episode of the show which was "pretty good".

While speaking at the Royal Television Society’s London convention about the power of AI last week, Brittin, who joined the BBC as director-general earlier this year after an 18-year stint at Google, said: "Everyone's got the ability in their hands, or six billion people have, to create content at the standard of a Hollywood studio."

He added: "Somebody sent me a 50-minute episode of Doctor Who that was AI-generated the other day. It's pretty good. I mean, it's not going to replace humans. So, everyone's a creator."

While Davies was appearing on BBC Breakfast, host John Kay asked for Davies's thoughts on the comments, to which he said: "Don’t start me on that. If you lead me into an opinion on artificial intelligence, it’ll chase me for the rest of my life and get quoted at me."

He continued, as reported by Cultbox: "I think it’s a very interesting time. I think fans are now making their own episodes on AI which are broadcast quality — almost. When I was young, I used to sit and draw episodes. No-one was stopping me doing that. It’s a very complicated discussion but I think we’re essentially looking at the end of copyright."

Davies's departure from Doctor Who was announced earlier this year, alongside the news that the show was being put out to competitive tender.

That tender has now closed for submissions, with Hat Trick Mercurio, World Productions, STV Studios and two BBC Studios labels reportedly among those who have entered a bid.

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In its tender document, the BBC has asked production companies to pitch "a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series".

The document also says: "Stories should balance high-concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives, ensuring that spectacle is always grounded in character and human experience.

"Episodes should transport audiences to extraordinary times and places, ranging from historical settings to distant futures, alien worlds and contemporary Earth. Successful pitches will deliver ‘back of the sofa’ scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience."

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.