Advertisement

‘Doctor Who Live’ special burns up TV ratings, social media

Peter Capaldi will take over the title role in the long-running sci-fi series "Doctor Who" in December.
Peter Capaldi will take over the title role in the long-running sci-fi series “Doctor Who” in December.
(Dominic Lipinski / Associated Press)

This just goes to show that if you give “Doctor Who” fans something they want to see, they’ll come out for it, even on a Sunday afternoon in August.

BBC America’s “Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor” -- a 2 p.m. special formally introducing Scottish actor Peter Capaldi as the next star of the perennial sci-fi series -- was the No. 1 telecast Sunday across social media (not including sports).

It didn’t do too badly in the TV ratings, either. “Doctor Who Live” scored 895,000 total viewers, according to Nielsen. That’s a pretty extraordinary number for a non-sports program in early August, when many viewers are squeezing in summer vacations while they still can. Also consider the fact that “Doctor Who” is a cultish British sci-fi series that millions of Americans have never even seen.

Advertisement

VIDEO: New fall TV shows

Capaldi will assume the role in December, replacing Matt Smith.

Did you catch the special? What do you think of Capaldi taking over?

ALSO:

‘Downton Abbey’s’ new season: 12 things to know

Stephen Colbert goofs on Daft Punk hit ‘Get Lucky’

Advertisement

TV press tour: Executives, stars feel critics’ snark on Twitter

Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT

The complete guide to home viewing

Get Screen Gab for everything about the TV shows and streaming movies everyone’s talking about.

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

Advertisement
Advertisement