| Conegamer said: Out of curiosity, how big is Doctor Who outside of the UK? I could never quite figure out how much of an impact the BBC and shows like this and Top Gear, for example, have. |
I would say before the 9th Doctor it was virtually non existent in the states. When that version came out it was carried on the Science Fiction channel and had bit of marketing push. After that I think BBC America took over and ran with 10th Doctor when it felt like it broke through into "nerd culture" with the Tardis and sonic screwdriver and all being referenced and people dressing up as Doctors at conventions.
I would say ask most over 40s in the states and they could be completely ignorant of its exsistence. Ask 10-30 old and get mix of not heard of it, hate it or really really love it (there is deifnitely a hardcore fan base thanks to 10th and 11th Doctor). I am not sure it will ever break through to main stream being on BBC America, but I can say I see Doctor Who shirts and merchandise far far more prevalent now than even five years ago.
I have heard many older fans see the 12th Doctor as the great culling given how many young women love Doctor Who since the 10th as a romantic interest. Be interesting to see how having an older actor int he role affects that culture.
