BBC America will usher in a new era for its Doctor Who franchise with a series of specials and theatrical exhibitions surrounding the show’s season eight premiere episode, the network said Thursday.
The new season of Doctor Who, in which actor Peter Capaldi takes over the role of the iconic time traveler, will debut on BBC America Aug. 23, said network officials. As part of the premiere, the network will air a Doctor Who: Live Pre-Show prior to the show’s debut and a Doctor Who: After Who Live show following the premiere of the network’s drama series Intruders. Both live shows will be hosted by Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead.)
In the lead up to the season premiere of Doctor Who, BBC America will air a series of specials including Doctor Who: The Ultimate Companion on Aug. 16 followed by The Real History of Science Fiction: Time. On Aug. 18, the network will air Doctor Who: The Ultimate Time Lord, said the network.
BBC America will team with Fathom Events to distribute the Doctor Who season premiere episode in select cinemas across the U.S. on Aug. 23 at midnight. The episode, along with 15 minutes of cinema exclusive bonus content, will air in 12 theaters in 12 cities to celebrate the launch of the new season. Fathom will provide more information Aug. 5 on its website.
Fathom will air the Doctor Who premiere episode on Aug. 25 in 550 movie theaters at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m., said network officials.
