Interesting news from BBC Three today — for the first time in Steven Moffat’s tenure, there will be a spin-off series, but not one that fans have been clamoring for. For years, we’ve hoped for something focusing on the Paternoster Gang in the 19th Century, or after last week’s episode of Doctor Who, the Adventures of Missy. Instead, we get an intriguing concept for those who grew up watching the last Doctor Who spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, which was created by previous Who producer Russell T. Davies.
What’s not being said, because it’s probably too early, is who will be in this show called Class. Will an episode or two of Doctor Who this season lay a little bit of groundwork? It’s doubtful, but part of me can hope, that Clara (Jenna Coleman) will still teach their occasionally. We shall see in 2016.
From BBC Three:
BBC Three today announces Class – a new 8 x 45 minute Doctor Who spin off from the acclaimed YA author, Patrick Ness. Class is a YA series set in contemporary London. Incredible dangers are breaking through the walls of time and space, and with darkness coming, London is unprotected. With all the action, heart and adrenalin of the best YA fiction (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Hunger Games), this is Coal Hill School and Doctor Who like you’ve never seen them before.
Steven Moffat says, “No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we’re bringing his brilliant story-telling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain – but with monsters!”
On his first television series, writer Patrick Ness says, “I’m astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself. There’s so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can’t wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three adds, “We’re excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family. Patrick understands young audiences and I’m delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three. BBC Three will always innovate and offer opportunities for brilliant new talent.”
Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, adds, “I am thrilled that Patrick Ness is writing his first drama series for BBC Three. The combination of Patrick and Steven Moffat, is an exciting partnership that has created a brilliant Doctor Who spin off for our BBC Three audience.”
Class is executive produced by Steven Moffatt, Patrick Ness and Brian Minchin. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three and Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.
An 8 x 45 minute series produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with BBC Worldwide for BBC Three.
The series will film in and around Wales from Spring, 2016 and be on air next year.
