At last – a network that takes seriously the actual fast-tracking of programs. The fanbase for Dr Who is large, vocal, and technically able to search out episodes via means nefarious or otherwise so to have the ABC make the episodes available immediately after they’ve screened in the UK is a coup indeed.
If networks wish to take seriously their viewers and stave off dilution of ratings then they are well advised to follow the ABC’s lead on this. The program will still air as scheduled and fans/viewers will still tune in to watch despite having likely seen it on iview at their leisure on Sunday morning. If anything this move will draw greater support from fans of the show for the ABC’s willingness to make it available on their catch-up service as soon as they possibly can for each episode.
Well played indeed.
ABC TV is thrilled to announce that in true time-lord style, the first episode of season seven of Doctor Who – Asylum of the Daleks – will now premiere on iview Sunday September 2 from 5.10am AEST immediately after its UK launch on September 1.
The new series of Doctor Who including Asylum of the Daleks then starts on ABC1 the following Saturday September 8 at 7.30pm EST, and is also repeated on ABC2 from Tuesday September 11 at 9.30pm AEST.
ABC1 Controller Brendan Dahill said, “For Doctor Who fans, it is a fantastic opportunity to see new episodes within hours of them premiering in the UK – each episode will be available on iview on Sundays. ABC’s iview is the most watched catch-up service in Australia with 48% of online Australians aged 16+ having accessed iview,” said Dahill. “The new iview app for iphones and iPod Touch, launched on June 26, has seen a phenomenal 434,000 downloads recorded to date – with 210,000 downloads recorded in its first week.”
Join the Doctor (Matt Smith), the Ponds and numerous friends on their latest escapades through space and time where they puzzle an unexpected invasion of Earth, save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in a wild wild-west adventure, and are even kidnapped by the Doctor’s oldest foe.
The explosive series concludes with Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory’s (Arthur Darvill) heart-breaking farewell, which becomes a race against time through the streets of Manhattan. Will the Doctor really lose the Ponds forever? There’s only one way to find out…
Watch the series trailer here >>
Doctor Who: Asylum of the Daleks premieres on iview Sunday September 2 from 5.10am EST. Season seven starts on ABC1 Saturdays at 7.30pm from September 8, and is also repeated on ABC2 Tuesdays at 9.30pm from September 11.