‘Doctor Who’ 50th Anniversary special sets simultaneous global broadcast
The “Doctor Who” 50th Anniversary special is shaping up to be one of the biggest TV events of the year and the BBC has set a highly unusual broadcast strategy to back-up that fact. Plans are underway to broadcast the special simultaneously around the globe, so fans worldwide can watch — and react — at the exact same time.
The 90-minute special is set to premiere Nov. 23, though an exact time has not yet been announced.
Here’s the official statement from BBC Worldwide: “It’s always been our ambition to work with our broadcast partners so that international Doctor Who fans can enjoy the 50th Anniversary special at the same time as the UK. We’ll have more details soon about our very exciting global plans for November.”
As U.K.’s Radio Times speculates, if “Doctor Who” airs at 7 p.m. in the U.K. that would mean a 2 p.m. premiere on the U.S. East Coast and an 11 a.m. airing on the West Coast. (If you think that sounds early for a typically primetime drama, Australian fans would get their first crack at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.)
Fans in the U.K. will also have the option of 3D theatrical screenings, while some international broadcasters are expected to offer 3D airings as well.
Meanwhile, with the recent unveiling of an exclusive trailer at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, anticipation for the special is only increasing.