TV News and Reviews

If you thought 13 episode Torchwood and Doctor Who series were too small, you’re in for a surprise. This year you’ll only get 7 episodes–total. That’s right, season 3 of Torchwood will be a five episode mini-series that will run all in one week on BBC, and then very soon after will air on BBC America. (That’s the good news for American fans!) There’s still no set air date for Torchwood’s new season, but the DVD is set for release in July, so obviously it’ll be airing some time before then. I’m trying not to read up on any spoilers for the “Children of Earth” miniseries, but will say that the offical poster over at FEAR.net looks pretty cool. (There’re also some good interviews with Eve Myles and the director at that link.)

As for Doctor Who, according to both Den of Geek and Outpost Gallifrey, the next “special” in David Tennant’s last season is set for Easter on BBC. Then it’s nothing until Christmas. The finale of Tennant’s Doctor likely won’t occur until 2010. This is a depressingly long wait for Doctor Who goodness, and with Torchwood slated for a mere five episodes in the first half of this year, it’s going to be a long summer, fall, and winter for fans of these two series.

Not that I’m in any hurry to see Tennant leave, but I would have preferred a real length final season for him. The only upside to the latest news about the specials is that the wonderful Lindsay Duncan (Rome, Under the Tuscan Sun, An Ideal Husband) will be appearing in the Christmas special.

Stay tuned for further developments/confirmations on air dates for both shows. When I know it, you’ll know it.