Doctor Who: Russell T Davies Explains Why the Show Won’t Be on His Career ‘Gravestone’

When you hear “Russell T. Davies,” your first thought might be “Doctor Who.” And hey, fair enough. This is the guy who resurrected the TARDIS back in 2005, turning the Doctor’s wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey adventures into one of British TV’s most beloved institutions. From Christopher Eccleston’s broody Ninth Doctor to David Tennant’s era-defining run, Davies made “Who” undeniably cool again. Sci-fi fans owe him a lifetime supply of jelly babies for that.

But here’s the thing—Russell T. Davies doesn’t want to be defined solely by the blue police box. Yeah, he loves Doctor Who, but that iconic show? He doesn’t consider it one of his “greatest hits.” Ouch? Not quite. This man’s resume is so stacked, Doctor Who’s barely a footnote.

“Doctor Who Isn’t Mine”—Davies on Defining Art

Speaking to Big Issue, Davies made it clear that while Doctor Who holds a dear place in his two-hearted soul, his career’s real standouts are his bold, original works like Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin, Cucumber, and his upcoming Channel 4 project, Tip Toe (which, by the way, he’s calling his “radical, savage, and hilarious” magnum opus). Oh, and he’s not just being modest when he says Doctor Who won’t land on his gravestone. For Davies, ownership is key. “I don’t own [Doctor Who],” he said. “My heart will always be with the things that I own.”

And honestly? That’s fair. Rebooting Doctor Who was like babysitting someone else’s genius kid. Raising them, giving them a cool leather jacket, handing over the car keys and saying, “Go save the universe.” No doubt, Davies did an extraordinary job at reviving the sci-fi legend, but can you blame him for wanting to shout, “Hey, I’ve written other bangers too!”?

The Real Russell T. Davies Hits Parade

If Doctor Who isn’t taking the headlining slot on Davies’ figurative “career greatest hits” playlist, what is? Here’s the lineup filled with BAFTA bait that shows exactly why RTD belongs in a league of his own:

• Queer as Folk (1999): A groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ life in Manchester, years ahead of its time. Without this bold, unapologetic series, so many subsequent LGBTQ+ dramas might never have existed.

• It’s a Sin (2021): An unflinching and deeply personal look at the UK’s AIDS crisis. It’s not just a “must-watch”; it’s an emotional gut punch that redefined how TV approaches social issues.

• Years and Years (2019): A disturbingly prescient political drama that felt more like prophecy than fiction (seriously, Black Mirror could never).

• Tip Toe (2024): Set to be the next big thing, Davies himself has already dubbed it the strongest piece of writing in his career. No pressure, right?

This is the side of Russell T. Davies that’s nothing short of fearless. These stories aren’t about time travel or spaceships; they’re deeply human explorations of love, identity, joy, and trauma. They’re raw, emotional, and unapologetically RTD.

But Can We Just Appreciate Doctor Who for a Minute?

Alright, so Davies might not be putting the Doctor or the sonic screwdriver on his metaphorical gravestone, but can we still give him some flowers for his Doctor Who run? After all, he brought us moments like Rose Tyler crying “You’re not the Doctor” when Tennant’s regeneration set in, Donna Noble’s heart-shattering memory wipe, and Billie Piper’s sassy entrance as Bad Wolf. Not to mention his knack for upping the stakes and indulging in campy ridiculousness whenever Daleks and Cybermen showed up to start drama.

Davies’ ability to bring human vulnerability to a world filled with rubbery aliens made Who more than just another sci-fi show. It made it magic. And don’t even get us started on his surprise resurrection in 2023 to helm the show’s 60th-anniversary specials (David Tennant is back again, folks, proving nostalgia trips are the ultimate serotonin boosters).

What’s Next for RTD?

Right now, all eyes are on Tip Toe, which is already generating a buzz as loud as a TARDIS materializing. Described as “Queer as Folk meets Years and Years,” this Channel 4 series promises a blend of the sardonic humor, social commentary, and edge-of-your-seat drama that Davies has perfected over the years.

And if you’re wondering whether RTD will stick around for more Doctor Who seasons, his cryptic answer during a recent interview says it all. When asked about the show’s future, his playful (and maddeningly vague) response was a simple, “Behave!” That’s the RTD special, always keeping fans guessing.

It’s clear Russell T. Davies doesn’t need a TARDIS to make waves. From Manchester pubs to dystopian futures, his work continues to redefine the TV landscape. While the Doctor might have two hearts, Davies’ creative feats prove he’s got at least ten. Maybe fifteen. So, next time someone says, “Oh, the Doctor Who guy,” feel free to smirk. Because Russell T. Davies? He’s so much more than just Doctor Who. He’s a genre-defying legend.