Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the first female Doctor Who has seen the iconic drama achieve its highest-rating series launch since returning to screens in 2005.
A total of 10.9 million viewers, across TV as well as online devices, watched episode one of the famous BBC One show, the Corporation has announced.
The figures make Doctor Who the number one drama launch of the year so far, while 1.8m 16 to 34-year-olds – a key demographic for the BBC – watched the programme.
Showrunner Chris Chibnall said: “On behalf of the entire Doctor Who team, a huge thank you to viewers for taking Jodie’s Doctor and her new friends into their hearts, in such huge numbers.
“It’s a thrill being deluged with pictures of families snuggled up together, kids (and adults) hiding behind sofas (they actually do that!), and seeing all the extraordinary creative artwork inspired by the show.
“The journey of the Thirteenth Doctor is only just beginning. Next stop: Alabama 1955.”
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the audience responding to Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor in such huge numbers.
“The brilliant Chris Chibnall’s new series is an epic adventure on every level, full of so much wit but a scary, edge of your seat adrenaline rush too. “
Doctor Who continues on BBC One this Sunday at 6.55pm. The first two episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
