In a historic shift for Doctor Who, the iconic sci-fi series is poised to unveil its first all-people-of-color TARDIS team with Varada Sethu stepping aboard as the Doctor’s newest companion. Yet, as the BBC and Disney+ prepare to launch this milestone season, the show finds itself under fire from detractors who claim it’s veered too far into “woke” territory. For Sethu, the backlash isn’t a setback—it’s a badge of honor.
Speaking to The Guardian, Sethu, who joins Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor as companion Belinda Chandra, addressed the criticism head-on. “There’s been a couple of Doctor Woke [references] or whatever, but I just think we’re doing the right thing if we’re getting comments like that,” she said. “Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love, and doing the right thing.” Her words strike at the heart of a debate that’s been simmering among fans since the show’s latest evolution began taking shape.
This casting marks a groundbreaking moment for Doctor Who, a series that’s been a staple of British television since 1963. With Gatwa as the first Black Doctor and Sethu, of Indian heritage, by his side, the TARDIS crew reflects a diversity never before seen in the show’s six-decade run. It’s a bold step forward for a franchise that has long prided itself on challenging norms—whether through the introduction of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor in 2017 or storylines that weave in commentary on everything from climate change to social justice.
Not everyone is cheering this new direction. Social media platforms like X have become battlegrounds for fans split over the show’s trajectory. Critics argue that Doctor Who is sacrificing its legacy of imaginative storytelling for what one user called “ticking diversity boxes.” Another post lamented, “It used to be about adventures in time and space, not political agendas.” The sentiment echoes a broader backlash against perceived “wokeness” in entertainment, a term that’s become a lightning rod in pop culture discourse.
Yet, for every detractor, there’s a supporter ready to counter. “Representation matters,” one fan wrote on X. “Seeing a TARDIS team that looks like the world we live in is inspiring.” The praise aligns with the show’s history of evolving with the times, a trait that’s kept it relevant across generations.
The casting of Sethu and Gatwa doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s part of a seismic shift in Hollywood toward inclusivity. From Bridgerton’s colorblind casting to The Mandalorian’s diverse ensemble, television is increasingly reflecting the multicultural reality of its audience. But with progress comes pushback, and Doctor Who is no exception.
Sethu herself is undeterred by the noise. In a chat with Radio Times, she revealed a playful exchange with Gatwa that sums up their stance. “Ncuti was like, ‘Look at us. We get to be in the TARDIS. We’re going to piss off so many people,’” she recalled with a laugh. It’s a sentiment that acknowledges the controversy while embracing the significance of their presence in one of TV’s most storied franchises.
Behind the scenes, showrunner Russell T Davies is steering the ship with a clear vision. Davies, who revived Doctor Who in 2005 and ushered in some of its most daring moments, has long championed change. “Doctor Who has always been about progress,” he said in a past interview. “If we’re not pushing boundaries, we’re not doing our job.” His return to the helm, coupled with the Disney+ partnership, signals a new era for the series—one that’s unafraid to provoke.
As Doctor Who gears up for its next season, the spotlight on Sethu and Gatwa is only intensifying. Their chemistry, teased in early footage, promises to bring fresh energy to the TARDIS, while Davies’ knack for blending heart, humor, and high stakes ensures the show won’t lose its signature spark. But the real test will come when audiences tune in: Will this bold reinvention unite fans or deepen the divide?
For Sethu, the answer lies in the show’s enduring ethos. By leaning into inclusivity, Doctor Who isn’t just adapting—it’s doubling down on the values that have defined it for decades. Whether that resonates with every corner of its sprawling fandom remains an open question. But one thing is clear: With Sethu and Gatwa at the controls, the TARDIS is charting a course into uncharted territory—and they’re ready for the ride.
