Doctor Who Spin Off "Class"

Agent Coulson

BBC Three announces Doctor Who Spin Off

BBC Three today announces Class - a new 8 x 45 minute Doctor Who spin off from the acclaimed YA author, Patrick Ness. Class is a YA series set in contemporary London. Incredible dangers are breaking through the walls of time and space, and with darkness coming, London is unprotected. With all the action, heart and adrenalin of the best YA fiction (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Hunger Games), this is Coal Hill School and Doctor Who like you’ve never seen them before.

Steven Moffat says, “No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant story-telling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain - but with monsters!”

On his first television series, writer Patrick Ness says, "I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself. There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three adds, “We’re excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family. Patrick understands young audiences and I’m delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three. BBC Three will always innovate and offer opportunities for brilliant new talent."

Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, adds, “I am thrilled that Patrick Ness is writing his first drama series for BBC Three. The combination of Patrick and Steven Moffat, is an exciting partnership that has created a brilliant Doctor Who spin off for our BBC Three audience.”

Class is executive produced by Steven Moffatt, Patrick Ness and Brian Minchin. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three and Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.

An 8 x 45 minute series produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with BBC Worldwide for BBC Three.

The series will film in and around Wales from Spring, 2016 and be on air next year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/953c5b1f-3cc8-4db9-8184-f1b6567260f1

Eugene Norman

So is that Clara's school?

EDIT:

Yes it is. And apparently it's also where some classic who was set.

Das Kitty

I love Patrick Ness.

flazio

This is the same BBC Three that's shutting down and going online only right?

BuffyBot

flazio wrote: »

This is the same BBC Three that's shutting down and going online only right?

Eventually. One can surmise this will be a flagship commission for the new "improved" BBC Three

pixelburp

Slightly strange decision, I had honestly figured the BBC were done with the Dr. Who spin-offs, but this seems like something that could be cheap & cheerful I guess.

It's no Paternoster Gang mind you, pity there's no sign of a spin-off for them!

McLoughlin

pixelburp wrote: »

Slightly strange decision, I had honestly figured the BBC were done with the Dr. Who spin-offs, but this seems like something that could be cheap & cheerful I guess.

It's no Paternoster Gang mind you, pity there's no sign of a spin-off for them!

I'm guessing that the BBC are sticking the Doctor Who name to something in the hopes that it will sell it

The_Valeyard

Piff,


Bring back Torchwood!!!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Patrick Ness is a brilliant writer. If you haven't read A Monster Calls I suggest you go and do that right now.

About the BBC3 thing, apparently the episode will air first on BBC3 online, then when it airs on BBC 1 the next episode will go up on BBC3 online. So basically if you want to watch it on TV it's BBC 1, but the next episode will be available online immediately after.

flazio

The_Valeyard wrote: »

Piff,


Bring back Torchwood!!!

The Audio company, Big Finish have done so.

Myrddin

Sounds interesting, I look forward to it

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Main cast revealed today. 4 student characters and an adult. Katherine Kelly playing the adult. Two girls I've never heard of, the guy who played Mr Selfridge's son on Mr. Selfridge and another guy who I've seen in a couple of things like River and Silent Witness.

The basic plot seems to be two people are the only survivors of a planet that was massacred and someone (Dr Who presumably) arranged for a safe place for them to stay. Problem is they hate one another and they also have A levels to study for.

Is BBC 3 available online here or is it like the iPlayer? Are we actually going to be able to see this in Ireland?

http://www.cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/class-first-look-main-cast-revealed-for-new-doctor-who-spin-off?platform=hootsuite

flazio

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Main cast revealed today. 4 student characters and an adult. Katherine Kelly playing the adult. Two girls I've never heard of, the guy who played Mr Selfridge's son on Mr. Selfridge and another guy who I've seen in a couple of things like River and Silent Witness.

The basic plot seems to be two people are the only survivors of a planet that was massacred and someone (Dr Who presumably) arranged for a safe place for them to stay. Problem is they hate one another and they also have A levels to study for.

Is BBC 3 available online here or is it like the iPlayer? Are we actually going to be able to see this in Ireland?

http://www.cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/class-first-look-main-cast-revealed-for-new-doctor-who-spin-off?platform=hootsuite

As I understand it, anything new on BBC Three must be repeated on a main channel. (most likely BBC Two.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

flazio wrote: »

As I understand it, anything new on BBC Three must be repeated on a main channel. (most likely BBC Two.

Yeah, I saw one of their newer shows was on BBC 2 the other day. Hopefully it will be the same for this.

EDIT: I just read back through the thread and see my own post saying it will be on BBC 1 an episode behind what's on BBC 3 online.

flazio

Do we have an air date for this yet?

pixelburp

flazio wrote: »

Do we have an air date for this yet?

Apparently not; still only a case of 'sometime in 2016' and broadcast on BBC3 online, then BBC1.

pixelburp

So small update; if Empire are to be believed the show will air in 'October'. It was mentioned at the end of an interview with creator Patrick Ness & if true, a trailer can't be far away either.

http://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/class-patrick-ness-talks-doctor-spin/

pixelburp

Filming has wrapped up, and the first promo, 'in-episode' photo cropped up. Confirmed are night settings and guns

http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/class/37676/class-filming-has-wrapped-on-doctor-who-spin-off

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

They're at the New York Comic-con, possibly this weekend, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get some sort of trailer there.

There's already a pretty dedicated fan base for this show and I think that photo is the first non posed cast photo thing we've had for it. I'm just imagining a lot of really disappointed people if it turns out to be rubbish

I don't think it will be though.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Oh look, the characters have names....

Did we know this?

pixelburp

The drip-feed of news increases a little with ... ... a logo! And an ambiguous promotional image. The logo's a bit uninspiring mind you; not exactly the most important aspect of a TV show but a little creativity or individualism would have been nice.

Courtesy of: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/782c969c-047e-442a-9543-d4fde369118a

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

https://twitter.com/Patrick_Ness/status/779344051917164544

I assume for those of us without access to whatever BBC3 is these days the episodes will be on BBC 1 in or around the same time.

https://twitter.com/Patrick_Ness/status/779350092226654209

pixelburp

It was also announced via press release that The Doctor will show up in the first episode, so it's definitely going to keep itself fairly close to the 'main' universe.

Doctor DooM

A few photos of P Cap on set have been circulating around their twitters too.

Well, that's me definitely watching, jonesing for some new Who!

pixelburp

First (teaser) trailer has landed, and it's very Doctor focused, to the point where there's not much to take from the promo. I guess the tone seems like it'll be pretty dark & serious instead of fun & frothy, but who knows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzjt5SXgMqk

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

pixelburp wrote: »

First (teaser) trailer has landed, and it's very Doctor focused, to the point where there's not much to take from the promo. I guess the tone seems like it'll be pretty dark & serious instead of fun & frothy, but who knows.

Based purely on it being Patrick Ness I'd say it will be a bit more serious than frothy but I don't think it will go very dark. I'm kind of imagining something along the lines of Buffy.

The_Valeyard

That should be the teaser for the next season of Torchwood.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Full trailer. Looks awesome. Can't wait!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAycTsDzW-w

pixelburp

It certainly looks ... BBC3 all right! Slightly chaotic editing in that trailer, but it looks like it might be half decent.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Do we know yet when it will be on BBC 1 for those of us who can't access BBC 3 online?

pixelburp

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Do we know yet when it will be on BBC 1 for those of us who can't access BBC 3 online?

I heard / read it was going to air on bbc1 the next day or thereabouts.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

pixelburp wrote: »

I heard / read it was going to air on bbc1 the next day or thereabouts.

That was the initial plan but that was before BBC 3 actually went off air... I'm hoping it's still the same but I've seen no mention of air dates for BBC 1 in all these new news releases.

Agent Coulson

This is from last year so hopefully plans haven't changed.

https://twitter.com/Patrick_Ness/status/649838025648771073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Patrick Ness

Btw, plan is, "Class" airs on BBC3 online, then on BBC1, at which point the new episode of "Class" hits BBC3. It's cool.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Still no confirmation of when this will be in BBC 1. The cast and Ness are pushing the launch pretty hard but only mentioning BBC3 and the iPlayer. If it was still the original plan for airing it should be showing up in TV guides by now.

EDIT:
Official site doesn't mention BBC 1 at all. I'm guessing it will still air on it but not until it's finished online.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/14XjtnLypvQz3lD7mp4Dt43/where-to-watch-class-around-the-world

jim-jam

Just watched the first two episodes. Must say I quite enjoyed it. Nice to be back in the world of Who. However, while it is a Doctor Who spin off, it is so much darker. Certainly not for children.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

It's being released on Bluray/DVD on January 2nd. Still no word on when it'll be on BBC 1.

pixelburp

Strange, maybe the just shelved the idea to broadcast on BBC1? Seems like the reviews coming out are pretty mixed, some complaints of tonal dissonance with the parent proeprty. Still looking forward to dipping the toes though

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

pixelburp wrote: »

Strange, maybe the just shelved the idea to broadcast on BBC1? Seems like the reviews coming out are pretty mixed, some complaints of tonal dissonance with the parent proeprty. Still looking forward to dipping the toes though

I think the intention was always to have it as an almost completely separate entity that just happens to be set in the same universe as Dr. Who.

What's happened with most of the BBC 3 original content lately is it airs fully on BBC 3/online and then airs on BBC 1/2. I'm not sure how many episodes of Class there are but you'd probably be talking mid December if they follow that format, which doesn't seem likely. The cynic in me thinks they'll wait until a while after the DVD release to maximise sales among those who can't access it online.

pixelburp

I contrived to see the first episode and well, tbh, it was a bit of a hot mess, as premieres go anyway. Breakneck pace to a fault, with way too much information to take in, yet no time to process any of it - to the point where I'd just call it incoherent. Ms Quill comes across as an antagonistic Doctor stand-in & may be the most 'fun' character, while the Doc's actual cameo just made me disappointed there's no new actually Who on the telly. His appearance was also pretty tonally jarring too given the darker tone supposedly being aimed for.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

I did enjoy the first two episodes, but I think if Katherine Kelly wasn't there as Ms Quill I'd be less inclined to watch any more of it - the fact she was less present in episode 2 really showed and they definitely need to keep her at the forefront in future episodes. I'll give it a fair go anyway, but nothing spectacular so far.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

The other day I was checking the BBC 3 site to see if it mentioned when the episodes would be on BBC 1 and for some magical reason the first episode was playing for me. I didn't have time to watch it at that point though and now when I go to it it's gone back to telling me it only works in the UK. :mad:

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

I'm not sure what to make of it.

I think it's still got the same problem all Doctor Who related shows have, tonally it doesn't quite know where to be.

I find myself liking the human stuff, Ram and Tanya are especially good, but then it's kind of jarring when a giant CGI dragon is talking to them. Quill is quite funny too but she sometimes feels like a stand in Doctor, quipping away in the midst of danger and what not.

Some of the dialogue in the pilot was ropey too, very self aware with the references to it's diverse cast and Bechdel tests and what have you. Some of the scenes between the four leads seemed a bit awkward too, like they weren't all on the same page but maybe that's just early days and it'll iron itself out.

I thought the girl playing Tanya was probably the best of the four leads, she seems most capable of handling the jumps from serious to comedy and back again.

All in all though I think there was more to like than there was to dislike. I'll watch some more.

p.s. The theme music doesn't really fit with the opening titles, or is that just me?

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Anyone still watching this?

I don't know what to make of it. There's some good stuff and then there's some weak stuff and then there's a lot of in between kind of stuff.

Despite it being full of overly emotional teens it still feels weirdly more of a grown up show than Doctor Who itself, but there's still a bit too much of the teen stuff for me. .

Sonics2k

I watched two episodes of it. Not exactly blown away by it honestly. It's kinda background T.V.

pixelburp

Forum quietness aside, anyone actually watching this? The first episode was so underwhelming I've kinda just forgotten to even keep an eye on what the general reception has been...

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

pixelburp wrote: »

Forum quietness aside, anyone actually watching this? The first episode was so underwhelming I've kinda just forgotten to even keep an eye on what the general reception has been...

I watched first 3, maybe 4? Haven't kept up since.

It's a really weird show in that it feels darker and a bit less family orientated than Doctor Who itself and yet it still feels like something I'm too old to be watching. It feels a bit like there's too much going on too. I applaud any effort to make TV more diverse but at times it feels very on the nose with it's inclusiveness, often to the detriment of the actual story.

Probably doesn't help that I started watching Crazyhead on E4 around the same time. It's not exactly the same themes and ideas but it's basically ordinary people randomly entrusted with protecting humanity from bad guys, but it's a million times better.

pixelburp

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

I watched first 3, maybe 4? Haven't kept up since.

It's a really weird show in that it feels darker and a bit less family orientated than Doctor Who itself and yet it still feels like something I'm too old to be watching. It feels a bit like there's too much going on too. I applaud any effort to make TV more diverse but at times it feels very on the nose with it's inclusiveness, often to the detriment of the actual story.

Probably doesn't help that I started watching Crazyhead on E4 around the same time. It's not exactly the same themes and ideas but it's basically ordinary people randomly entrusted with protecting humanity from bad guys, but it's a million times better.

Ok, had never even heard of Crazyhead, but it looks... weird, daft. But definitely something I might enjoy.

I get what you mean about Class though; aside from everything else going on with the first episode, I felt a bit too cranky & old for the whole thing (despite the cast themselves being way older than they're supposed to be), which when we're talking about Dr. Who is a pretty damning indictment.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

pixelburp wrote: »

Ok, had never even heard of Crazyhead, but it looks... weird, daft. But definitely something I might enjoy.

I loved it. You'll get it on the All 4 app and it's going on Netflix in December.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

So this will air on BBC 1 starting Monday January 9th at 10:45 pm.
Good chance if you're on BBC NI it could be even later as they often do that with evening scheduling.

They've obviously left it until after Christmas so anyone who hasn't figured out a way to watch it will already have shelled out for the DVD.

pixelburp

Welp, this thread itself was clearly a harbinger of the broader success & appeal of 'Class', cos the plug has been officially pulled:

http://io9.gizmodo.com/class-the-doctor-who-spinoff-barely-anyone-watched-is-1802667089

Agent Coulson

It was added to Netflix today.