Doctor Who: Early Violence Almost Cancelled the Show
Writer Robert Shearman almost derailed the Doctor Who revival due to the graphic violence planned for an early episode.Shearman, who penned the chilling ”Dalek” episode, initially worried that a scene involving the iconic monster went too far. He feared the network would cancel the episode. Discover how showrunner, Russell T Davies, helped tone down the violence and than pushed Shearman to make the scene “vicious.” News Directory 3 reports on the episode’s evolution and its impact on the series’ tone.The scene remains one of the series’ darkest. Learn how this crucial moment shaped the future of Doctor Who and its lasting legacy. Discover what’s next for the Time Lord.
‘Doctor Who’ Writer Feared Dalek Scene Too Violent, Almost Canceled Show
Updated June 4, 2025
For six decades, “Doctor Who” has captivated audiences with its time-traveling adventures and monstrous foes. From the devious Daleks to the sinister Cybermen and the terrifying Weeping Angels, the Time Lord’s battles have often provided nightmare fuel for viewers.
However, one “Doctor Who” writer, Robert Shearman, believes a particular scene involving a Dalek went too far. Shearman,who penned the fan-favorite episode “Dalek,” admitted that he initially struggled to find the line regarding onscreen violence.
Speaking at a BFI Southbank event, Shearman, 55, recalled early concerns about depicting character deaths. He said that he thought they might have to simply stun people.
After “Doctor Who” boss Russell T Davies gave the green light to kill characters, Shearman said he got carried away.He wrote a scene where a character “gets suckered,” with the skin burnt off. Davies responded, urging him not to “get the entire show canceled before we start.”
Despite the toned-down violence, “Dalek” remains one of the revived series’ darkest episodes, exploring the Doctor’s bigotries and survivor’s guilt. Shearman admitted worrying about the darkness, but Davies pushed him to make it “vicious.”
‘I went away and that day I wrote the scene where Simmons gets suckered – but it was much, much worse,’ he explained. ‘It went over his head and his skin had burnt off and Russell wrote back to me saying, “please don’t try and get the entire show cancelled before we start”.’
What’s next
The latest season of “Doctor Who” recently concluded, with Ncuti Gatwa’s character seemingly regenerating into Billie Piper. The casting decision has divided fans.