Diverse Companions in Doctor Who: Beyond the Diversity Quota

While woke-ism might seem to have taken over in BBC entertainment departments, casting Doctor Who companions has a long-standing tradition that transcends political correctness.

Does the Current Doctor Who Meet the BBC Diversity Quota?

Recently, some critics have accused the show of catering to diversity quotas, but the BBC does not officially enforce such quotas. Instead, the goal is to improve diversity and representation in its programming. This desire is not new, but rather part of a broader trend in the UK and US television landscapes.

A Historical Overview of Companions in Doctor Who

The show has a rich history of having companions, often three at the same time. Understanding this history can help put the current number of companions into perspective. For example:

1963: An Unearthly Child introduced companions Susan, Ian, and Barbara. 1965: The show briefly dropped to two companions for a few episodes. 1966-1967: The show returned to three companions. 1971-1974: During the UNIT period, the show had a mix of two or more companions. 1980-1983: The show continued to have three companions from Full Circle to Terminus.

This shows that having multiple companions is not just a recent trend, but a recurring theme in Doctor Who history.

Improving Diversity Through Casting

Improving diversity through casting is a well-established tradition in the UK. Since the 1980s, the country has been making significant strides in representation. This trend is also evident in US television, where spotting the "obligatory token minority main cast member" was once a common practice.

The lack of official diversity quotas at the BBC further supports the idea that improved representation is driven by a desire to provide a more inclusive and diverse viewing experience, rather than meeting a mandated requirement. The current trend of having multiple companions is simply a continuation of this long-standing tradition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the abundance of companions in the current revival of Doctor Who should be seen as an integral part of its rich history and a reflection of the show's ongoing commitment to diversity and representation. This trend is not just a reaction to modern pressures, but a fundamental aspect of the series' legacy.

Key Takeaways:

The BBC does not have a diversity quota for Doctor Who. Multitude of companions is part of a long-standing tradition in the show's history. Diversity in casting is a long-term trend in the UK, transcending the current focus on wake-ism.