September 6th, 2026 no comments

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The Reality War 2005-2025

Available to older from www.tenacrefilms.com

The Reality War – 2005-2025: How the Doctor Who Revival Transformed Television

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 26

“Doctor Who’s success story – and a captivating account of how TV and popular culture has evolved over 20 years…” Tom Spilsbury, Doctor Who Magazine

When Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, its success was far from guaranteed. Yet the debut episode was a triumphant return, kick-starting two decades of continuous production and putting the show back at the heart of British pop culture.

The Reality War examines how modern Doctor Who captured the imagination of a new generation, dominated the TV ratings, invaded toyshops, bookshops, concert halls and cinemas, sold over five million DVDs, and even conquered America. It’s also the story of Doctor Who’s transformative impact on television itself.

Modern Doctor Who spans a period of unprecedented change within the TV industry. The show reinvigorated family viewing, trailblazed the BBC’s digital transition and lit the fuse of the Welsh creative economy. It popularised the role of the ‘showrunner’ and staged the biggest global simulcast ever for its 50th anniversary.

Drawing on dozens of new interviews – including directors Brian Grant and Rachel Talalay, plus producers Brian Minchin, Marcus Wilson and Tracie Simpson – along with extensive research, The Reality War celebrates the creation and impact of the Doctor Who revival, from modest beginnings at BBC Wales to its global partnership with Disney. Doctor Who will return. Until then, relive a golden age and discover what it can tell us about the future of television.

Raised in West London, Richard Marks passed BBC Television Centre on the way to school in White City each day. This may have inspired his eventual career in media research, where he conducted projects for radio, press and TV companies including the BBC and Channel 4. He then moved into the world of TV ratings, leading a company measuring audiences in over 30 countries, including in the UK for Barb. More recently, he has been a regular speaker, writer and podcast host analysing media trends, often featuring Doctor Who, as well as chairing the popular ASI international TV and radio conferences, attended by media companies from around the world.

Paperback (129mm x 198mm): 400 pages in black and white. RRP: £12.99

Categorised under: Books, Reference books