The former Dr. Who Christmas special does n’t appear to have wowed audiences in the UK , but it turn out Americans love meld their Doctor with superheroes . It ’s the most - determine episode in BBC America history .

The latest Doctor Who Christmas particular , “ The Return of Doctor Mysterio , ” go against the rating record for BBC America , becoming the most - watch telecast in the channel ’s chronicle . About 1.7 - million people see the holiday exceptional on BBC America , and it was the most shared program on Christmas night across both Facebook and Twitter .

“ Doctor Mysterio ” center around the Doctor teaming up with a masked vigilance man named Ghost to save New York ( and the earthly concern ) from genius - swapping alien who are trying to take over the minds of world drawing card . It admit a abbreviated nod to the next Companion , Bill , as well as thesometimes - unevenDoctor Who spinoff , Class . It also might be the last Christmas special helmed by showrunner Steven Moffat , who ’s being replaced by Chris Chibnall after next time of year .

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holding a chainsaw in a photo posted to Kennedy’s X account on May 27. 2025.

Reception for “ Doctor Mysterio ” wasmixed . Reviewers and fans cheered the playfulness and campy superhero theme , particularly its nodsto Hellenic DC and Marvel type and floor , but others found itsomewhat lackingin emotional deepness . However , return all the frightening stuff that happened in season 9 ( as well as 2016 in general ) , perhaps that ’s not so much a bad thing .

Even though “ Doctor Mysterio ” was a bang with American audiences , the episode might not work out to be as successful in Great Britain . About 5.7 - million peopletuned intothe special on BBC One Christmas Nox . Sure , it ’s substantially higher than BBC America ’s audience , but in comparison to premature British reception , it ’s inadequate . Itroughly matchesthe initial turnout for last year ’s particular , “ The Husbands of River song , ” which remains the lowest - rated Doctor Who Christmas special produced so far . Unless “ The Return of Doctor Mysterio ” picks up more than 2 - million additional viewers in the follow - up spreading , it could be Britain ’s lowest - rated Doctor Who Christmas special ever .

There are a couple reason why the special did better this twelvemonth in the US , but possibly worse in Great Britain . It might be because American audience like superhero themes more than British audiences , but it could just as easily be tied to Doctor Who ’s still - growing popularity in the States . Only time will severalise whether US audiences stay tunes into next time of year . Doctor Who retort for time of year 10 in 2017 .

William Duplessie

[ Deadline ]

Clarification : It ’s not clear whether or not Moffat will helm the 2017 Christmas special , as Chibnall starts for the 2018 season .

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