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Doctor Who 50th anniversary to be simulcast around the world

The special will be shown to 100 million people in 200 countries, making it the biggest ever global drama simulcast.

Joe Svetlik Reporter
Joe has been writing about consumer tech for nearly seven years now, but his liking for all things shiny goes back to the Gameboy he received aged eight (and that he still plays on at family gatherings, much to the annoyance of his parents). His pride and joy is an Infocus projector, whose 80-inch picture elevates movie nights to a whole new level.
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Joe Svetlik
2 min read

When the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special airs in November, it'll be broadcast all around the world at the same time, Radio Times reports. It's reportedly been sold to 200 countries and is expected to reach more than 100 million viewers, making it the biggest ever global drama simulcast.

Not only that, it'll also be shown in cinemas here in Blighty, and in 3D where available. Mark the 23 November in your calendars, folks, it's going to be a biggie.

With all the hype surrounding the special, it makes sense to show it at the same time all around the world to prevent plot leaks or spoilers. The time hasn't been set yet, but if it was shown at 7pm here in the UK, fans in LA would see it at 11am, while those down under in Sydney would get it at 6am Sunday. But I'm sure it'll be worth setting the alarm for.

BBC Worldwide said in a statement: "It's always been our ambition to work with our broadcast partners so that international Doctor Who fans can enjoy the 50th anniversary special at the same time as the UK. We'll have more details soon about our very exciting global plans for November."

Current Doctor Matt Smith is hanging up his sonic screwdriver, but will appear in the 50th anniversary special, alongside his predecessor David Tennant. Smith has been playing the Doctor for four years now, and there's been much speculation over who'll succeed him. Writer Steven Moffat has released the script that'll be used during the auditions, so you can see what aspiring Time Lords will have to get to grips with to be in with a shot.

Will you be tuning in come 23 November? And who should be the next Doctor? Let me know in the comments, or over on our Facebook page.