Forgotten Doctor Who Cartoon

Since 2005’s revival, Doctor Who has enjoyed a newfound cultural renaissance the world over. It was always a phenomenon, but these past almost 20 years have seen a rise to prominence the series hadn’t previously experienced. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that The Doctor and his world had been abandoned by the BBC. It was within this vacuum, 1989-1991, that a project began stirring, far from the gray shores of the UK and instead along the gray shores of Canada. What if it were Doctor Who…but animated?

The idea never got too far down the road, with writers creating bibles for the show, concept drawings made, and even a cel or two being drafted. But it’s a fascinating look at a diverging timeline in which The Doctor was a Nelvana cartoon for a few years instead of getting a resurgence to become an entertainment behemoth. Harbo Wholmes looks at the near miss with lots of detailed footage and insight that is delightful as well as informative.