Singapore – BBC Worldwide has announced that the special 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who, the world’s longest-running sci-fi series, has received the Guinness World Record for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama following a massive global campaign which saw the episode broadcast in 94 countries across six continents.
In addition to the TV broadcast, the episode was screened in over 1,500 cinemas worldwide, including in the UK, U.S., Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. Over half a million tickets were sold for the theatrical screenings at which fans were able to watch the episode in 3D.
The award was presented by Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records to the show’s Executive Producer and Head Writer Steven Moffat at the Doctor Who Celebration, a special three-day event spanning the anniversary weekend at London’s ExCel. Cast members Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman were also in attendance along with thousands of fans from across the world.
Upon receipt of the award, Steven Moffat comments: “For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he’s gone and done it himself!”
Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide says: “We knew we were attempting something unprecedented in broadcast history, not only because Doctor Who is a drama, unlike a live feed event such as a World Cup football match or a Royal Wedding, but because we had to deliver the episode in advance to the four corners of the world so that it could be dubbed and subtitled into 15 different languages. If there was any doubt that Doctor Who is one of the world’s biggest TV shows, this award should put that argument to rest – and how fitting for it to receive such an accolade in its 50th year.”
Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday, added: “Who else but the time-twisting Doctor could appear in 94 countries at once?! This outstanding achievement is testament to the fact that the longest running sci-fi TV show in history is not just a well-loved UK institution but a truly global success adored by millions of people.”
Since 1963 Doctor Who has been one of Britain’s best loved dramas and has already been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series ever. The show has received numerous awards across its 50 years and has seen huge commercial success with over 10 million DVDs and 8 million action figures sold globally. It is also the number one BBC show on iTunes in the UK. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK broadcaster distributes Doctor Who to over 200 territories across the world.
The global simulcast of The Day of the Doctor aired in Asia on BBC Entertainment on November 24, 2013.
