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Writer Linda Zimmermann just can’t leave the dead well enough alone. Her career has been marked by her time as ghost investigator; now her career will take a different turn with her new series of stories on her new web site HVZombie.com (Hudson Valley Zombie Apocalypse).

“When I was a little kid, I saw the original ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and it scared the crap out of me,” Zimmermann said with a laugh from her home. Since that time, the Hudson Valley writer has loved “all things zombie related” and this was her chance to tell her story.

Zimmermann, a chemist-turned-author, said her goal was to tell the story of Rebecca Truesdale, a nurse from Nyack, New York who also works with a ParGenTech. Truesdale “knows a lot about bacteria, viruses and parasites.” However something “strange starts happening in the Hudson Valley as a sickness spreads. The government is telling everyone it’s just a new strain of the flu, but ordinary people suddenly become violent killers. Becks sees firsthand what the infection can do, and knows the government is lying.”

“The whole story was set in June of 2012 and my goal is to make this as realistic as possible. I want to take the ordinary but push the envelope. However, any politicians who will be in office will be the elected leaders here. It just gives a more real world feel,” said Zimmermann.

First, Zimmermann said she is working on her project on several different levels. First, she is releasing a digital book in several “segments” as opposed to chapters. She just recently released “Phase 5, 6, 7” which is available on Amazon.

Second, the website will feature video blogs and television news reports produced by Big Guy Media.  She said that she met the people at Big Guy Media while filming a paranormal show in Hudson Valley.  “I have enjoyed working with Big Guy Media,” said Zimmermann.

Each of the stories will feature an actress as “Becks” communicating with the audience. “As I write the script, I outline the important parts of the story and it allows the actors to improvise,” said Zimmermann.

Third, Zimmermann said her zombie site will be open to fans submitting their own videos that could coincide with the stories and the newscast on line. “Our goal is to make this as interactive on many levels,” she said.

Fourth, Zimmermann that another addition to the HVZombie site will be augmented reality that can be used with iPhones and smart phones. “We are working to get what is called the ‘augmented reality’ up and out,” said Zimmermann.

She said that real places mentioned in the book could be a part of the story. She explained that the owner of Joe’s Diner could be in the story. Should a fan of the HVZA show up and see the HVZA logo, the fans could point their iPhones and smart phones at the place and see a video clip that was filmed there or read the section of the story published there.

“This is really unique and not many people are doing that,” she said. “So we are pleased to do it.”

Fans can jump on board at anytime by simply visiting HVZombie.com. “Fans of the zombie genre will have a blast,” said Zimmermann. “This is a lot of fun for me and I believe readers and viewers will have as much fun as I had creating it.”

She said as long as she has to work with the dead, she might as well enjoy it. “And I have,” she said.…

For over six decades, Doctor Who has been a beloved cornerstone of science fiction television. If you’ve never watched the show, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. With its quirky premise, a time-traveling alien who regenerates into new forms, and a rotating cast of companions, Doctor Who offers something for everyone—from thrilling adventures to deep emotional moments. Here’s why you should give Doctor Who a chance and join the legion of fans who have been captivated by this iconic show.

Why It’s So Popular

At the heart of Doctor Who‘s popularity is its endless capacity for reinvention. The Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, can regenerate into a new body when near death. This clever narrative device means that the show has continuously evolved over time, allowing different actors to play the Doctor, each bringing their own unique style and energy. This has kept the show fresh and relevant for generations of viewers. Moreover, Doctor Who balances imaginative sci-fi concepts with relatable human emotions. Episodes often explore themes of love, loss, and courage, wrapped in thrilling time-travel escapades. Fans also love the show’s optimism—its belief that intelligence and compassion can save the day resonates in a world that often feels cynical.

A Brief History of the Show

Doctor Who first aired in 1963 on the BBC, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the UK. Originally designed as an educational show for children, mixing historical settings with futuristic science fiction, it soon expanded into something much larger. The early years of Doctor Who introduced the Daleks, one of the most iconic and feared villains in sci-fi history, cementing the show’s place in pop culture. After running continuously for 26 years, the show was put on hiatus in 1989, but its influence never waned. In 2005, Doctor Who was successfully revived by writer-producer Russell T Davies, who modernized the series for a new generation. Since then, the show has grown into a global hit, attracting fans from all over the world.

The Excitement of Doctor Who Conventions

Another testament to Doctor Who’s enduring popularity is the vibrant fan community, which comes together at Doctor Who conventions across the globe. These conventions are a place where fans can meet their favorite actors, attend panels with writers and creators, and share their love of the show with like-minded people. Attending a Doctor Who convention is a bit like stepping into the world of the show itself—cosplayers dress as different versions of the Doctor or villains like the Cybermen, while merchandise booths offer everything from sonic screwdrivers to TARDIS-themed apparel. Conventions like Gallifrey One in Los Angeles and the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, UK, provide immersive fan experiences that are not to be missed.

The Global Impact of Doctor Who

One of the most remarkable things about Doctor Who is its influence on popular culture. The show has inspired numerous spin-offs, audio dramas, books, and even academic discussions. It also helped launch the careers of several actors, including David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jodie Whittaker. Beyond entertainment, Doctor Who has touched the lives of many by promoting curiosity, compassion, and a sense of adventure. Its message—that anyone can be a hero, regardless of background or identity—resonates with people of all ages.

So, if you’ve been hesitant to start watching Doctor Who, now is the perfect time to dive into this timey-wimey adventure. With its rich history, complex characters, and imaginative storytelling, you’ll find yourself captivated before you know it.…

Calling all ‘Supernatural’ fans – I know you haven’t forgotten that the new season premieres this Friday (the 23rd), right?  To kick off the event, I have something very special to share with you today.

It’s not often I get the opportunity to interview someone who not only has had such a rich career in Hollywood, but who’s also a very deep, genuine man who gives much thought to the state of the world these days.  I’m very honored to be able to bring this to you.

Recently actor Jim Beaver took some time out of his very hectic schedule to answer some questions for me.  Mr. Beaver is currently co-starring in ‘Supernatural’ as Bobby, a second father to both Dean and Sam Winchester.   You can also see his past work in ‘Deadwood,’ ‘Big Love,’ ‘Reasonable Doubts,’ ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and was in such movies as ‘Sliver,’ ‘Magnolia,’ ‘The Life of David Gale,’ and more.

He also published a memoir entitled, “Life’s That Way” in 2009.  In it he shares personal email updates he sent to family and friends regarding his wife’s health and how they were both coping as they battled her cancer together. 

You’ll see that in question six I reference past conversations with Mr. Beaver – he and I have found ourselves in disagreement before on certain specific political issues via Facebook and Twitter.  I want to say though that they were unlike any other political debate I’ve ever gotten into before.  Mr. Beaver was extremely gracious, respectful and listened to my perspective, and his demeanor left a lasting impression on me.  In fact, afterward I realized something – THIS is how debate should be; that we (as Americans) have been doing it wrong all this time.  I walked away feeling as though I gained a greater understanding of the issues at hand, and I was so happy and relieved to know that he believes (as I do) that differing opinions doesn’t automatically make someone an adversary.  He’s a man of very strong character, and it’s so refreshing to see these characteristics portrayed in this day and age.

Much gratitude to Mr. Beaver making this interview possible – for taking the time to share some insight into what life’s like for him these days, his connection to his character, Bobby, and more!

1.    You’ve had quite a rich history in the entertainment industry (‘Deadwood,’ ‘Supernatural,’ ‘John From Cincinnati,’ ‘Day Break,’ to name just a few)…did you always want to be an actor, or did you originally have other aspirations in mind?

Although I’d acted a couple of times in elementary school plays and auditioned for a couple of high school plays, I’d never had any particular inclination to be an actor.  I wanted to be a stuntman during my high school days.  A school friend used to rag on me that I’d never be a stuntman in a million years, so I looked him up a few months ago to tell him I’d gotten my first stunt check on ‘Supernatural’ recently!  It wasn’t until I got back from Vietnam that I seriously considered acting.  At the time, what I really wanted was to be a film historian.  There were no film courses at my college, so I took theatre instead, figuring it was sort of related.  The first time I auditioned for something, I was pretty much hooked on acting.  I haven’t really ever looked back–though I ended up still doing a lot of film history work.  Just not for a living!

 
2.    I’ve read that you joined the Marine Corp after high school and spent some time in Vietnam.  What was life like for you during that time?  How have your experiences over there shape you into who you are today?

It’s a bit of a cliche, but I went into the Marines a boy and came out a man.  It matured me in a lot of ways, primarily in terms of confidence in myself.  It didn’t eradicate my natural shyness, but it certainly reduced it.  And it made me realize what I was capable of, that if I’d survived that experience, there were few things I would face that I couldn’t get through much more easily.  It expanded my world view significantly and made me a much more political person.  It gave me stories to write and experiences to draw on that ended up benefiting my career substantially, both as a television writer and as an actor.  For a time, I was one of a handful of Vietnam veteran writers in Hollywood who were frequently called on whenever a project about the war was being considered, and my first big break as an actor was directly related to my being a Vietnam veteran.  It was also in Vietnam that I happened to encounter my first significant exposure to Shakespeare, which had a profound effect on me.  I wouldn’t want to do it again, but I’m grateful for those experiences.
 

3.    In your role as Bobby in ‘Supernatural,’ how much of your personality comes through in your portrayal of him?  What similarities or differences are there between the two of you?

Bobby is in some ways the unsmoothed-over version of me.  His tenderness, his good-hearted nature, his irony and sarcasm, are, I like to think, all very much the same as mine.  His gruffness, his hardness are also part of who I am, but they’re parts I generally sublimate to the best of my ability.  I have a fearsome temper, but it doesn’t get provoked very much.  The big difference between me and Bobby is that he’s an incredibly brave man and I’m a chicken.

4.    It’s no secret that a career in acting can be, well…invasive at times.  How has adjusting to a life in the public eye affected you?

Unlike some people who find themselves in the public eye (a much better phrase than “celebrity,” which seems so unlike my experience of what’s happened), I have deliberately and with some real consideration decided to be very accessible.  I find life more interesting the more doors I keep open, so I’m all over the place with social networking and public events, much more than some actors would be comfortable being.  It has, overall, been incredibly enriching.  There are always going to be people who take it too far, who want to involve you in their lives in inappropriate ways, who want to believe that because they know your character on a show that they then know *you*.  And there are always people who want to use you to advance their own hopes and dreams.  I find most of this tolerable and quite counter-balanced by the benefit I get from being in real connection with people I wouldn’t otherwise know.  Sometimes it can be painful — telling people “no” is very difficult for me, but increasingly necessary.  For the most part, though, it has been wildly rewarding.  Having people tell you they like your work, or that you’ve touched their hearts in some way, is a magnificent gift.  I treasure my privacy, but I like to keep myself open to as much life as I can.

 
5.    Since his debut in “Devil’s Trap,” Bobby has seen and endured much (possession, paralysis, the theft of his soul to name a few).  How has his past experiences changed him from who he was in the beginning to who he is currently?

It’s hard for me to say how Bobby’s experiences have changed him.  It’s like asking how heating up the water has affected the faucet.  I’m just the guy Bobby comes through.  In all probability, the writers give much more thought to Bobby’s inner feelings than I do.  That’s not to say I don’t consider them, but I consider how to interpret them, not what they are or how they change.  That’s the writers’ job.  The soul of Bobby Singer is really found inside Eric Kripke and Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund and their cohorts.  They jointly and singly decide how these changes affect him.  I just read what they wrote and try to make it clear in performance.  If I had to commit to an opinion on this, I’d simply quote “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”  I’d say Bobby has grown stronger through adversity and has prevailed.  So far!

 
6.    Based on our past conversations I can tell you are a man of strong convictions, and it is a very admirable quality.  What do you think is the strongest issue facing us as a global community today, and what are your suggestions for remedying it?

In the myriad of issues facing the world, I can think of none more troubling than the increasing shift toward coarseness, discourtesy, division, and inhumanity (in increasing order of distressfulness) in our public and private discourse, and our decreasing respect for education, wisdom, knowledge, scientific and intellectual awareness in favor of emotional responses to the problems of the day.  When people deal with problems and disagreements by angry and recriminatory means rather than thoughtful ones, when any disagreement is the sign of an “enemy,” when people believe that how “good” a leader makes them feel is more important than what he knows and can articulate, when the importance of education is diminished in comparison with that of personal gain, then I think the world is in grave danger, and all the other issues can be seen as merely outcroppings of those basic ones.  I live by two rules:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and gain all the knowledge you can.  It seems to me that being true to those two guidelines, on both a personal and a community level, would resolve pretty much everything threatening the peace of the world.

7.    I’ve recently read your book entitled “Life’s That Way.”  It is such a touching memoir..words cannot adequately convey how moved I was by it.  In a time of such intense pain, you showed great bravery and found the necessary strength that helped you to put your emotions into words, thus allowing you to share your experience with others.  If you don’t mind sharing, what made you decide to go forward with the publishing of your emails?   What advice do you have for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one?
 
I was at first somewhat reluctant to publish the emails that make up “Life’s That Way.”  Though an audience of thousands had read the original emails as I sent them out night after night, they were in a way too private still to consider making them available to the public at large, and to do all the selling and promoting necessary to market such a book seemed undignified and diminishing.  But one person in particular changed my mind.  A woman I’d known as a casual friend for many years (though I’d clearly not known her as well as I thought) talked to me about the emails once.  She told me that 25 years previously (before I’d known her), she had lost her husband and her son within 6 weeks, and she’d never talked about it to anyone.  After reading my emails about my own experience with fear and loss, she had begun talking to people about hers, and that doing so had, in her words, “changed my life.”  She had found what I had found, the richness that comes of sharing pain and sorrow with souls who care.  I instantly knew that if my emails could have that effect, then there were many others who might benefit as well.  I’ve found it to be true.  I get thousands of letters and emails from people who had just that response in their own lives.  It is unbelievably moving to me.  The book has a lot of what I would advise people who are grieving and those who care about them, too much to recount here.  I believe it is effective, because people tell me it is.  If there’s a core piece of advice, it’s to open oneself to the experience, talk about it, share it, express it, and welcome the wise (and even the unwise) attempts of others to participate in it with you.

8.  Are there any charities you give to that are near and dear to your heart?

The charity that I am most deeply involved with, the one I direct my friends to participate in to the extent of their ability, is the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (http://www.jwcf.org/).  I’ve been involved with others (Autism Speaks, The Actors Fund, etc.), but the John Wayne Cancer Foundation is the closest to my heart.

 
9.  You (and Misha) seem to enjoy being in touch with your fans via Twitter and Facebook.  What personally made you decide to join?

I think my reasons for getting involved in Facebook and Twitter are pretty well explained in my earlier comments about choosing to be less hidden away, less secretive, less cloistered than some people who achieve a certain public notice.  A lot of that feeling comes from my experiences that led to my book, when I learned the power of being open and available and more revelatory than I was used to being.  I’ve found that nothing makes me feel safer than allowing myself to be vulnerable.  Twitter and Facebook are a way for me to do that, without having a hundred thousand people show up at my house!
 

10.  After all he’s been through, what do you think is in store for Bobby in the future?  Does he stands a chance of growing old and enjoying a peaceful, normal life?

If Bobby didn’t think he had a chance to grow old in a peaceful world, I don’t think he’d bother with being a grumpy knight errant.  Hope springs eternal!

11.  What are some things you enjoy doing that help you wind down after a stressful day?

I’m an internet junkie in the worst way–have a very hard time staying away from it, despite the fact that it has seriously clobbered my artistic productivity as a writer.  Aside from that, reading and movies are my two great loves.  I try to read at least a little every day, and I’m pretty successful at that.  And as Facebook friends know, I’m a voracious movie watcher.  I love to watch them and then to write my impressions.  These are my every-single-day relaxations and enjoyments.  I deeply love a wide variety of music, and I like baseball, but I don’t devote nearly as much time to those.

12.  Working in Vancouver while having a life in the States must be tricky.  How do you manage to keep things running smoothly at home while you’re away on set? 

The biggest drawback to working in Vancouver is that I have a young daughter and a home in Los Angeles.  Were it not for my daughter, I would be wonderfully satisfied living long stretches in a hotel in Vancouver.  I’m a bit of a loner, and have a great time being by myself, so being on my own away from home is no problem usually.  But I have to be away from my daughter far too much.  Fortunately, she has a nanny who is really the only mother she remembers, a wonderful woman named Maribel who has been with her since she was 6 months old, and she cares for Maddie as though she were her own.  So I can always leave, even at a moment’s notice, knowing my daughter is in excellent, patient, loving hands.  And I have a dear friend, actress and producer Paula Rhodes, who drops by my house every few days to make sure the mail is in order and that I know about any bills that need tending.  It’s a great situation in most ways.  Fortunately for me, I love being home and I love being away, just as I love working and I love having days off.  I’m very happy and grateful for my situation these days.
 

13.  Are you living your dream right now?

You bet your ass I’m living my dream!

…

Author: Don E. Smith Jr

Much More Than A Tin Dog

EDITORIAL NOTE: ScienceFictionZone is indebted to Paul Salamoff and Roslyn Hill of Unstoppable Entertainment for helping arrange this interview.

–    ScienceFictionZone Staff

When “Doctor Who” returned to the airwaves in 2005 after a near-two decade absence, fans were treated to a new TARDIS, new Doctor, new companion and new supporting characters.

Enter Noel Clarke.

Clarke played the role of Mickey Smith, the boyfriend of Rose (aka Billie Piper), and he watched as a tall mysterious stranger (who looked an awful like Destro from “G.I. Joe”) stepped in and whisked her away.

Was Mickey destined for third-wheel status forever? In one episode of the second season, poor Mickey compared himself to K-9 the robot dog. “I’m the tin dog!” he shouted with despair, but speaking with Clarke, one finds he is so much more than that.  By the end of David Tennant’s role, Mickey was an action hero married to the beautiful Martha Jones (aka Freema Agyeman).

Clarke has proven more than just the usual “Doctor Who” companion, but an accomplished writer and director. Sure in 2003 he won the Laurence Olivier Award for “Most Promising New Actor” but his movies “KiDULTHOOD,” “ADULTHOOD” and “4.3.2.1” have won acclaim as well.

Thanks to assistance of writer Paul Salamoff, we were able to talk with Clarke about his time on “Doctor Who”, working with Elizabeth Sladen, and he talked with us about Doctors Nine through Eleven and he talked about the 50th anniversary of “Doctor Who.”

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: First, I want to thank you for being interviewed by us at Science Fiction Zone! Also, we owe a great deal of thanks to writer and producer Paul Salamoff, who we interviewed previously. How long have you known him?

NOEL:  I met Paul Salamoff at the Los Angeles Gallifrey One Convention in 2006. At the time I thought he was just a fan.  We spoke for a couple of hours and I found out afterwards he was a writer/producer. Not too long after that we became good friends.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Did you see his TARDIS console from the 1996 movie?

NOEL: [LAUGHS] Oh yeah! I saw it. I’ve been in his garage and it was really neat.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Since Paul lives in California, do you come to the United States much?

NOEL: I try to make it to the States twice a year. I have written several scripts and directed two feature movies, and right now my goal is to continue pressing forward with that. I am slowly clawing my way over.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Does this mean you will be coming over to the United States? Anything you can talk about?

NOEL: Ehh…I have a few plates spinning in the air at the moment that I think you will be hearing about in the near future.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Well, let me ask regarding the amount of British actors that are currently starring in American television series. Specifically, I am thinking of Andrew Lincoln from the “Walking Dead.” You can add Hugh Laurie of “House” and Kevin McKidd of “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Why is it easier for British actors to perform American accents whereas you almost want to cringe at Americans doing British accents?

NOEL: I think it is because we have had some iconography almost shoved down our throats. I mean we grew up with television shows like “Knight Rider” and “The A-Team” so we grew up with the accent, whereas Americans did not grow up with the British shows the way we were. Because of that, British actors are able to pick up the American accent easier. I mean ask an American kid if he can name an American burger joint and he can’t, but a British kid can name McDonalds.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Now you talk about filmmaking; you have written several scripts and you are a director. Do you prefer being behind the camera?

NOEL: I have to say my first love is being in front of the camera, but I like being behind the camera as well. As you said, I like to be in front of the camera and I definitely like being behind the camera, after all I directed two feature films. I want to learn as much as what I can behind and increase my longevity in the industry.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: When you were doing “Doctor Who” did you ever get a chance to come in on days you weren’t filming and just sit behind the cameras and learn the industry?

NOEL: Actually, I didn’t need to. I was filming so much I was able to pick it up as I went along. Though, [Executive Producer Russell T. Davies] gave me the opportunity to write an episode of “Torchwood.”

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: I saw on IMDB.com you were able to do that. Did John Barrowman ask you for the opportunity to write a song and dance number for Captain Jack into that episode?

NOEL: [LAUGHS] No, the actors were separate from the writers. I appreciated the chance to being part of a team of writers. After I wrote the script, Russell tweaked it a little and it was amazing.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Now if we can get into “Doctor Who” for the moment, you have said you were a fan of the original series. Was it nerve wracking knowing that you would be the number three person “Doctor Who” fans would see?

NOEL: Let me say that when the show was revitalized, there were a lot of skeptics who did not believe the show would last, but I knew when I auditioned for it that this was a quality show.

Further proof of that is, look at the way Mickey evolved as a person. When he first appeared, he was Rose’s foil and he was irked at this man who was cooler than he was. But by the end of it, he was this bearded hero, freedom fighter who was married to Martha. It was really part of the writers’ grand plan.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Focusing in on that, you played Mickey, the goofy guy who “wasn’t the tin dog” as was mentioned in the episode “School Reunion,” but in the episodes “Age of Steel” and “Army of Ghosts,” you played Ricky, a gay version of Mickey. Yet, Ricky was a man hardened by a brutal war with the Cyber Men. How was it playing such a different character?

NOEL: Actually, it is more difficult to play Mickey because he is goofy and bumbling, whereas Ricky (and the later Mickey) are closer to my personality. I relate more to the action hero/take-no-prisoners type of guy.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: So you played Mickey Smith and Ricky Smith, the Doctor goes by John Smith, Elisabeth Sladen played Sarah Jane Smith, the Doctor is currently played by Matt Smith, my name is Don Smith and I have a Doctor Who buddy named Pam Smith!

Tell me what is it about “Smiths” and “Doctor Who” that is just so awesome? [LAUGHS].

NOEL: I have no idea. [LAUGHS] I really don’t. They named Mickey Smith as a tribute to Sarah Jane Smith unsure if they would ever be able to get her, but she returned [in the previously mentioned episode “School Reunion”] and had her own series for a while.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Most “Doctor Who” fans knew she passed away from cancer back in April of this year. What was it like working with Elisabeth Sladen in “School Reunion”?

NOEL: Lis Sladen was lovely to work with. In fact, when she came to work, she was a little nervous, but she got on quite well. I was glad to see her return because she was such an important part of the history of the show.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: There is a pivotal scene where Sarah Jane Smith is coming to terms with being left behind by the Doctor. She even talks about it with Rose at one point. In the world of “Doctor Who”, it seems many of the actors, both companions and Doctors, are also left behind by the show.

Did Lis Sladen have any advice or even talk about that?

NOEL: No, she didn’t, the conversation never came up. But as actors, we are well aware of how big the show is and how important it is to have something to fall back on and understand what it means to reinvent themselves. I have been lucky; I have had my writing and my directing to fall back on.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Besides working with Lis Sladen, you worked with two different Doctors, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. What did each bring to the Doctor?

NOEL: I loved working with both men equally. Chris was lovely to work with, but he was able to bring a modern and hip interpretation to the character that was very intense with the leather coat. Chris was able to reestablish the show and get it moving, which allowed David to come in play the character in a lighter tone.  David played him more emotional and more likable which kept the series going.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Have you seen Matt Smith’s run as the Doctor? What do you think he brings?

NOEL: I haven’t met the guy, but he brings an air of unpredictability to the Doctor. And that’s great. I know it’s a scripted show, but I never know what Matt is going to do next. He has done a fantastic job.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Have you heard anything about the fiftieth anniversary?

NOEL: No I haven’t, and if I did, I wouldn’t be allowed to talk about it.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: That’s okay, we understand.

Thank you so much for your time! What do you have upcoming fans can look out for?

NOEL: Yeah, I have a sci-fi movie that will be out in 2011 called “Storage 24” that I did with Colin O’Donoghue and another movie called “Fast Girls” just in time for the 2012 Olympics.

SCIENCEFICTIONZONE: Well, whatever else you have coming up, stop by ScienceFictionZone.com and share it with us.

NOEL: Will do! This has been fun.

Want to find out what Noel Clarke is up to next? Visit him here and at Unstoppable Entertainment.

Images courtesy of Noel Clarke and BBC.

Also read why you should give Doctor Who another chance.…

Science fiction has long been one of the most beloved genres in television history. From its early days with pulpy, campy shows about space exploration to today’s slick, high-budget productions, sci-fi TV has continually captured the imagination of millions. Whether exploring distant galaxies, unraveling complex philosophical dilemmas, or questioning the boundaries of human existence, the best sci-fi TV shows combine compelling narratives with futuristic technology and mind-bending concepts.

Here’s a look at the most-watched and beloved science fiction TV shows of all time.

Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)

Viewership Impact: While it wasn’t a huge hit during its original run, “Star Trek: The Original Series” (TOS) became a cultural juggernaut after its syndication in the 1970s. The influence of Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and their crew aboard the USS Enterprise cannot be overstated.

Legacy: The series set the standard for episodic science fiction, with its utopian vision of the future, progressive social themes, and exploration of complex moral and ethical questions. Although its ratings were modest during the initial run, it has since become one of the most influential and beloved franchises in TV history. The show’s message of diversity and unity resonates strongly to this day.

Doctor Who (1963-Present)

Viewership Impact: As one of the longest-running science fiction series ever, “Doctor Who” has spanned multiple generations of fans since its debut in 1963. With a time-traveling alien known as “The Doctor” at its core, this British series has captivated global audiences for decades.

Legacy: “Doctor Who” is known for its ability to reinvent itself, with new actors taking on the titular role every few seasons through the concept of regeneration. The show has become a cultural institution in the UK and enjoys a massive global following. Episodes such as “Blink” and “The Day of the Doctor” have been watched by millions and are regarded as some of the best in television history. “Doctor Who” is renowned for blending camp, intellectual depth, and thrilling sci-fi adventures.

The X-Files (1993-2018)

Viewership Impact: During the 1990s, “The X-Files” dominated television with its blend of paranormal investigations and government conspiracies. Starring David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, it became a cultural phenomenon that inspired a generation of sci-fi enthusiasts.

Legacy: “The X-Files” is one of the most significant TV series of all time, reaching a peak viewership of nearly 20 million per episode in its heyday. It was instrumental in ushering in a golden age of serialized science fiction TV, with its “monster-of-the-week” format mixed with overarching mythologies about aliens, shadowy government conspiracies, and supernatural occurrences. Its eerie theme song remains instantly recognizable to this day, and its influence can be seen in many of today’s shows about conspiracies and the paranormal.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Viewership Impact: “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (TNG) proved that the “Star Trek” franchise could be successfully revived for a new generation. The show’s mix of sophisticated storytelling, impressive special effects, and nuanced characters made it a hit among both critics and audiences.

Legacy: With Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) at the helm, TNG brought a cerebral and moral complexity to science fiction TV, often grappling with ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions about the future of humanity. Episodes like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “The Inner Light” remain iconic to fans. TNG was a ratings hit, especially in its later seasons, regularly pulling in millions of viewers and reinvigorating the “Star Trek” brand. Its success paved the way for a new generation of sci-fi television, including spin-offs like “Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager.”

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Viewership Impact: The reimagined “Battlestar Galactica” garnered a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim, with its gripping narrative about humanity’s survival after an apocalyptic event. Set in a distant part of the galaxy, the show follows the last remnants of the human race as they search for Earth while fleeing a relentless race of robots, the Cylons.

Legacy: The series was praised for its dark, mature themes and complex characters, tackling issues like war, religion, and human identity. “Battlestar Galactica” received numerous awards and was frequently cited for its sophisticated approach to storytelling, with notable episodes like “33” and “Downloaded.” Its influence on modern science fiction shows, especially in its treatment of political and social themes, is profound. Viewership steadily grew over the seasons, and the show ended with a massive, deeply debated finale that is still discussed among fans today.

Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Viewership Impact: One of Netflix’s biggest original hits, “Stranger Things,” took the world by storm with its nostalgic blend of 1980s pop culture, sci-fi, and supernatural horror. The show has drawn in millions of viewers and is frequently listed as one of Netflix’s most-watched series.

Legacy: “Stranger Things” tapped into a rich vein of nostalgia, appealing to fans of 1980s films like “The Goonies,” “E.T.,” and “Stand by Me.” Its combination of a compelling cast of young actors, well-written characters, and an overarching mystery involving parallel dimensions and government experiments has kept audiences hooked for multiple seasons. The show continues to be a pop-culture phenomenon, spawning countless memes, merchandise, and even themed attractions.

Lost (2004-2010)

Viewership Impact: “Lost” was a cultural sensation when it premiered, blending science fiction with drama, mystery, and supernatural elements. The show attracted a huge following, with its intricate, character-driven plot and a central mystery that kept millions of viewers guessing until its controversial finale.

Legacy: Although “Lost” wasn’t purely sci-fi in its first few seasons, it increasingly incorporated time travel, parallel universes, and futuristic technology. The show had a huge cultural impact, influencing many subsequent sci-fi and mystery series. At its peak, it drew in over 16 million viewers per episode and became a global talking point, especially as fan theories proliferated across the internet. “Lost” remains one of the most discussed TV shows of all time, and its complex narrative structure changed how serialized TV was produced.

The Mandalorian (2019-Present)

Viewership Impact: As one of Disney+’s flagship series, “The Mandalorian” quickly became one of the most-watched TV shows in the world. Set in the Star Wars universe, the show introduced the iconic character of Grogu (commonly known as Baby Yoda), who quickly became a pop culture sensation.

Legacy: With its high production value, “The Mandalorian” brought cinematic storytelling to the small screen, setting a new standard for streaming sci-fi content. The series has reinvigorated the Star Wars brand on television, attracting both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Its viewership numbers are enormous, regularly ranking among the most-watched streaming shows each year. “The Mandalorian” also helped cement the idea that streaming services could produce big-budget, high-quality science fiction television on par with major film releases.

Also we recommend taking a look at Apple TV because they have a reputation of produces some great science fiction television, such as Silo.

These shows have shaped the landscape of science fiction television, offering audiences endless fascination with the unknown, pushing the boundaries of human imagination, and capturing the hearts of viewers across the globe. Whether through epic space battles, mind-bending time travel, or eerie government conspiracies, these series continue to influence the genre and attract legions of fans, cementing their place in television history.…