By Tom Cheredar
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
The world’s longest running science fiction series, Doctor Who, is scheduled to continue on after current Doctor David Tennant ends his run. This means a new doctor and, of course, a new logo.
The new logo with accompany the on-screen debut of Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor in spring 2010.
Below is a video teaser of the new logo, which I don’t really have much of an opinion of yet. This is more than likely because I’m still trying to get over Tennant leaving and I can’t be concerned with “new” anythings until after his final specials air. The final three episodes featuring Tennant will air later this year, with the existing logo on-screen.
tbh ? it looks like it was designed by a 12 year old in his notebook in class and the contrast is going to be horrible to deal with from a marketing perspective. they blew it.
Every time I look at it, it produces an ‘Ehhh?’ sound out of me. Like I can’t believe they would do that to Doctor Who. Isn’t it bad enough that Tennant is leaving? Must they force some campy logo on us as well?
Hmm.. Going to have to agree w/general opinion and say, yeah, definitely an Epic Fail! I hope this new logo is not indicative of what the new Season will be like..
Comment by Captain Karl — October 7, 2009 @ 8:19 am
It looks like something they rejected when the show was on in the 1980’s, and I agree — bad enough having to get used to a new Doctor, but a new logo, and I’ve heard they’re giving the TARDIS a new look too …what next? Give the Daleks fur and tentacles?
That’s almost as bad as the new syfy name & logo – must be using the same rotten design team. I agree with every one above – its too generic… back to the drawing board!
If you want this graphic designer’s opinion, I really like the “Doctor Who” text. The right-side only serifs on the W and H are a very elegant solution to a problem that most of the original series logos had: namely that when “WHO” is in all caps it’s pretty funny looking and doesn’t even look much like a real word. Those serifs are nice little hints for the “W” to flow into the “H” and the “H” to flow into the “O” and all of a sudden “WHO” in all caps is one cohesive word and not three funny looking capital letters side by side.
But I don’t really care for the “DW” stylized TARDIS on the right. I’ll probably get used to it. I keep having to remind myself it’s a show for kids. Perhaps this logo tested really well among British eleven-year-olds.
I hate it! They are trying to make the show more popular with the younger generation and killing it for the true Doctor Who fans. I’m very concerned about the new “kid” doctor. I can only pray they won’t kill it in the first episode.
Comment by Katie Oakes — October 7, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
who cares about the logo? give me some good new episodes – that’s all I want.
Comment by it's me mum! — October 7, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
DW means Darkwing Duck. Doctor Who should not be using that abbreviation. Plus the DW doesn’t look like the Tardis. I didn’t notice it was supposed to be the Tardis until I read the comments. Epic Fail.
Those of you complaining: Have you even seen the current Doctor Who logo? It’s one of the worst logos I’ve ever seen attached to a TV show ever. Whether you like it or not, at least this one has some custom typography and thought put into it.
The shape of the Tardis is iconic, and I feel the DW logo solution is quite successful.
It’s clever, and here’s why: It incorporates one of the most fundamental ideas of Doctor Who into the brand itself, the Tardis. The logo is the front line of the series, the first thing people will see when it’s advertised, and the juxtposition of these two elements is fantastic.
That being said, the vertically stacked logo is not impressive. While the DW has purpose and meaning, the stacked logo type does not. In my subjective opinion, it fails to capture the essence of the show and says very little.
Tbh I think most of the comments sum it up. It looks to me like a re-stylised version of an 80’s logo I saw on some (probably knock-off) merchandise in a shop somewhere as a kid. Semi-cool then, not very retro cool now.
I do take on board the design comments, particularly the stylised wording on the left-does help break up the block nature of the WHO but the Tardis part does not really work. As for the flaring, that comes from someone who saw Trek then failed to see amid all the praise the few negatives-which included too much flaring!
Leave the Tardis alone as well, geez, constant fiddling with things that work well why bother? If you must, why do it like it’s some complete revamp, all at once? We already have a new Doctor to get used to first, introduce these elements slowly, else you might alienate more than you attract. If I did not know better I’d say Moffat, who wrote some of the best ‘new’ Who episodes, was having a split personality disorder that wanted to ruin the show. Or he is behaving like an other excited schoolboy finally allowed to play on his dad’s train set by himself.
As for all this ‘yoofing’ it up for the kids and the excuse it gives for some of the lame stuff happening to Dr Who right now-yeah it started as a kids show but the way it grew it should be a show that can be enjoyed by all ages. Right now, I am a bit worried they are losing sight of that.
On the other hand, it (yoof) does seem to be the BBC’s new buzzword…
….my jury is still out on this one…as is Matt Smith’s new look, is it me or does his choice of costume remind you of the much maligned Sylvester Mccoy….
I disagree completely. I hated the current(previous) logo.. To me that logo was further away from the classic logo than this new one is. The Tardis symbolism is awesome. Why didn’t they think of that before??
I dont like it, simple as that. The DW does look like a kid with a notebook created it. The only good part was the Tardis sound. I understand it is supposed to be the Tardis. That doesnt make it ok. I miss Tennant already.
I agree with the general population. I am deeply worried about this new direction of DW. I really do hope that Smith produces quality. The creative TEam of DW stated that Smith would make the perfect “11th” but, I don’t like the wardrobe and this logo is not very appealing either. It has shaken some of my confidence for the new series.
I am, however, intrigued with the return of River Song. I so much want to hear that storyline. So.. let’s see where this goes.
It’s bloody awful!! Everything about it screams “Toys for sale Come and get our lovely DW toys!!!” on every possible level it fails. It looks like something from a 5 years olds tv programme. Sack the designer…NOW!You can’t beat style and substance…this has none.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Tom Says:
It looks like something they rejected when the show was on in the 1980’s, and I agree — bad enough having to get used to a new Doctor, but a new logo, and I’ve heard they’re giving the TARDIS a new look too …what next? Give the Daleks fur and tentacles?
All you people think the new logo looks like a kid designed it on notebook paper? While I think it maybe could have been done better, the old (Eccleston/Tennant era) logo is quite possibly one of the worst logos I’ve ever seen used for anything! It’s like they looked at someone’s first experiment using Photoshop and said, “Eh, good enough.”
The new logo is at least somewhat similar to the classic Doctor Who logos. Of course the lens flares and other effects could be toned down and the DW Tardis shape doesn’t always have to be used. I think this is a HUGE improvement over the existing logo.
Doctor Who was around LONG before Darkwing Duck. I loved the 2005 logo and I love the new logo. It just means more new Doctor Who, and that is always a GREAT thing!! I also look forward to the new directions a new production team will bring the show… RTD seemed to get into a rut with Earth based episodes, and I hope to see some new worlds!!
LOVE the new logo. The one from the RTD era SUCKED!! Love the new TARDIS–very old school. LOVE Matt Smith’s costume–harkens back to Troughton. I always hated the outfits of the previous two Doctors–way too modern. This new season looks like they’re getting things back on track. I don’t care much for the DW insignia, but whatever–it’s fine for merchandising. As long as it’s not actually on screen, I don’t care either way. Don’t understand what everyone’s complaining about.
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tbh ? it looks like it was designed by a 12 year old in his notebook in class and the contrast is going to be horrible to deal with from a marketing perspective. they blew it.
Comment by bex — October 6, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
My very first, gut reaction was “Eugh”
Then I took some time to really look at it. That still hasnt changed.
Comment by Kell — October 6, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
It’s a terrible idea to change it all and looks stupid too.
Comment by Stephen — October 6, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
Pretty much what Kell said.
Every time I look at it, it produces an ‘Ehhh?’ sound out of me. Like I can’t believe they would do that to Doctor Who. Isn’t it bad enough that Tennant is leaving? Must they force some campy logo on us as well?
Comment by Christine — October 7, 2009 @ 1:19 am
At first I thought it said “ow”
Comment by Sarah — October 7, 2009 @ 4:12 am
Hmm.. Going to have to agree w/general opinion and say, yeah, definitely an Epic Fail! I hope this new logo is not indicative of what the new Season will be like..
Comment by Spacedog2k5 — October 7, 2009 @ 8:17 am
It’s a TARDIS. Get it? GET IT????
Comment by Captain Karl — October 7, 2009 @ 8:19 am
It looks like something they rejected when the show was on in the 1980’s, and I agree — bad enough having to get used to a new Doctor, but a new logo, and I’ve heard they’re giving the TARDIS a new look too …what next? Give the Daleks fur and tentacles?
Comment by Tom — October 7, 2009 @ 8:22 am
Thats really aweful. Starting to be concerned about the new DW Crew. First we get “Teen Who” now this…Grmbl.
Comment by DeGriz — October 7, 2009 @ 10:53 am
I say to hell with all of it and just bring back Tom Baker as the Doctor and I will be happy. Something about that afro makes the show better.
Comment by Bryan — October 7, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Solar flares. The cowbell of the design world.
Comment by mgabrys — October 7, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
I love the logo! Don’t you guys know what good design even is?
Comment by Luso — October 7, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
That’s almost as bad as the new syfy name & logo – must be using the same rotten design team. I agree with every one above – its too generic… back to the drawing board!
Comment by cope — October 7, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
It’s fine, it’s just a logo, for cripe’s sake. Stop acting like they murdered your puppy.
Comment by Bob! — October 7, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
The best part of the teaser was hearing the TARDIS again. As for the new Logo, the DW in the shape of the TARDIS was not impressive.
The old logo was fine, just because they have a new Doctor does not mean they have to change up everything.
Comment by Stetle — October 7, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
If you want this graphic designer’s opinion, I really like the “Doctor Who” text. The right-side only serifs on the W and H are a very elegant solution to a problem that most of the original series logos had: namely that when “WHO” is in all caps it’s pretty funny looking and doesn’t even look much like a real word. Those serifs are nice little hints for the “W” to flow into the “H” and the “H” to flow into the “O” and all of a sudden “WHO” in all caps is one cohesive word and not three funny looking capital letters side by side.
But I don’t really care for the “DW” stylized TARDIS on the right. I’ll probably get used to it. I keep having to remind myself it’s a show for kids. Perhaps this logo tested really well among British eleven-year-olds.
Comment by D Polston — October 7, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
I hate it! They are trying to make the show more popular with the younger generation and killing it for the true Doctor Who fans. I’m very concerned about the new “kid” doctor. I can only pray they won’t kill it in the first episode.
Comment by Katie Oakes — October 7, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
who cares about the logo? give me some good new episodes – that’s all I want.
Comment by it's me mum! — October 7, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
DW means Darkwing Duck. Doctor Who should not be using that abbreviation. Plus the DW doesn’t look like the Tardis. I didn’t notice it was supposed to be the Tardis until I read the comments. Epic Fail.
Comment by Alex — October 7, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Those of you complaining: Have you even seen the current Doctor Who logo? It’s one of the worst logos I’ve ever seen attached to a TV show ever. Whether you like it or not, at least this one has some custom typography and thought put into it.
Comment by Chirs — October 7, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
The shape of the Tardis is iconic, and I feel the DW logo solution is quite successful.
It’s clever, and here’s why: It incorporates one of the most fundamental ideas of Doctor Who into the brand itself, the Tardis. The logo is the front line of the series, the first thing people will see when it’s advertised, and the juxtposition of these two elements is fantastic.
That being said, the vertically stacked logo is not impressive. While the DW has purpose and meaning, the stacked logo type does not. In my subjective opinion, it fails to capture the essence of the show and says very little.
Comment by Jack — October 8, 2009 @ 12:28 am
Tbh I think most of the comments sum it up. It looks to me like a re-stylised version of an 80’s logo I saw on some (probably knock-off) merchandise in a shop somewhere as a kid. Semi-cool then, not very retro cool now.
I do take on board the design comments, particularly the stylised wording on the left-does help break up the block nature of the WHO but the Tardis part does not really work. As for the flaring, that comes from someone who saw Trek then failed to see amid all the praise the few negatives-which included too much flaring!
Leave the Tardis alone as well, geez, constant fiddling with things that work well why bother? If you must, why do it like it’s some complete revamp, all at once? We already have a new Doctor to get used to first, introduce these elements slowly, else you might alienate more than you attract. If I did not know better I’d say Moffat, who wrote some of the best ‘new’ Who episodes, was having a split personality disorder that wanted to ruin the show. Or he is behaving like an other excited schoolboy finally allowed to play on his dad’s train set by himself.
As for all this ‘yoofing’ it up for the kids and the excuse it gives for some of the lame stuff happening to Dr Who right now-yeah it started as a kids show but the way it grew it should be a show that can be enjoyed by all ages. Right now, I am a bit worried they are losing sight of that.
On the other hand, it (yoof) does seem to be the BBC’s new buzzword…
….my jury is still out on this one…as is Matt Smith’s new look, is it me or does his choice of costume remind you of the much maligned Sylvester Mccoy….
Comment by Mike — October 8, 2009 @ 7:43 am
I disagree completely. I hated the current(previous) logo.. To me that logo was further away from the classic logo than this new one is. The Tardis symbolism is awesome. Why didn’t they think of that before??
I want to WALLPAPER my room with it! ;-)
Comment by IrishQD — October 8, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
Looks like a rejected WB logo. Still gonna watch, of course, but the logo is lame.
Comment by DavidT — October 8, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I dont like it, simple as that. The DW does look like a kid with a notebook created it. The only good part was the Tardis sound. I understand it is supposed to be the Tardis. That doesnt make it ok. I miss Tennant already.
Comment by Ugh — October 8, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
I agree with the general population. I am deeply worried about this new direction of DW. I really do hope that Smith produces quality. The creative TEam of DW stated that Smith would make the perfect “11th” but, I don’t like the wardrobe and this logo is not very appealing either. It has shaken some of my confidence for the new series.
I am, however, intrigued with the return of River Song. I so much want to hear that storyline. So.. let’s see where this goes.
Comment by Sensei — October 18, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
It’s bloody awful!! Everything about it screams “Toys for sale Come and get our lovely DW toys!!!” on every possible level it fails. It looks like something from a 5 years olds tv programme. Sack the designer…NOW!You can’t beat style and substance…this has none.
Comment by Karl — December 6, 2009 @ 5:44 am
I can’t draw and I could do better than that. It reminds me of the stencils we used to use in elementary school to form perfect block letters.
Logos are like book covers; they should catch the eye, be exciting, and make you wonder what is contained within the pages.
This logo leaves me cold. It has no warmth, no depth and it’s obvious that no imagination was used in the design.
I like the old logo, and the music that went with it. That constant whirring sound is nerve grating.
I wouldn’t be opposed to a new logo if it was an enhancement to the show, and was done with imagination and taste.
Comment by GG — December 19, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
October 7th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Tom Says:
It looks like something they rejected when the show was on in the 1980’s, and I agree — bad enough having to get used to a new Doctor, but a new logo, and I’ve heard they’re giving the TARDIS a new look too …what next? Give the Daleks fur and tentacles?
Tom: Daleks already have tentacles. Keep up
Comment by ntrval — December 30, 2009 @ 10:00 am
I don’t like the new logo, the new TARDIS (at least not on the outside) as of yet, I don’t really like the new doctor either. We’ll see how it goes.
Comment by Anna — January 2, 2010 @ 5:47 am
Wait, wait, wait…
All you people think the new logo looks like a kid designed it on notebook paper? While I think it maybe could have been done better, the old (Eccleston/Tennant era) logo is quite possibly one of the worst logos I’ve ever seen used for anything! It’s like they looked at someone’s first experiment using Photoshop and said, “Eh, good enough.”
The new logo is at least somewhat similar to the classic Doctor Who logos. Of course the lens flares and other effects could be toned down and the DW Tardis shape doesn’t always have to be used. I think this is a HUGE improvement over the existing logo.
Comment by Matt — January 4, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Doctor Who was around LONG before Darkwing Duck. I loved the 2005 logo and I love the new logo. It just means more new Doctor Who, and that is always a GREAT thing!! I also look forward to the new directions a new production team will bring the show… RTD seemed to get into a rut with Earth based episodes, and I hope to see some new worlds!!
Comment by Tim — January 24, 2010 @ 10:14 am
LOVE the new logo. The one from the RTD era SUCKED!! Love the new TARDIS–very old school. LOVE Matt Smith’s costume–harkens back to Troughton. I always hated the outfits of the previous two Doctors–way too modern. This new season looks like they’re getting things back on track. I don’t care much for the DW insignia, but whatever–it’s fine for merchandising. As long as it’s not actually on screen, I don’t care either way. Don’t understand what everyone’s complaining about.
Comment by JRS — February 21, 2010 @ 1:17 am