Introduction: A Call for Thoughtful Casting and Storytelling
A landmark study commissioned by the BBC, led by former BAFTA chair Anne Morrison, challenges the broadcaster to rethink how it handles color-blind casting and Britain’s colonial past in scripted series. While diversity remains a core goal, the report warns against tokenism and preachy storytelling that can feel contrived or didactic to audiences. The findings have immediate relevance for flagship shows like Doctor Who, as well as a broader slate of dramas, comedies, and period pieces.
What the Study Finds About Color-Blind Casting
The study argues that color-blind casting should not be used as a box-ticking exercise. Instead, casting decisions should be embedded in character development and narrative logic. Audiences respond best when diversity is part of authentic, lived-in worlds, not a performance designed solely to signal progress. In practical terms, the report advocates for casting choices that reflect social realities while avoiding stereotypes or token roles that serve as placeholders rather than characters with agency.
Tokenism versus Genuine Representation
Researchers highlight a risk: when diverse actors appear only to check boxes, viewers perceive the move as tokenistic. This can undermine trust and limit opportunities for actors who could bring depth to supporting roles or even lead performances. The BBC is urged to create pipelines that support sustained representation—from audition to on-screen opportunities—so that diversity becomes an integral, not incidental, part of the company’s storytelling ecosystem.
Colonial History: Avoiding Preachy Narratives
On stories related to the UK’s colonial past, the report warns against narratives that feel didactic or condescending. Audiences want nuance: complex histories that acknowledge harms, offer context, and center human experiences across cultures. The BBC is encouraged to commission writers who approach difficult topics with sensitivity, balancing accountability with empathy, and ensuring consultation with communities affected by these histories.
Implications for Doctor Who and Other Series
Doctor Who, a long-standing fixture of British science fiction, faces renewed scrutiny over how it handles identity, representation, and historical resonance. The study suggests that future seasons should use inclusive casting to reflect a diverse audience, but only when it serves the story and character arcs. In the broader schedule, dramas and period pieces should be grounded in credible world-building, with consultants from relevant communities to ensure accuracy and avoid caricature.
Practical Recommendations
- Develop long-term diversity strategies that go beyond single-season rosters.
- Ensure audition panels are representative and provide pathways for underrepresented actors at every level.
- Embed cultural consultants early in the writing process for shows engaging with colonial histories or non-British perspectives.
- Prioritize character-driven narratives where diverse traits emerge naturally from the role’s journey.
- Invest in audience research to understand how different viewers perceive casting and storytelling choices.
Conclusion: Balancing Progress with Craft
The BBC’s challenge is to marry progress with craft: create productions that reflect modern Britain while respecting the complexities of history and culture. The Morrison study does not call for menos diversity but for smarter, more thoughtful integration. If the BBC can implement these recommendations, it could strengthen trust with audiences, widen opportunities for actors, and deliver stories that resonate across demographics—without sacrificing storytelling integrity.
