Doctor Who May Meet Baby Jesus In A Future Christmas Special

Summary Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies is open to the Doctor meeting baby Jesus in a future Christmas special.

Russell T. Davies emphasizes the need for respect in a potential religious-themed episode.

Baby Jesus could have a cameo in a respectful and fun Doctor Who episode.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies hasn't ruled out the possibility that the Doctor will one day meet baby Jesus in a future Christmas special. Holiday episodes of the sci-fi adventure series have been a staple of it for many years, often always featuring a memorable story, sometimes tying into the holiday. The newest of these was 2023's "The Church on Ruby Road," which saw Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor on his first solo mission recruiting a companion.

Speaking with The Times, though, Davies confirmed that it's possible a Christmas special beyond Doctor Who season 14 might feature baby Jesus. The showrunner confirmed Gatwa's Doctor expresses interest in visiting the Nativity in Bethlehem, saying the adventure would need to be done with respect to actually happen. Check out what Davies had to say about the idea below:

Oh my God. Absolutely, that’s the great Christmas special waiting to happen. I know. It’s funny, we’ve talked about it … give us time … We’d do that with a bit of respect and fun.

Should Doctor Who Have An Episode Featuring Baby Jesus?

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Doctor Who's Christmas specials have focused directly on the holiday before, often with the Doctor and his companions facing down a new danger during the holidays. The latest special, for instance, saw the Fifteenth Doctor having to save Ruby Sunday from being eaten by goblins as a baby on Christmas Eve, tangentially connecting it with the holiday. However, in terms of a direct religious connection, those have not been as prevalent in these special episodes. Instead, they usually take place around the time frame rather than acknowledging Jesus' association.

If baby Jesus were to appear in the series, it would have to be handled in a way that remains respectful to religion, while also keeping the fun tone of the show alive. To steer clear of any controversial presentation, it would make the most sense for him to have a cameo appearance instead of a key focus in the episode. The Doctor's visit to the Nativity could be the opening for another adventure, one that has less prevalent religious ties. This way, the episode could continue without relying too much on Jesus' appearing.

Related Doctor Who Season 14 Review: Ncuti Gatwa & Russell T Davies Usher In Exciting, Compelling New Chapter Doctor Who's new season starts off with an abandoned ship and a melodic tune, but the show feels distinctly different from what came before.

However, Davies seems to want to do an episode focused around the religious figure, meaning the show would need to ensure plenty of respect and care was taken into account for the episode. This might mean using the baby as a plot device instead of a character often interacted with, keeping the show from being disrespectful towards religious associations. Although this would limit what the series could do, the creativity behind many Doctor Who adventures means a suitable approach is possible. Perhaps Gatwa's Doctor will get his wish sooner rather than later.

Doctor Who season 14 premieres on May 11, 2024.

Source: The Times