Four Doctor Who Documentary Specials on BBC America in August

BBC America are going all out this August to broadcast four specially-made documentary-style specials. Each instalment will focus on a different area of Doctor Who (Science, Women, Timey-Wimey and Destinations) and will precede the broadcast premiere of the new episode of Series 7.

These are the synopses released…

 

‘The Science of Doctor Who’ – Saturday, August 4
“How much of the science fiction in Doctor Who is science fact?” asks theoretical physicist Dr. Michio Kaku in tomorrow’s BBC America special, The Science of Doctor Who. Science fiction has a long tradition of predicting future technology, and who’s to say Doctor Who will be any exception? Scientists and celebrities join Doctor Who producer and head writer Steven Moffat to explore the how and when of the coolest and most interesting ideas seen on the show. Sonic screwdrivers, parallel universes, and invisibility are just a few of today’s fantasies that could become tomorrow’s reality. Tune in this weekend to find out the answer to Dr. Kaku’s question.

‘The Women of Doctor Who’ – Saturday, August 11
As of July 2012, there have been 55 women in space. But none of them have had a ride as awesome as the TARDIS. Women have always been an important part of the Doctor’s universe. Allies, adversaries, friends, lovers, and companions— The Women of Doctor Who explores the various roles women have played both on the show and in the life of the Doctor. Writers and some of the show’s famous fans discuss the most memorable female characters in the history of the show. Most importantly, hear from the women themselves, what it’s like to cross paths with the Doctor or even become first lady of the TARDIS.

‘Timey Wimey Stuff of Doctor Who’ – Saturday, August 18
If time travel were possible, speculated astrophysicist Carl Sagan, “history would become an experimental science.” The subject is so complex and compelling, it gets its own special treatment from BBC America. The special takes its name from series 3 episode “Blink,” wherein the tenth Doctor describes time as “a big ball of wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey stuff,” and that “stuff” has made decades of adventure possible for the Doctor and his companions. But what is possible for all of us? What happens to humanity if we start experimenting with our own history? Scientists and Whovians of all stripes tackle these questions in The Timey Wimey Stuff of Doctor Who.

‘The Destinations of Doctor Who’ – Saturday, August 25
“All of time and space; Everywhere and anywhere; Every star that ever was. Where do you want to start?” That’s what the Doctor offers, and who could say no to such a sales pitch? Take a guided tour through the Doctor’s travel diary. Earth in the year 5 million, spaceships named Titanic, impossible planets, and telepathic hotels could all be on the itinerary. The worlds of Doctor Who are only limited by imagination.

From this we can gather that the opening episode of Series 7 – ‘Asylum of the Daleks’ – will likely broadcast (in the UK) on 1st or 8th September, and will air very soon after in the US on BBC America, as well.