Doctor Who star claims TV bosses make ‘downright hateful assumptions’ about viewer intelligence

EntertainmentOpinion
14 Apr 2026 • 6:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Doctor Who star claims TV bosses make ‘downright hateful assumptions’ about viewer intelligence

  • Former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston has claimed that television executives believe audiences are "stupid" and make "downright hateful assumptions" about viewers' intelligence.
  • His comments were made in a Radio Times interview ahead of the release of his new Netflix drama, Unchosen, where he portrays a cult leader.
  • Eccleston contrasted modern TV writing, which he described as "by committee," with past programmes that he felt respected the audience.
  • His remarks echo earlier claims by actor Matt Damon, who suggested Netflix encouraged writers to repeat plot points for viewers distracted by their phones.
  • Netflix executives have since refuted Damon's allegations, calling them "offensive to creators and filmmakers" and asserting that they treat audiences as sophisticated.

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