Doctor Who Lands in Lagos: Nigerian Fans Celebrate Historic Episode
For lifelong Nigerian fan Adesoji Kukoyi, the announcement of Doctor Who’s first-ever episode set in Lagos felt like a dream come true. “I screamed like a little girl,” he admitted, recalling his excitement after watching the preview that revealed the Tardis would soon land in Nigeria’s bustling capital.
Kukoyi, who grew up in 1980s Nigeria, was captivated by the British sci-fi series from an early age. While shows like Allo Allo and Fawlty Towers aired regularly on local channels, Doctor Who stood out, offering adventure, imagination, and a feeling of protection. “It always felt like the Doctor was watching over us,” he said.
A Milestone for the Series and Africa
Saturday’s episode marks a major milestone for the long-running series: its first story set primarily in Africa. The vibrant Lagos backdrop features markets, barbershops, and even a mysterious spider-like creature, sparking fan theories that it might be inspired by Anansi, the trickster figure from West African folklore.
Actor Ariyon Bakare, who stars as the Barber in the new episode, promises a “time-bending cultural ancestral collision” with plenty of flair and “lots of hair.”
The script is penned by Inua Ellams, a Nigerian-British writer, who believes this episode is long overdue. “It’s about time the Doctor spent meaningful time in Africa,” Ellams said, noting that Ncuti Gatwa’s African heritage makes it possible to tell culturally rich and authentic stories.
Why Doctor Who Resonates in Nigeria
Despite no longer airing on public television in Nigeria, Doctor Who still enjoys a loyal fan base, many of whom access the show via streaming services like Disney+. For fans like Kukoyi, who proudly sports a vintage theme song as his phone ringtone, the show’s energy and moral core resonate deeply with Nigerian sensibilities.
“There’s something Nigerian about the Doctor—loud, bold, a bit chaotic but always determined to do good,” Ellams reflected.
The choice of Lagos also feels symbolic. In 2013, nine lost Doctor Who episodes from the 1960s were recovered from a Nigerian TV station, further strengthening the show’s legacy in the country.
New Fans, New Stories
While Kukoyi’s young daughters haven’t yet warmed to the show, he’s hopeful that seeing the Doctor navigate Lagos’s vibrant streets, don traditional attire, and engage with local mythology will help them fall in love with the series the way he did decades ago.
As fans across Nigeria prepare to stream the episode, Kukoyi sums it up best:
“Finally, he is coming.”
