Hi,
New to TMDB here. Sorry in advance, for any offense caused and rule breaking.
But serious question here: Is there a compelling reason why I should sort, filter and retrieve TV information the same way that the BBC does it (just because they do it that way)?
Or put another way, why should I have to override my own thinking about this show, just because the BBC considers it to be "three" different shows?
To me, these "three" shows are all just one show - "Doctor Who".
Even the opening title graphic amongst the shows in Doctor Who (2005) and Doctor Who (2024), don't make the distinction that production notes do - they all state that they are simply "Doctor Who".
There is a certain recognized continuity, which any Doctor Who fan, would implicitly have amongst the combined shows (no matter what generation of Doctor Who they started watching).
So even though there are certain levels the BBC recognizes them as three different shows - on certain other levels, the BBC also recognizes them as a singular show.
Obviously, everything about this show, to me - is the same show. It's just a continuation of that same show. And it's fantastic that the show continues to change and evolve and still tell stories.
So with all this in mind, I come back to my question:
When I scrape the data for this singular show (in my mind, and partially the BBC's), can I / should I not have a singular show record showcasing all of the approx. 40 seasons of television?
And if so, what's the best way to do that? It's own TV show record with all 40 seasons? Or extending Doctor Who (1963) using an Episode Group, to include the episodes from Doctor Who (2005) or Doctor Who (2024)?
From a UX perspective, it's best for me to just consider them all "Doctor Who" and just sequence them in air date. So how would I achieve that in TMDB?
Yours, whodiss
p.s. No offense to you, if you prefer the distinction of the "three" shows. I wholly support that 'you do you'. I hope you can understand though in the same respect, I'd like to do me using a single show title which showcases the entire history of its awesomeness from 1963 - 2025.
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Reply by superboy97
on March 21, 2025 at 4:16 AM
As per our rules, all the shows should be listed here as they were originally broadcasted.
The original broadcaster of Doctor Who is the BBC. Consequently, we should list it here the same way than the original broadcast by the BBC. And, consequently, we should lit this as 3 different shows.
Reply by whodiss
on March 21, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Yes I've read the rules. I feel the rules fall down when it comes to this show.
You've inherently answered my question - the TMDB like most other services of its nature - can be right inflexible. Even despite new additions like Episode Groups.
Unfortunately that means my wants/needs to use TMDB is far less (as is any want for me to help contribute to its success). Which is a right shame.
Rhetical question here - is TMDB aiming to provide value to broadcasters? Or is it aiming to provide value to users/consumers of the service? (because its rhetorical, feel free to disregard).