Doctor Who Spinoff Class Announced By The BBC

BBC Three today announced a new Doctor Who spinoff series Class from author Patrick Ness. Class will be a young adult story that seeks to bring the feel of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Hunger Games to the Doctor Who universe.

"No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant story-telling into Doctor Who," said Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. "This is growing up in modern Britain - but with monsters!"

"I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself," said Ness of his first TV series. "There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."

"We're excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family," Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three. "Patrick understands young audiences and I'm delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three. BBC Three will always innovate and offer opportunities for brilliant new talent."

"I am thrilled that Patrick Ness is writing his first drama series for BBC Three," said Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning. "The combination of Patrick and Steven Moffat, is an exciting partnership that has created a brilliant Doctor Who spin off for our BBC Three audience."

Class is executive produced by Steven Moffatt, Patrick Ness and Brian Minchin. Its debut series will consist of eight 45-minute episodes. Where Torchwood aimed at a more adult audience, and The Sarah Jane Chronicles a much younger audience, Class will be the first Doctor Who spinoff to aim at the coveted "young adult" demographic.