Torchwood, the dark Doctor Who spin-off created by Russell T Davies, is still drawing in viewers 15 years after it ended. The series, which ran from 2006 to 2011, has gained a reputation among fans as being better than the original show.
A darker take on the Doctor Who universe
The programme follows Captain Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, an immoral con man from the future, and his team in Cardiff as they investigate alien and supernatural threats. Set in the same universe as Doctor Who, Torchwood is aimed at adults due to its mature content and complex dilemmas.
Alongside Barrowman, the cast includes Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Naoko Mori, Peter Capaldi, Burn Gorman and Kai Owen. The show first aired in 2006 and ran for four seasons, concluding in 2011 with 10 episodes.
Record-breaking ratings and Welsh locations
Torchwood broke a record for BBC Three at the time, with its first episode attracting 2.4 million viewers and its second drawing 2.3 million, an all-time high audience for the channel. The synopsis reads: "The members of the Torchwood Institute, a secret organisation founded by the British Crown, fight to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats."
Set and filmed across Wales, the series features well-known locations such as Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Castle, Queen Street and St Mary Street. Over the years, it has been highly praised by fans, with many calling it better than the original series.
Fan praise and where to watch
One IMDb reviewer wrote: "Amazing! Dark, witty and entertaining. John Barrowman is amazing in this and is totally underappreciated. This guy deserves more work." Another said: "It's better than Doctor Who and better than Buffy, plus it's more sophisticated and simpler in some ways. Love it. Love it. Love it!!"
A third added: "This is good, better than good, this raises the bar for British Sci Fi. Ultraviolet made it dark & dangerous, Dr Who made it family fun, Torchwood does both and loses nothing in the process. 3 episodes in and I am hooked." A fourth commented: "Amazingly well-written show. Torchwood is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating TV shows I have ever watched." Another viewer said: "Absolutely brilliant and well worth the wait. I wasn't at all sure what to expect when Torchwood started, but I have to say I love it!!!"
Torchwood is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
