Kasterborous Classic TV: Exploring Doctor Who & Classic Sci-Fi

Kasterborous
  • 4.9 (7)
  • After Shows
  • Updated Semimonthly

Regular podcast featuring unique and in-depth discussions covering Doctor Who and other classic TV and movies, usually in the sci-fi and sci-fantasy fields.  Launched in 2007, we've lost count of how many episodes we've actually done. Special episodes include interviews with creatives, writers, actors, and notable commentators in the cult TV field. Your regular hosts are Christian Cawley and James McLean.

  1. Confessions of a 90s fan: How we survived the Doctor Who wilderness years

    18h ago

    Confessions of a 90s fan: How we survived the Doctor Who wilderness years

    In this episode of Kasterborous, Christian Cawley and James McLean take a trip down memory lane to discuss the infamous "wilderness years" of Doctor Who.  Inspired by current industry headlines and the recent status of the series, they recall and reflects on how they—and the wider fandom—navigated the period following the show's 1989 cancellation.  Key topics this week The "Cancellation" Conversation: We break down the current state of Doctor Who and explore whether rumors of cancellation are merely a strategic attempt to generate discourse or a genuine reflection of industry instability.  1989 vs. Now: Comparing the experience of the late 80s with the modern era, and why it is so difficult for fans to determine the actual status of a production in today’s "post-truth" media landscape.  The 90s Wilderness Years: James and Christian recall how they stayed engaged with the show during the hiatus, focusing on the rise of the Virgin New Adventures novels, VHS releases, and the importance of specialist shops like Forbidden Planet.  Canonicity and Cash Cows: A deep dive into the 90s obsession with "official" canon and the changing perception of tie-in merchandise—from "crass commercial cash cows" to the more integrated, sophisticated marketing seen in modern franchise media.  The Power of Independent Media: We highlight the opportunities for creativity in the "digital wild west," referencing the work of people like Gareth Kavanagh and Cutaway Comics as a blueprint for how fans and creators can keep a franchise alive. Mentions and links Substack: Follow our latest writing and discussions at gamingretro.substack.com. Cutaway Comics: Check out the excellent work being done by Gareth Kavanagh and the team at Cutaway Comics. Support our work in bringing lost and forgotten interviews and features from our old website to the Kasterborous Archive

    56 min
  2. From CSO to space stations: ranking the best and worst of classic Doctor Who effects

    Jun 12

    From CSO to space stations: ranking the best and worst of classic Doctor Who effects

    Christian, Brian, and James dive into the complex, hodgepodge world of special effects in Classic Doctor Who. From the creative ingenuity required to mask limited budgets to the philosophical debate between practical effects and modern CGI, the team explores what makes certain classic effects timeless while others fall short. Key Discussion Points: The Art of "Classic" FX: Discussion on why classic Doctor Who effects often feel more engaging than seamless modern CGI, specifically the audience's enjoyment in understanding the "how-to" behind the curtain. Practical vs. CGI: Why practical effects, such as elaborate alien suits, maintained a sense of reality through consistent lighting and physical interaction, whereas some modern CGI struggles with aging and believability. The "Rubber Nose" Trope: Examining the shift in alien design from elaborate, ambitious suits to the more common Star Trek: TNG-inspired humanoid-with-a-prosthetic approach, and whether this was due to budget constraints, audience expectations, or actor comfort. CSO (Chroma Key) Analysis: A deep dive into the use of CSO in Classic Doctor Who, highlighting the technical ambition of stories like Underworld—despite its flaws—and comparing it to the near-seamless work in Silver Nemesis. The Best and Worst Effects: We offer our thoughts on what are the best and worst special effects in classic Doctor Who. Let us know what you think, as we really only skimmed the surface in this episode. Plus, there is also mention of: Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, Silver Nemesis, The Five Doctors, Underworld, Revenge of the Cybermen, Invasion of the Dinosaurs, Trial of a Time Lord. Blake’s 7: Discussion on the recent release with updated VFX. Star Trek: Comparisons between its alien designs and the riskier, more varied approach taken by Doctor Who. Random Acts of Hopkirk (Deceased): Tom Baker’s interaction with extensive green screen work. Thanks for watching, and don't forget, joining our Patreon as a paid subscriber gives you access to the Kasterborous Archive, a growing collection of material that was either unused, or forgotten, from the days of the old Kasterborous website.

    1h 10m
  3. The end of an era: Russell T Davies out, no 2026 Christmas special, and a new future for Doctor Who

    Jun 10

    The end of an era: Russell T Davies out, no 2026 Christmas special, and a new future for Doctor Who

    The TARDIS is changing hands—or at least, the keys might be. In a massive shake-up, the BBC has officially put Doctor Who out to tender, signaling a potential end to the current Russell T Davies era. While the show is far from cancelled, the search for a new production house to take the helm has sent shockwaves through the fandom. Join Christian Cawley and James McLean as they break down the implications of this news. What does it mean for the future of the series? Could this open the door for a radical creative shift, or are we looking at a period of uncertainty as the show prepares for its next phase? We also weigh in on whether the festive hiatus is a temporary blip or a sign that the BBC’s priorities are shifting away from appointment viewing. Tune in as we dissect the headlines and try to make sense of one of the biggest Doctor Who news stories of the year. As ever, let us know what you think.

    28 min
  4. Stephen Wyatt returns to Paradise Towers in a brand-new comic project

    Jun 5

    Stephen Wyatt returns to Paradise Towers in a brand-new comic project

    This week on Kasterborous, Christian chats with Gareth Kavanagh about the latest Kickstarter from Cutaway Comics, Paradise Towers: Unalive the Multiverse. Returning to the neon-soaked world of Doctor Who's classic 1987 story Paradise Towers, the new graphic novel continues the adventures of the Kangs, Rezzies, and Caretakers as a fresh threat emerges from across the multiverse. The project is written by Sean Mason and builds on Cutaway's previous Paradise Towers comics.  Visit the Paradise Towers: Unalive the Multiverse Kickstarter. Christian and Gareth discuss: Why Paradise Towers remains such a rich setting nearly 40 years after its television debut The development of Unalive the Multiverse Cutaway Comics' approach to expanding corners of the Doctor Who universe The continuing involvement of original Paradise Towers creator Stephen Wyatt Wyatt's first-ever comic strip, Scary Cat, created especially for this project The importance of creating opportunities for new comic creators The search for a brand-new artist to illustrate Wyatt's story, following Cutaway's tradition of helping emerging talent break into professional comics As Gareth explains, the artist search mirrors the process that originally brought artist Silvano Beltramo into the Paradise Towers range, demonstrating Cutaway Comics' commitment to discovering fresh talent. Also in this episodeAfter the interview, Christian takes viewers on a brief tour of the growing Kasterborous Archive on Patreon, showcasing some of the exclusive material available to supporters, including vintage podcast episodes, interviews, video content, and other treasures from nearly two decades of Kasterborous productions. Links Paradise Towers: Unalive the Multiverse Kickstarter Cutaway Comics official website Kasterborous on Patreon Build high for happiness — and watch out for multiversal murder squads!

    36 min
  5. Is Doctor Who actually cancelled?

    May 30

    Is Doctor Who actually cancelled?

    You cannot have helped but notice that rumours are swirling about the future of Doctor Who, with tabloid reports suggesting that next year’s series and the 2026 Christmas special are facing cancellation. We dig into the reality behind these headlines, the struggle to find the next Time Lord, and why the current climate of “content saturation” is creating such an atmosphere of uncertainty. Quick TL;DR -- we don’t buy the “no one wants to play the Doctor” schtick, and nor should you.This chat does interrupt previously-scheduled chat about Mind Warp. We will be picking this up soon, but wanted to catch up on the latest news. Episode HighlightsHere’s what we actually cover this week: The comfort of the classics: Why we’re finding more affection for classic Doctor Who than the modern era. Is it nostalgia, or does the scarcity of the old episodes simply make them more precious? Panini stickers and the 1980s: A trip down memory lane. We discuss the joys of completing sticker albums—from Return of the Jedi to Transformers—and how they served as a vital, physical conduit to films in an era before on-demand viewing. Cutaway Comics and the Paradise Towers revival: We look at the new Unlive the Multiverse graphic novel and the exciting open artist competition for Scary Cat. Could this be the perfect time for a resurgence in spin-off material? Ncuti Gatwa on SNL UK: Thoughts on the recent Saturday Night Live monologue and why the current discourse surrounding Doctor Who feels like it’s being played for laughs. The cancellation rumours: Addressing the recent reports in The Sun and Radio Times. We break down why the “unnamed insider” narrative is often misleading and discuss the broader implications of the BBC’s current “uncertainty” era. Links and resources Cutaway Comics: Explore their library and find out more about their current projects and artist opportunities. The Doctor Who Companion: Our favourite Doctor Who online magazine. Join the Kasterborous Archive: Our Patreon is a collection of lost, forgotten, overlooked, and unheard interviews, features, and curios from 20+ years of writing and talking about Doctor Who Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you. If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks!

    1h 2m
  6. Forget the forgettable: Revisiting The Mysterious Planet finale

    May 28

    Forget the forgettable: Revisiting The Mysterious Planet finale

    Christian Cawley and James McLean reach the final episode of The Mysterious Planet — and by this point, the commentary itself may be more entertaining than the serial under discussion.  As the pair pick apart collapsing pacing, endless corridors, meaningless courtroom interruptions, and the baffling lack of anything recognisably “Earth-like” about Ravalox, the conversation expands into a broader discussion about Doctor Who itself: companion writing, Colin Baker’s wasted strengths, the failures of Trial of a Time Lord as a format, and whether the season could have worked better as a genuine deconstruction of the Doctor.  There’s nostalgia for VHS culture, comparisons with The Daleks’ Master Plan, frustration over Peri’s lack of agency, and a surprisingly thoughtful debate about why some companions endure while others become little more than plot devices.  By the end, the hosts are already bracing themselves for Mind Warp — and wondering if the real trial was the episodes they watched along the way. Join the Kasterborous Archive and influence topics for future shows. Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! What do you think of the Sixth Doctor's final stand? Let us know in the comments.

    28 min
  7. Trial by waffle: Revisiting The Mysterious Planet

    May 26

    Trial by waffle: Revisiting The Mysterious Planet

    Christian Cawley and James McLean continue their Trial of a Time Lord marathon with Episode 3 of The Mysterious Planet — and the cracks are beginning to show. What starts as a nostalgic conversation about VHS tins, HMV trips, and the ritual of physical media quickly becomes a forensic dissection of pacing problems, intrusive courtroom scenes, and a strangely muted “it was Earth all along” reveal. Along the way, the pair discuss Robert Holmes’ recycled story ideas, the abandoned "Yellow Fever and How to Cure It," unreliable narration in Trial of a Time Lord, and why the serial feels oddly disconnected from Earth despite its central twist. There’s also sympathy for Colin Baker being awkwardly hoisted by a wobbling robot, comparisons to the Kandyman, and the growing suspicion that the courtroom framework may actually undermine the storytelling it was supposed to enhance. Join the Kasterborous Archive and influence topics for future shows. Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! What do you think of the Sixth Doctor's final stand? Let us know in the comments.

    25 min
  8. Doctor Who, streaming fatigue, and the future of TV

    May 23

    Doctor Who, streaming fatigue, and the future of TV

    Christian Cawley and James McLean return to discuss the increasingly uncertain future of television — starting with reports that AMC will become the US streaming home for classic-era Doctor Who. Does the AMC deal mean Doctor Who is heading back toward an American co-production model? Or is this simply another distribution agreement being overanalysed by a fandom starved for news? (We think it might be that one ^^...) The conversation expands into a much broader discussion about the current state of television and streaming: collapsing audience attention spans, the “age of suffocation” caused by overwhelming amounts of content, and whether long-form prestige TV can even survive in a world dominated by YouTube, TikTok, gaming, and algorithm-driven viewing habits. Along the way, Christian and James discuss: AMC acquiring US streaming rights to classic-era Doctor Who Whether Doctor Who could ever become an American production Why streaming has created an “age of suffocation” for TV audiences The Mandalorian movie and the collapse of “event television” Gaming, YouTube, and the battle for audience attention William Shatner, AI-generated artwork, and authenticity online Remembering Blake’s 7 actor Michael Keating We also head back into the world of AI, and explore whether AI tools are quietly eroding creative industries, why audiences instinctively reject AI-generated work, and how websites and streaming platforms are increasingly losing their individual identities. Join the Kasterborous Archive and influence topics for future shows.

    58 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Regular podcast featuring unique and in-depth discussions covering Doctor Who and other classic TV and movies, usually in the sci-fi and sci-fantasy fields.  Launched in 2007, we've lost count of how many episodes we've actually done. Special episodes include interviews with creatives, writers, actors, and notable commentators in the cult TV field. Your regular hosts are Christian Cawley and James McLean.

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