Jodie Whittaker Revealed as New Star of 'Doctor Who'

Actress Jodie Whittaker will be the new Doctor Who, BBC America and BBC announced on Sunday. She will be the Thirteenth Time Lord and take over from Peter Capaldi who leaves the global hit show at Christmas.

New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall who takes over from Steven Moffat on the next series made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role.

Jodie Whittaker says: "I'm beyond excited to begin this epic journey - with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It's more than an honor to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can't wait."

Chris Chibnall, New Head Writer and Executive Producer says: "After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we're excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we're thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way."

Peter Capaldi says: "Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker's work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She's going to be a fantastic Doctor."

Sarah Barnett, President of BBC America says: "The fact that there was so much interest in, quite literally, 'Who?' speaks volumes about the enduring power of the Doctor Who franchise around the world and for BBC America viewers. We couldn't be happier to welcome the remarkable Jodie Whittaker as a history making Thirteenth Doctor and look forward to the continuation of this story."

RIPPER STREET Returning For A Third Season

BBC America's critically acclaimed drama series RIPPER STREET has been commissioned for a third season. From producers Tiger Aspect Productions and Lookout Point, RIPPER STREET will continue to be co-produced by BBC America and in a new landmark deal, Amazon has acquired UK subscription streaming rights.

Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn, Adam Rothenberg and MyAnna Buring and created by BAFTA nominated Richard Warlow, the crime drama is set against the notorious 'H Division,' the Police Precinct charged with keeping order on the meanest streets imaginable - late Victorian London’s Whitechapel district. The eight-part second season premiered in the US on BBC America on Saturday, February 22.

The series is a vivid, sensual and violent drama that explores the lives of those who have seen the worst of humankind, but who nonetheless struggle each day to bring law to the lawless in the dark heart of London, as it stumbles toward the Twentieth Century. Filming on season three will begin in May 2014.

RIPPER STREET is a Tiger Aspect and Lookout Point production with Element Pictures for BBC America and Amazon.

BBC America Releases First of Eight Daily Sneak Peek Clips of ORPHAN BLACK Season Two on Instagram

Today, BBC America released the first of eight sneak peek clips from season two of Orphan Black. The official ORPHAN BLACK Instagram (@OrphanBlacktv) will post seven additional sneak peek clips (once daily) from the new season of the dramatic conspiracy thriller. Season two of Orphan Black premieres Saturday, April 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

Season two of BBC America's dramatic conspiracy thriller, Orphan Black, hits the ground running with Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) in a desperate race to find her missing daughter Kira (Skyler Wexler) - a wild pursuit that brings her head-to-head with ruthless pro-clone, Rachel (Maslany). This season also rejoins Sarah, Alison (Maslany) and Cosima (Maslany) as they struggle to keep the 'clone world' a secret and pick up the pieces of their broken lives - all while dealing with the harsh reality that literally no one around them can be trusted.

Watch the first sneak peek below:

RIPPER STREET Returns Saturday, February 22

East London. 1890. The long shadow of Jack the Ripper may be gone, but The Job of protecting London’s Whitechapel district has never been harder for Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (Matthew MacFayden, Anna Karenina) and his loyal deputies Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn) and Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg). As the century enters its final decade, recession stalks Great Britain. Its preeminent role in the world is under threat and nowhere is the bloated British Empire’s problems felt more keenly than in its dark heart: the East End of London. The Metropolitan Police’s H Division must battle new evils that threaten to disrupt the delicate peace struck at the end season one. David Costabile, Damien Molony, Joseph Mawle and Leanne Best join the cast for season two. BBC America's RIPPER STREET premieres Saturday, February 22, 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The Doctor Regenerates in the Christmas Special, DOCTOR WHO: THE TIME OF THE DOCTOR, Premiering December 25 on BBC America

As the eleventh hour nears, a regeneration is on the horizon, but not before the Doctor (Matt Smith) and his companion, Clara (Jenna Coleman), enjoy one last adventure. This year's Doctor Who Christmas special marks the end of the Eleventh Doctor. Through his many adventures, this Doctor has rescued dinosaurs on a spaceship, married his love - River Song and encountered aliens including The Silence, Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels and more. But it was his latest adventure, THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR, that effectively changed the course of his history as we know it when he and twelve versions of himself banded together to save Gallifrey from destruction. Now facing his very last adventure, the Eleventh Doctor receives a signal that brings him face-to-face with a massed force of the universe's deadliest aliens. What this signal means for his future life is unknown, but when the clock strikes twelve, the Eleventh will be no more.

BBC America's DOCTOR WHO: THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR Fathom Event Earns $4.77 Million at U.S. Box Office

On Monday, November 25, BBC America and NCM Fathom Events presented the DOCTOR WHO 50th Anniversary celebration, DOCTOR WHO: THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR in RealD 3D in over 660 select movie theaters across the country. The record setting one-night unaudited theatrical event grosses are estimated to be approximately $4.77 million, according to Rentrak. More than 320,000 tickets were sold, making this Fathom's most successful one-night event ever.

DOCTOR WHO: THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR had the highest per location average revenue Monday night with an estimated $7,155 per location. Overall DOCTOR WHO: THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR was No. 2 at the box office on Monday night.

ATLANTIS Picked Up For Second Season By BBC America

BBC America has picked up season two of new fantasy co-production, ATLANTIS, from the creators of Merlin and Misfits. On November 23, ATLANTIS delivered the highest rated series premiere ever for Supernatural Saturday with 838,000 total viewers. The 13-part series premieres Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET on BBC America. In the UK, ATLANTIS is the biggest new Saturday night drama series to launch across all BBC channels since 2006, even up on the launch of hit show Merlin.

ATLANTIS is an Urban Myth Films production for BBC Cymru Wales co-produced with BBC America. Executive producers are Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy and Howard Overman for Urban Myth Films. Executive produced for BBC Cymru Wales by Bethan Jones.

Richard De Croce, SVP Programming, BBC America says: "ATLANTIS is off to a fantastic start and is the centerpiece of our Saturday nights for the next twelve weeks. We're committed to bringing our viewers even more entertaining episodes inspired by Greek mythology from Howard and the talented team in season two."

Capps, Murphy and Overman said: "We are all thrilled at Urban Myth Films that ATLANTIS has been re-commissioned and look forward to continuing the legend next year."

Far from home and desperate for answers, Jason washes up on the shores of an ancient land. A mysterious place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired Goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants - this is the lost city of Atlantis. The series follows the adventures of Jason (Jack Donnelly), Hercules (Mark Addy) and Pythagoras (Robert Emms) who battle against some of the most famous names of Greek legend, often in unexpected guises. The show also stars Jemima Rooper (One Chance) as Medusa, Aiysha Hart as Ariadne, Sarah Parish as Pasiphae and Juliet Stevenson as The Oracle. All of these characters will return in season two.

Eddie Marsan & Bertie Carvel Cast in BBC America's New Drama Series JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL

Eddie Marsan and Olivier award-winning Bertie Carvel have been cast in BBC America's co-production, JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL, based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke and adapted by Peter Harness. The new seven-part drama series to premiere as part of the channel's Supernatural Saturday.

Further casting includes Alice Englert, Marc Warren, Samuel West, Charlotte Riley, Enzo Cilenti and Paul Kaye.

The series is directed by Toby Haynes and the producer is Nick Hirschkorn. It is produced by Cuba Pictures for BBC One and co-produced with BBC America, in association with Feel Films, Far Moor, Screen Yorkshire and Bell Media's SPACE. It will be distributed by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

New Fantasy Series ATLANTIS Follows "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary Special on BBC America

BBC America's Supernatural Saturday brings the iconic lost city to life in new 13-part fantasy-adventure series, ATLANTIS. When Jason (Jack Donnelly) sets out to find his father, he could never imagine his journey would lead to a strange, yet impossibly familiar land full of dangerous creatures, legendary heroes and palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants - the ancient fabled city of Atlantis. In a milestone television event, ATLANTIS premieres Saturday, November 23, 9:00pm ET/PT following the encore broadcast of DOCTOR WHO's 50th Anniversary Special, The Day of the Doctor, as part of BBC America's biggest Supernatural Saturday ever.

BBC America Orders New Original Series INTRUDERS from BBC Worldwide Productions

BBC America has greenlit new original thriller series, INTRUDERS, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Glen Morgan (THE X-FILES, THOSE WHO KILL), writer and executive producer, has penned the script based on Michael Marshall Smith's novel The Intruders. Executive produced by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner for BBC Worldwide Productions, the series is about a secret society devoted to chasing immortality by seeking refuge in the bodies of others. INTRUDERS (8x60) is set to begin production in early spring 2014 and will be distributed internationally by BBC Worldwide.

Zombie Drama IN THE FLESH Starts Season Two Filming

Filming has begun on the second season of the zombie drama IN THE FLESH. Critically acclaimed creator, Dominic Mitchell, reignites the world of teenager Kieren Walker, a PDS (Partially Deceased Syndrome) sufferer who continues in his struggle to find acceptance. The six-part thriller (6x60), a BBC America co-production with BBC Drama Production North, is set to return to the channel in 2014 as part of Supernatural Saturday.

In the cauldron of Roarton, where the living and the undead have reached a fragile peace, Kieren is desperately keeping his head down and squirreling money into his 'escape fund'. But in the wider world, fear is in the air. The radical Pro-Living Party, Victus, is gaining government seats with a resulting spate of PDS Terrorism linked to the Undead Liberation Army (ULA). With the arrival of new and explosive characters from both Victus and the ULA, Kieren's plans are thrown into disarray as both set their sights on him. He'll find himself caught in the emotional crossfire, making his desire for a quiet life an unavailable option.

BBC America Fall 2013 Preview

BBC America released a fall preview on Thursday. Check it out below:

BURTON AND TAYLOR

Burton and Taylor stars BAFTA award-winning actors Dominic West (The Hour, The Wire) and Helena Bonham Carter (Les Misérables, The King's Speech) as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor - Hollywood's most volatile on-again-off-again lovers who famously played out every high and low of their love affairs, multiple marriages and divorces right in the public eye. Recognized as one of the most fascinating, glamorous and tempestuous relationships of the 20th century, Burton and Taylor made their last stage appearance together in the critically reviled 1983 revival of Noel Coward's stage play, Private Lives. This is the story of their ill-fated reunion, on and off stage.

TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY To Make Basic Cable Debut On BBC America September 14

Members of the Torchwood team have fought aliens, cyborgs and time travelers, but now they face their biggest threat - humanity. Team leader and Doctor Who companion, Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman, Arrow) and former Torchwood agent Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles, Doctor Who) are joined by newcomers Rex Matheson, (Mekhi Phifer, Divergent) and Esther Drummond (Alexa Havins, Grey's Anatomy), when the supernatural miniseries, Torchwood: Miracle Day, makes its cable television premiere on BBC America Saturday, September 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Leading up to the premiere, BBC America will air a marathon of Torchwood season two and TORCHWOOD: CHILDREN OF THE EARTH beginning Friday, September 13, 11 p.m. ET/PT.

BBC America's Live DOCTOR WHO Special Ranked #1 Show in Social Media for Sunday

BBC America's DOCTOR WHO LIVE: THE NEXT DOCTOR special on Sunday, August 4, at 2 p.m. ET was the #1 telecast in all of television for the day (excluding sports) in social media in the US.*

The special, which was revealed on schedules last Thursday night, announced multi-award-winning actor Peter Capaldi will be the Twelfth Doctor, taking over from Matt Smith who leaves the show at Christmas. Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor delivered 895,000 total viewers and 454,000 among A25-54.** It is BBC America's best telecast ever outside of Prime among A25-54 and is behind only the Royal Wedding for the best telecast outside of Prime in total viewers.

Peter Capaldi Revealed as the Next Doctor in DOCTOR WHO (Video)

Amid much hype and speculation, Peter Capaldi was unveiled as the next Doctor during a special live television event on BBC America and BBC One today.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest roles in British television, Capaldi will be the Twelfth Doctor and takes over from Matt Smith who leaves the show at Christmas.

Peter Capaldi says: "Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started."

BBC America Announces Fall Premiere Dates

BBC America has announced its fall premiere dates as well as a few renewals.

First up is LAW & ORDER: UK, which returns with new episodes on Wednesday, August 7 alongside the previously announced premiere of the eight-part series BROADCHURCH.

Next up is the U.S. premiere of the Dominic West/Helena Bonham Carter-led original movie Burton and Taylor on Sunday, October 20.

UK's BROADCHURCH Coming To BBA America, Stars Olivia Colman & David Tennant

Two-time BAFTA-winning actress Olivia Colman (THE IRON LADY, TWENTY TWELVE) and Emmy-winning actor David Tennant (DOCTOR WHO, SPIES OF WARSAW) star in the new gripping drama BROADCHURCH, created and written by Chris Chibnall (LAW & ORDER: UK; TORCHWOOD). The new series centers on a quiet seaside town following the shocking murder of a young boy and the impact it has on the tight-knit community when everyone becomes a suspect. BROADCHURCH is the most tweeted UK drama ever. BROADCHURCH premieres Wednesday, August 7, 10 p.m. ET/PT as part of Dramaville.

BEING HUMAN Returns In July For Its Final Season As Part Of BBC America's Supernatural Saturday

BEING HUMAN's supernatural series, BEING HUMAN, returns for its explosive final chapter this July. Concluding its five-season run, three unconventional housemates - Vampire Hal (Damien Molony), Werewolf Tom (Michael Socha, ONCE UPON A TIME) and Ghost Alex (Kate Bracken), navigate a turbulent world, searching for their lost humanity. But things quickly turn dangerous when the trio realize the greatest evil known - the Devil - is wandering the earth in the shape of a man, set to conquer and rule the world. The roommates will battle this ultimate enemy in an epic showdown to save both humans and supernaturals and in the end, their souls. Being Human premieres Saturday, July 13, 10 p.m. ET/PT as part of Supernatural Saturday.

Matt Smith to Leave DOCTOR WHO

The BBC is today announcing that Matt Smith is to leave DOCTOR WHO after four incredible years on the hit show. Matt first stepped into the TARDIS in 2010 and will leave the role at the end of this year after starring in the unmissable 50th Anniversary in November and regenerating in the Christmas special. During his time as the Doctor, Matt has reached over 30 million unique UK viewers and his incarnation has seen the show go truly global. He was also the first actor to be nominated for a BAFTA in the role. DOCTOR WHO is BBC AMERICA's highest-rated series and premieres as part of the channel's Supernatural Saturday programming block.

ORPHAN BLACK Preview: "Effects of External Conditions"

The first season of ORPHAN BLACK continues on Saturday, April 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

In "Effects of External Conditions," Sarah realizes that the Orphans’ survival is going to take more than police work. But tracking the killer threatens Sarah’s long awaited reunion with her daughter, Kira. As Sarah gets closer to the killer, the killer gets closer to the truth – the ensuing showdown threatens to expose her ruse as a cop.