In its continuing mission for world domination—kickstarted by a five-continent world tour—Doctor Who has now announced several more facets of its plan to convert every person on the planet into a Whovian. The hubbub is to hype the show’s already much-anticipated eighth season, which will be the first for new Doctor Peter Capaldi. The first episode, “Deep Breath,” debuts on BBC America on August 23, and 12 cities will be hosting midnight screenings of the episode a few hours after its TV premiere, following on the back of the success of those theatrical screenings of the show’s 50th Anniversary Special. On August 25, the premiere episode will be screened again in more than 550 movie theaters in the U.S.; a full list of participating locations is available here.
BBC America has also announced a series of brand-new specials as part of its “Doctor Who Takeover Week.” They include The Ultimate Companion on Saturday, August 16 at 9 p.m. EST; The Real History Of Science Fiction: Time at 10 p.m.; and The Ultimate Time Lord on Monday, August 18 at 10 p.m. EST.
Finally, BBC America announced that comedian Chris Hardwick will take charge of both pre and post-show live specials surrounding the August 23 premiere. Hardwick is a vocal Whovian and, given his fondness for hosting TV shows about other TV shows, it’s shocking this will be his first time discussing Who in an official capacity. In addition to behind-the-scenes footage, the specials will feature special guests including writer/actor Mark Gatiss. With the addition of Hardwick’s boundless enthusiasm, there seems to be very little that can stop Doctor Who from commandeering the entire human race. Run.