The Call for 2024 Panelists is now open.
Want to participate in discussion panels at Chicago TARDIS? Let us know what panels you’d like to sign up for at this year’s con! Scroll to the bottom of this page to fill out the submission form. You can also go directly to the Google form to submit your ideas.
Please take some time to read the panel descriptions below before filling out the panel form to fully understand each panel topic:
Doctor Who-Focused Discussion Panels
25 Years of Chicago TARDIS
This is the 25th Chicago TARDIS! Join us as we discuss the convention's rich history!
30 Years of The Missing Adventures
Thirty years ago, Virgin Publishing decided to open a new range of their Doctor Who novels line with "The Missing Adventures" featuring past Doctors. At last, completely new stories could be told with past Doctors and companions. We'll turn the clocks back to discuss what was going on in Doctor Who in 1994 and why the Missing Adventures were created, we'll talk about what we think worked best about them and what didn't. We'll also discuss the enduring legacy of the range and our favorite stories out of it. Suggested by Nathan Laws.
Doctor Who & Romance
Last season, "Rogue" brought romance back to Doctor Who; but Rogue isn't the Doctor's first love interest! From Rose Tyler to River Song, Grace Holloway to Yasmin Khan, the Doctor has had a variety of onscreen love interests and fandom loves to explore those relationships. This panel will examine how love and romance have become a part of the Doctor's story since the series' revival. Panelists will discuss what romance brings to the show, how and why fandom finds "shipping" so popular, and explore how we see the Doctor's characterization and relationship with romance. Suggested by Sarah Urbank.
Doctor Who and Compassion Fatigue From Caregiving
Through the entire run of the show, the Doctor has been a caregiver to their companions and protector/advocate for humans and non-Gallifreyan species. As far back as the Hartnell era, actors were unintentionally portraying the weariness of their role as protector. These moments of emotion can be attributed to adjusting their mindset to better cope with the demands as a caregiver and protector. This discussion will examine the Doctor's coping mechanisms and reactions to compassion fatigue through their lifetime, culminating with the acceptance of facing emotions in the more healthy/productive ways that the 15th Doctor has exhibited.
Doctor Who Home Media
It is a widely held opinion that Doctor Who is blessed with THE finest home video releases of any television programme, with the ongoing Blu-ray sets. Jam-packed with additional content and new ways to enjoy old episodes, these marvels of technology are just as exciting as new episodes. We'll discuss the Blu-ray sets and their content, as well as a little history of Doctor Who on home video, going all the way back to the first edited videocassette releases on VHS and Beta.
Doctor Who Spinoffs
There's a new Doctor Who spinoff series coming soon - "The War Between the Land and the Sea" - featuring the Sea Devils and UNIT, created by Russell T Davies, who also created past spinoffs The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood. Done right, spinoffs can really transcend their perceived status as the 'second feature' and craft their own lasting legacies, as we certainly feel SJA and TW have done. We will discuss these shows (including K-9 The Series and Class too) and all that is great about them, and talk a bit about the upcoming show as well.
Doctor Who: The Showrunners
How much of Doctor Who throughout its television history is tied to the personal vision of the current producer/showrunner? Verity Lambert, Barry Letts, John Nathan-Turner, Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Chris Chibnall… they all guided the show when in charge, but was it a light touch or a heavy one? Are we better off now with 'showrunner' than we were with 'producer'? Are the producers we don't remember as much today merely guilty of not putting enough of a personal stamp on their product?
Gender Fluidity in Doctor Who
Sci-fi always presages the future, but what happens when your show runs so long that said future arrives? In the classic series, the idea of non-gender-conforming aliens like Alpha Centauri was a wild concept. Fast forward several decades, and the Doctor and the Master have both swapped in and out of genders. This panel will discuss gender fluidity in Doctor Who, past and present, as well as discussing why this is particularly suited to our favourite show. [Note: For this panel we would strongly prefer panelists to be trans or nonbinary.] Suggested by Stacey Smith?
How Would You Defeat the Cybermen?
Using your knowledge of the canon, the Cyber-Wars, the Cyberium, Loomis Technologies, computer hacking and empathy, how would you convince one of the Doctor's oldest villains to turn in the lasers and step out of those suits? Keep in mind that The Shadow Proclamation is in full effect. Suggested by Rich Marin.
Introducing Fans to 1960s Who
A twist on the old "what old episodes should new viewers watch?" topic, this panel hopes to tackle that question but also give thoughts and advice to prepare a modern viewer to get the most enjoyment out of watching ancient black-and-white television that definitely should be of great interest to them!
Let's Write an Anniversary Episode!
We have nine years until the next big anniversary, so let's get started on our episode pitch! Everyone in the room will have an opportunity to suggest and shape ideas to pitch our ultimate anniversary episode! There are no bad ideas - we will be using the time-tested (see what we did there?) improv technique of "yes, and..." to craft our amazing story! What do you want to see in a Doctor Who episode? Here's your chance to be in the writer's room! Suggested by Stephen Pickering.
LGBTQWho
A discussion about LGBTQIA representation throughout the years of Doctor Who, and what it means to have a Queer actor playing the Doctor. Traditional and suggested by several people.
Regenerating From the Outside In
The "Outside In" book series from ATB Publishing launched at Chicago TARDIS over a decade ago. Since then it's gone on to cover Doctor Who three times, as well as multiple versions of Star Trek, The X-Files, Twin Peaks, Buffy and more. We invite anyone who's ever contributed to an Outside In book to come share your experience in non-fiction analysis...with a twist. Suggested by Stacey Smith?
Ripples Through Time
This year is the 25th Chicago TARDIS convention, and last year was the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who. It's never a bad time to share how much this show has affected our lives. Which Doctor do you love and what about them calls to your soul? Why does it hold such a special place in your heart? And how can it continue to find a place in the hearts of future generations? Suggested by José Aguilar.
Second Chances With Big Finish
Big Finish has been giving second chances and continuing stories for many underappreciated or "ended too soon" Doctors and Doctor Who storylines for 25 years. Many Classic Doctors, and now the Fugitive and Thirteenth Doctors, have benefitted from Big Finish's embracing of their characters and the hunger Doctor Who fans have to see more from "their" Doctors and companions. Let's talk about how Big Finish has carried the torch for all these years and what you hope to see from them in the future! Suggested by Taylor Deatherage.
So You Want to Make a Fan Film?
Thinking of producing your own Doctor Who fan film? Let us help! This panel will discuss fan films of the past and present along with frank discussions of what is involved in getting your dream production from an idea to the screen. Suggested by Ronn Smith.
Doctors Through the Years
The Doctor is one person, but each face is worn on a different persona…yet there are many facets of the Doctor that remain unchanged. What are the biggest differences between incarnations? What traits remain constant? Why do we favor one over another? What leads each Doctor to choose their companions? A broad yet specific look at the main character of Doctor Who. Suggested by Frank Mosca.
Episodes Described Badly Game
Following the example of a game created by the Time Space Visualiser podcast, contestants will be asked in three rounds to describe an episode without using parts of the name, the villain, or the year of release; to give a quote, real or made-up, from an episode; and to silently act out an episode. Their partner will have to guess at least three out of five in each round. Suggested by Tony Whitt.
The Great Eight
Honoring the presence of Paul McGann, this discussion will cover every 8th Doctor topic there is… from an all-too-brief television appearance to a much deeper history brought to us in books and audios. Suggested by Nadia Asfar and others.
The Target Novelizations: The New Batch
As part of the Doctor Who Target Book Club Podcast, we've looked at the previous novelization in story order. With the release of Ncuti Gatwa's first season in book form, we jump ahead in time and examine each of the new books in turn, to see just how "on target" this new batch of novels really is. Suggested by Tony Whitt.
The Third Doctor Adventures Regenerated
Honoring the presence of Daisy Ashford and Sadie Miller, this discussion will focus on the Third Doctor Adventures. The series has had a regeneration recently with short based around a 6 or 7 episode model. In this panel we'll discuss how we think the change of format has worked. We'll also discuss how we feel about recasting the leading roles and incorporating an older Jo Jones. We'll also talk about individual stories and what we think the best have been. Suggested by Nathan Laws.
The Young Doctor Who Fans Panel
Every year we let the young fans sit at the front of the room and talk about their love of Doctor Who to the eager and supportive audience. What do they enjoy about the show? What scares them? What thoughts and theories do they have about the show, its characters and concepts? The panel is open to accept any fan 18 or younger. We encourage panelist sign-ups in advance, but you can also just walk in and be on the panel.
What You've Been Missing in the Second Doctor Adventures
Honoring the presence of Wendy Padbury and Frazer Hines, we will discuss the Second Doctor Adventures. We'll talk about the setup for the series, what we think works, what we think doesn't, what our favorite stories have been, and where we think the storyline is going. Suggested by Nathan Laws.
Whovian Writers
Doctor Who fandom is full of writers: professionals, fans, scholars, authors, journalists, critics, publishers, scriptwriters, and countless new prospective writers. What can we learn about writing from Doctor Who? With decades of tie-in novels and fan works, there is always more to learn from the Whovian writing community. This panel looks at new perspectives that can help your writing grow and discusses the differences and similarities between pro- and fan- writing. Fandom is full of people who can help and support your work and dreams, and the purpose of this panel is to encourage writers to think about where their writing can take them through time and space. Suggested by Sarah Urbank.
Why Do I Keep Going Back to the Classic?
We've now had six new Doctors (seven if you count Paul McGann) and fourteen full seasons of new-era Doctor Who (plus specials). But for many fans, whether we enjoy the new stuff or not, we keep returning to the original series... maybe for sentimentality, or maybe because it spoke to us in a way the new one didn't. We'll take a look at the enduring appeal of the classic era of Doctor Who, and our panelists will discuss the seasons and stories that keep them coming back for more.
Non-Doctor Who Panels
35 Years of Batmania
35 years ago, Tim Burton's Batman film graced our screens. While there had been a Batman film before, this one took the source material seriously and Batmania swept the nation. In this panel we'll discuss the various live-action Batman films made over the years. We'll discuss the elements that worked and those that didn't. We'll talk about the versatility of the character and whether some elements absolutely have to be kept. We'll also talk about our favorite actors in the role, the supporting characters, and our favorite films. We'll also talk about what we want to see out of the sequel to the most recent film, The Batman. Suggested by Nathan Laws.
By Grabthar's Hammer, What an Anniversary!
It's the 25th anniversary of Galaxy Quest, the comedic 1999 film that pokes fun at both a famous science fiction tv series and the fans that continue to love it many years later. Why not talk about this beloved film in a not unfamiliiar setting? Suggested by Assad Khaishgi.
DC Extended Universe
In this year's DC Universe panel, we'll talk about the DCEU comprised mostly of the Arrowverse and a series of films starting with Man of Steel and culminating in Aquaman 2. We'll discuss what we think that they got right and where they went wrong and where we hope that James Gunn will bring to the table for his new DCU. Suggested by Nathan Laws.
Marvel Studios Animation
In this year's Marvel Universe panel, we'll talk about Marvel's recent successes in animation. With series like X-Men '97 and What If...? they are taking the animation industry by storm. What do we hope to see from future efforts like Spider-Man: Freshman Year, Marvel Zombies, and the returns of What If..? and X-Men '97? Suggested by Nathan Laws.
Mental Health For Nerds
A open conversation about being a part of the nerd culture and the value it can have as we wade the waters of mental health. Talks on what things helped through rough times, what value therapy has, and potential tips on how to care for one's self, all in a calm, open conversation. Suggested by Andrew Anderson.
Press Gang Extra - Read All About It
For the past 2 years we have hosted a panel on Steven Moffat's first ever TV show "Press Gang," which is full of Doctor Who references and timey-wimey storytelling before his time on Doctor Who. Join us as we chat about this great series. We will share our thoughts about it and hope to hear if some of you have been watching it as well. And if you haven't heard about it, this panel is a great place to start.
Those Magnificent Seven
In honor of guests Jan Chappell and Brian Croucher, a discussion on Blakes 7! How we came to love the show, favorite stories and characters, the show's legacy, and the new Blu-ray home video release. From suggestions by Nathan Laws and Stephen Pickering.
Chicago TARDIS In Depth Doctor Who Roundtables
The CTIDDW panels are roundtable discussions focusing on a single televised story; each discussion is moderated by one of its participants (chosen in advance by the CT program director) only to facilitate the discussion and keep it on topic. Participants do not need to sign up in advance UNLESS they wish to be considered for the position of moderator!
CTIDDW: The Space Museum
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Space Museum.'
CTIDDW: The War Games
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The War Games.'
CTIDDW: The Green Death
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Green Death.'
CTIDDW: Earthshock
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'Earthshock.'
CTIDDW: The Two Doctors
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Two Doctors.'
CTIDDW: The Happiness Patrol
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Happiness Patrol.'
CTIDDW: Doctor Who (The TV Movie)
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'Doctor Who (The TV Movie).'
CTIDDW: Dalek
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'Dalek.'
CTIDDW: Midnight
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'Midnight.'
CTIDDW: The Day of the Doctor
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Day of the Doctor.'
CTIDDW: The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion.'
CTIDDW: Fugitive of the Judoon
A roundtable discussion focused on the story 'Fugitive of the Judoon.'
The current deadline for the call for panelists is November 17th. If the deadline changes, we will make a public announcement via the usual channels (our website, Twitter, Facebook).
Please contact us if you have any questions!