K9 (TV series)
A spin-off series featuring the robot dog K9 from Doctor Who.
K9 is a science fiction adventure television series centered on the robot dog K9, a character originating from the British series Doctor Who. The show, which mixes computer animation and live action, was produced in Brisbane, Australia, with co-production funding from Australia and the United Kingdom.
Quick Facts
- Runtime
- 25 minutes
- Creator
- Bob Baker · Paul Tams
- Developer
- Shayne Armstrong · SP Krause
- Producer
- Penny Wall · Richard Stewart · Simon Barnes
- Executive Producer
- Grant Bradley · Jim Howell · Steve Robbins
- Starring
- Robert Moloney · Philippa Coulthard · Keegan Joyce · Daniel Webber
- Voices
- John Leeson
- Theme Music Composer
- Michael Lira
- Composer
- Christopher Elves
- Country
- Australia · United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Network
- Network Ten (Australia)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
K9 was developed by Bob Baker, who co-created the character for Doctor Who and had retained certain intellectual property rights. The final concept, set in near-future London, follows 14-year-old characters Starkey and Jorjie, alongside Professor Gryffen and 15-year-old Darius, as K9 defends them from alien threats. The series was shot in Brisbane between December 2008 and May 2009, with a set built in a South Brisbane warehouse.
Reader's Guide
K9 represents a notable expansion of the Doctor Who universe outside BBC control, as Bob Baker owned the character rights while the BBC retained the original design. The series avoided direct references to Doctor Who for legal reasons, though it established that this K9 is the original Mark I model from the 1970s, damaged and regenerated into a new form. The show's significance lies in its attempt to bring a beloved supporting character to a younger audience through a standalone series, and in its international co-production model. It received some recognition, including a John Hinde Award for Excellence in Science-Fiction Writing for the episode 'The Fall of the House of Gryffen'. The series was broadcast in multiple countries and later syndicated, including on Channel 5 in the UK and Syfy in the US.
Did You Know?
- The series was aimed at an audience of 11 to 15-year-olds.
- John Leeson reprised his role as the voice of K9 from Doctor Who.
- The first episode aired as a sneak preview on Halloween 2009 on Disney XD in the UK & Ireland.
- The series was shot in Brisbane, Australia, between 3 December 2008 and 8 May 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is K9 (TV series)?
K9 is a science fiction adventure spin-off that places the Doctor Who robot dog at the center of its own standalone stories. It blends computer-generated animation with live-action sequences and was co-produced by Australian and British partners.
What role does K9 play in the series?
The robot dog K9 is the sole protagonist, carrying the narrative of each adventure. As a technological companion originally designed for the Doctor, it uses its built-in capabilities to navigate the science fiction scenarios the show presents.
How many series of K9 were produced?
Only a single series was made. It aired on Network Ten in Australia and on Disney XD in the United Kingdom.
Where was K9 (TV series) filmed and produced?
Production took place in Brisbane, Australia, with co-production funding supplied by both Australian and British sources.
Why is K9 (TV series) notable to Doctor Who fans?
It is the first dedicated spin-off that gives the long-running Doctor Who robot dog its own lead role outside the main programme. The show lets fans explore K9's adventures in a format that mixes animation and live action rather than the traditional Doctor Who episode structure.
More in Television series about robots 1-24
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