Sci-fi fans can now use Facebook Credits to buy and stream episodes of Doctor Who, the popular TV show about a time-traveling alien.
BBC Worldwide announced Tuesday that it will allow Facebook users to rent nine digitally remastered Doctor Who stories, from nine of the Doctor’s 11 incarnations. Each story has multiple episodes. One of the stories, “The Greatest Show in the Galaxy” — starring Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor — is available only on Facebook.
Once users go to the show’s Facebook Page to purchase a story for 15 Facebook Credits (or about $1.50), they have 48 hours to watch the episodes within that story.
Doctor Who premiered in 1963 and has continued to find ways to attract new fans as technology advances. In 2009,the Guinness World Records dubbed the show the most successful science fiction series ever — not only because of broadcast ratings and book sales but also because of DVD sales and iTunes traffic.
“Our approach to Facebook and other leading edge platforms is to be right there alongside them in fostering innovation,” John Smith, chief executive at BBC Worldwide said in a statement. “We see this service as a perfect way to give our fans what they want, as well as a great way for them to get their fix between now and the autumn when series six continues”.
Series six of the rebooted show — or series 32 of Who as a whole — is currently on hiatus. It will return in September.
The Facebook episodes are available to users in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.
Will you watch Doctor Who on Facebook? What other shows would you want rent from the social network?
Doctor Who Facebook Page
You can find the nine digitally remastered Doctor Who stories, each of which has multiple episodes, on the show's Facebook page.
Story page
Each of the nine stories has its own page, where you can purchase the story, comment, "Like" or find more details. Click "Watch" under the main photo to buy the story.
Facebook Credits
You must use Facebook Credits to watch a story. You can buy Credits with your credit card, PayPal, a mobile phone or other payment methods powered by PlaySpan, according to Facebook. To learn more about Credits, click here
Time limit
After you buy a story, you have 48 hours to watch the episodes within that story.
Exclusive story
One of the stories, "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy," was never released on DVD and is now only available on Facebook.
Engagement
Fans are already liking and commenting on each story's page.
More About: bbc, BBC Worldwide, Doctor Who, facebook, facebook credits, tv
For more Media coverage:
- Follow Mashable Media on Twitter
- Become a Fan on Facebook
- Subscribe to the Media channel
- Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Continue Reading...