I can think of very few shows sticking to the 24-26 eps per season that might be considered water cooler tv. A few years ago, you had 24, Lost etc but it was notable (IMHO) that the recent revivals of 24, Prison Break and the X-Files went for the limited series option. The shows everyone seems to rave about - GOT, house of Cards, the marvel Netflix series, Walking Dead, The Handmaiden's Tale, Fargo, Saul, (indeed most Netflix shows) seem to have shorter runs. I'm sure there are exceptions but high-end TV seems to have decided to go for quality over quantity.
On the subject of next Doctors I've been catching up with 12 Monkeys and James Callis would make a fab Doctor (as would Emily Hampshire to be honest)
I had to look up Emily Hampshire, as I couldn't put a face to the name in my mind. In an amusing coincidence, she's married to a man named Matt Smith who also happens to be a former soccer player. It's fate!
Like I said, if DW wants to use that approach, it's going to have to up its game. Right now it's just not at that quality level to justify the fewer episodes. Don't get me wrong, I love DW. It's just not in the same league though. BTW, X Files went that route for entirely different reasons. Cast availability and risk reduction.
Emily would also be good as the next Missy, assume they stay in female form after Michelle Gomez is done.
I think it's Kris Marshall. Reason: He left Death in Paradise early this year. It would be a step up or forward. He wouldn't be my choice, but like previous characters, I'll give him a shot.
The current rumor making the rounds (ie., people are talking about it on Twitter) is that it's Richard Mylan.
Just looked him up.. I could live with him by the looks... He would definitely bring back the tween contingent of fans. LOL.
Never watched it - Googled him and saw that he's been in a number of things which I've never watched. Also saw he's 44, which is a shade older than I'd expect them to cast. But, who knows? And casting an unknown has worked before, with Smith.
Of course what would be amusing is that in Coupling he played a comic store owner, had (I think) a Tardis doorway in his shop, definitely had a Dalek he had conversations with and went on a date with a "save Dr Who" sweater on (by accident).
Damnit, if they're going to pick a Coupling cast member, why are they going for by far the least interesting one? I would love to see Gina Bellman or Jack Davenport as The Doctor.