Twenty years after its premiere, Torchwood continues to resonate with fans as a compelling and distinctive sci-fi adventure series. Created by Russell T Davies, this spin-off of the revived Doctor Who offers a more adult-oriented exploration of the universe, building upon the foundation laid in Season 1 of the 2000s Doctor Who revival.

From the TARDIS to Torchwood: A Shift in Tone

While sharing the same universe as Doctor Who, Torchwood deliberately departs from the family-friendly tone of the original series. Across 41 episodes, which aired from 2006 to 2011, the show delves into darker themes, existentialism, sexual identity, and corruption with a directness rarely seen in its parent show. The series focuses on Captain Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, and his team of alien hunters working for a secret organization based in Cardiff, Wales.

What is the Torchwood Institute?

Torchwood follows the investigations of a covert team dedicated to studying alien activity, technology, and the fallout from events within the Doctor Who universe. Captain Jack Harkness, first introduced in the Doctor Who episode “The Empty Child,” is a charismatic time traveler and conman from the 51st century. Following the events of “The Parting of the Ways,” Harkness becomes immortal and joins the Torchwood Institute.

Over a century, he rises to lead the Cardiff branch, perpetually hoping for a reunion with the Doctor. Unlike Doctor Who’s focus on a single traveler and their companions, Torchwood is an ensemble show, prioritizing the dynamics between its core characters.

Inspired by Buffy, Grounded in Wales

The series deliberately portrays Cardiff as a modern, vibrant city, a departure from the often under-represented depiction of Wales in British media. Russell T. Davies has cited Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel, as key inspirations for Torchwood, particularly the blend of episodic adventures with season-long character arcs and increasingly mature storylines.

Impactful Relationships and Representation

Torchwood distinguishes itself through its exploration of diverse and impactful relationships. The central romance between Captain Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones develops into a deeply emotional and physical connection. Jack’s bisexuality, previously established in Doctor Who, is openly explored, alongside the sexuality of other characters like Owen Harper, the team’s medical officer, who is attracted to both men and women. Burn Gorman, who played Owen, noted in a 2020 Radio Times interview that his character was drawn to “anyone who caught his eye.” David-Lloyd emphasized the importance of portraying a realistic same-sex romance on television.