BBCA Schedules 'Doctor Who'

This story may contain spoilers.

In the UK, BBC One is cryptically advertising the latest season of "Doctor Who" as returning in Easter. Across the pond, however, BBC America has already announced the launch date of the show's fifth season.

Matt Smith will make his American "Doctor Who" debut on Saturday April 17 as he takes on the eleventh incarnation of the venerable hero from another time. He will be accompanied by Scottish actress, Karen Gillan, on his timeless travels. She will play the latest companion, Amy Pond.

The premiere on BBC America will be broadcast "shortly after" the UK's, which will broadcast the series beginning April 3.

Other UK-based television channels have been experimenting with the same approach over the last few years with regards to U.S. network acquisitions. Sky 1, the primary importer of American television, now generally airs new episodes of American shows within the same week as their initial premiere in order to crack down on piracy. The channel has received promising results through its broadcast of "Battlestar Galactica," "Stargate: Universe," "Prison Break" and "24."

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