David Tennant will make a move to American TV when he hands the role of Doctor Who over to Matt Smith.
Boston's WGBH announced Wednesday that Tennant will be the new host of Masterpiece Contemporary when the show returns to PBS this October.
Tennant, who's currently wrapping up filming of his final story as The Doctor in the U.K., will join Alan Cumming (Mystery) and Laura Linney (Masterpiece Classic) as hosts on the network.
At first glance, it might seem an odd move for Tennant -- jumping from the premiere role in all of British TV to a hosting gig on American public television. But, the gig serves multiple purposes for the former Who. First, it's a gig and a check -- and a good, hard-working British actor knows the value of both. Second, it instantly promotes Tennant from sci-fi pulp hero to sophisticated man of the arts.
Finally, it keeps his mug on American TV screens. If he wants to make the big money, sooner or later he'll have to crack that Hollywood nut.
Image courtesy WGBH
See also:
