The 2008–2010 specials of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who are five specials that linked the programme’s fourth and fifth series. The specials were produced in lieu of a full series in 2009, to allow the new production team for the programme to have enough time to prepare for the fifth series in 2010, in light of Russell T. Davies’ decision to step down as showrunner. The first special was broadcast on 25 December 2008 with “The Next Doctor”, with the last special, the two-part episode “The End of Time”, broadcasting over two weeks on 25 December 2009 and 1 January 2010. (Wikipedia)