The BBC has put up a press release stating that the new season of Doctor Who will begin on April 5. As the Sci Fi Channel had advertised the same season beginning on April 18, it looks as though they will be following the pattern initiated by the second season of Torchwood, where episodes cross the Atlantic within a few weeks instead of several months. (This press release also follows the pattern of the American channel announcing the new season before the BBC official announcement; we knew when BBC America was airing Torchwood before we knew when the BBC was airing it!)

But this new hasty and welcomed rush across the seas hasn't affected all of the associated shows. The Sarah Jane Adventures finished airing in Britain a while ago, but that will make its American premiere on the Sci Fi Channel on April 11, hopefully whetting appetites for the second season of that show, which is rumored to begin filming shortly. Sarah Jane, always a fan favorite, has reputedly won the SFX Magazine "Most Popular Companion" contest, coming in at Number 1 over a field consisting of all Classic Who, New Who, and Big Finish spinoff companions.