Some Doctor Who viewers outside the UK struggled to understand the accents

For many British viewers, the distinctly Northern feel to Sunday night’s Doctor Who (“Eat my salad, ‘alloween!”) was a welcome revelation.

But it seems that some watching elsewhere struggled to understand the Yorkshire accents in the series opener, which was set in Sheffield and starred Jodie Whittaker in the title role, speaking in her native twang.

• A new Doctor Who character has become an instant cult figure
• Doctor Who casts Mark Addy, Chris Noth and Julie Hesmondhalgh in mysterious new roles
• Doctor Who series 11 episode 1 – as it happened

The warning signs were there when American subtitlers recently struggled to decipher Whittaker’s accent during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and misspelt her home town Huddersfield.

A valiant attempt by the American subtitler.. pic.twitter.com/EiVJOcvV0U

— (((Dotski))) (@dotski_w) October 4, 2018

And on Sunday, some viewers tuning in to watch the Thirteenth Doctor were forced to resort to the subtitles.

“I haven’t watched British television in a while so I had to turn the subtitles on,” one viewer joked on Twitter.

I haven’t watched British television in a while so I had to turn the subtitles on ???? #DoctorWho

— ???? Stayin' Alive (@sophaschi) October 7, 2018

I really enjoyed the new #DoctorWho episode!!! I love her accent (even I may need subtitles to understand her XD)!!! pic.twitter.com/QylsRXxrSt

— AnaScully ???? (@anasyx) October 7, 2018

Absolutely loved the first episode of @bbcdoctorwho ???????????? except that their accents seem to be thicker this season and I’m struggling a little ????

— Kaity Claws ????????❤️✨ (@KaitCzurylo) October 8, 2018

“Loved the show, but my American hubby kept asking me what she was saying,” another viewer noted. “Guess we’ll be adding in the subtitles.”

Loved the show, but my American hubby kept asking me what she was saying and I had to explain about the spoons, it being Sheffield. And we both missed the opening with the familiar music. Maybe they'll add it in next week. As for her accent, guess we'll be adding in the subtitles

— T. K. Gardiner (@TKGwrites) October 7, 2018

The accents are great but tbh can't understand half of what they're saying #DoctorWho

— Lizard (@StardustCastieI) October 7, 2018

But for some Yorkshire residents, the strong accents were a point of pride.

any other yorkshire men and women feel their own accent getting broader in their own head whilst watching doctor who? cause like yeah same

— lou (@Uhuras) October 8, 2018

I’m gonna fight the next American I see complaining about Yorkshire accents in doctor who, I get to see a female doctor who sounds like me and I LOVE IT #DoctorWho

— spookdie scary skeletons (@SadieJane_) October 8, 2018

Doctor Who continues on BBC1 on Sunday 14 October at 6:55pm

This article was originally published on 8 October 2018