Torchwood is a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davies . A spin-off of the 2005 revival of Doctor Who , it aired from 2006 to 2011. The show shifted its broadcast channel each series to reflect its growing audience, moving from BBC Three to BBC Two to BBC One, and acquiring American financing in its fourth series when it became a co-production of BBC One and Starz. Torchwood is aimed at adults and older teenagers, in contrast to Doctor Who ' s target audience of both adults and children. As well as science fiction, the show explores a number of themes, including existentialism , sexuality and human corruptibility.