Originally in 2001, the show was planned to be aired as a miniseries on the BBC. Later mentions suggested a TV movie, however in an interview in December 2005, Head suggested that "Ripper" would be a "two hour movie, that might become part of a series of DVDs". However, Whedon was then involved in his new TV series "Dollhouse" which ended in 2010 and comic book "Buffy Season 8". Whedon announced plans for a Ripper series as soon as Head left Buffy in 2001 to return to his home in England. Over the past eight years, the idea has evolved.