The concept of "The Long Game" was originally submitted by Davies to the "Doctor Who" script office in the 1980s. Davies had also been interested in doing a storyline about a failed companion. In addition, critics have pointed out that the story is a satire on the media. Production for the episode took place in Newport in November and December 2004 and in Coryton, Cardiff in December. "The Long Game" was watched by 8.01 million viewers in the UK and received generally mixed reviews from critics.