Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death (commonly shortened to The Curse of Fatal Death) is a four-episode special of Doctor Who made for the Red Nose Day charity telethon in the United Kingdom, and broadcast on BBC One on 12 March 1999. It follows in a long tradition of popular British television programmes producing short, light-hearted specials for such telethon events. It has a special status amongst Doctor Who-themed charity productions. It has twice been featured on the cover of Doctor Who Magazine - an unusual feat even for a regular episode of the programme. It is the only parodic story to be covered by "DWM Archives", a section of DWM normally reserved for discussion of past episodes of the regular series. Similarly, it is the only parody to be given an extensive behind-the-scenes article on the BBC official website, and its own video release through BBC Video. It is also the only BBC-commissioned live-action Doctor Who production between the Doctor Who television movie and "Rose". Finally, it serves as a production - if not narrative - bridge between the 1963 and 2005 versions of the program