- Partnership Shake-up: Disney+ has confirmed it will not partner with the BBC on the next season of Doctor Who.
- BBC’s Vow: The BBC has reaffirmed its full commitment to the iconic sci-fi show, promising the Doctor is “not going anywhere.”
- A Future Gift: Showrunner Russell T Davies is set to write a brand-new Doctor Who Christmas special for 2026.
- More to Come: Fans can still look forward to The War Between the Land and the Sea later this year and a new CBeebies animation.
Doctor Who’s Future In Question After Major Shake-up
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Whoniverse, the BBC has announced a dramatic shift for the future of Doctor Who. While fans will be treated to a new Christmas special in 2026, the celebration is bittersweet, as it comes with the news that Disney+ will not be continuing its partnership for the next season of the beloved sci-fi series.
The End of a Brief Era: Disney+ Steps Back
After two seasons as the global streaming partner, Disney+ is concluding its collaboration with the BBC on Doctor Who. The partnership was instrumental in bringing the Doctor’s latest adventures to a massive international audience. The confirmation of their departure has left many fans worried about the show’s global reach and production budget moving forward, fearing this could signal a downturn for the series.
BBC Doubles Down on Commitment
The BBC has moved quickly to quell the fears of its dedicated fanbase. In a definitive statement, Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s Director of Drama, asserted the corporation’s unwavering dedication to the program.
“The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas,” Salt stated. She extended thanks to Disney+ for their collaboration over the past two seasons and the upcoming special, The War Between the Land and the Sea. Assuring fans, she added, “The Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course which will ensure the TARDIS remains at the heart of the BBC.”
A Spectacular Christmas Return on the Horizon
To soften the blow of the Disney+ news, the BBC confirmed that showrunner Russell T Davies has agreed to write another “spectacular” Christmas special, set to air in 2026. This news serves as a powerful testament to the show’s longevity and the BBC’s intention to continue delivering high-quality, event television for fans.
Before the 2026 special, Whovians still have adventures to look forward to. The War Between the Land and the Sea is scheduled to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year. Furthermore, a new animated series for the younger CBeebies audience is currently in development, ensuring the next generation of fans will also have a gateway to the Doctor’s universe. The upcoming Christmas special will be produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC, keeping the production in familiar, trusted hands.
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