Doctor Who Will Continue After Disney Deal Ends

The BBC has said that Doctor Who will continue to be made. The show had a deal with Disney+ for streaming outside the UK, but this deal is now over. The BBC is still planning new episodes and a Christmas special.
By Newsroom | Television, Science Fiction |

The BBC has publicly stated its commitment to the science fiction series Doctor Who, following the conclusion of its international streaming partnership with Disney+. This development arrives after the collaboration, spanning two seasons and an upcoming spin-off, failed to meet broader strategic objectives for both entities. The BBC has acknowledged the termination of the Disney+ deal, emphasizing that production and planning for future installments of Doctor Who are ongoing.

Doctor Who 'Not Going Anywhere,' BBC Insists After Disney Walked Away With $200M - 1

Background of the Disney+ Partnership

The international streaming rights for Doctor Who, outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, were acquired by Disney+ in October 2022. This agreement was set to cover two seasons featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, along with the spin-off The War Between The Land and the Sea.

Doctor Who 'Not Going Anywhere,' BBC Insists After Disney Walked Away With $200M - 2

  • The partnership's duration covered the two seasons of Ncuti Gatwa's tenure as the Doctor, with his final episode airing in May 2025.

  • An upcoming spin-off, The War Between The Land and the Sea, was also part of the deal, with production continuing under Tranter's Bad Wolf studio.

Reasons for the Partnership's End

Sources suggest a confluence of factors led to Disney's decision to exit the partnership. Reports indicate concerns over the show's budget, declining audience engagement, and its ability to capture a mainstream American audience were significant considerations.

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Doctor Who 'Not Going Anywhere,' BBC Insists After Disney Walked Away With $200M - 3

  • Budgetary Concerns: Doctor Who reportedly faced budget issues, with some speculating on the financial gap left by Disney's departure. One report indicates Disney may have invested $200 million in the deal.

  • Audience Reach: Despite Disney's investment, Doctor Who on Disney+ did not achieve the viewership levels of established franchises like Star Wars or Marvel, and did not consistently rank in Nielsen's top 10 original streaming shows in the U.S.

  • Creative and Strategic Differences: Director Hoar alluded to potential missteps, stating, "it wasn't a better show with more money" and that "something went wrong." Some analyses suggest a divergence in creative vision or strategic priorities between the BBC and Disney.

  • Political Undercurrents: One report posits that "MAGA politics" were a factor in the deal's failure, though this remains unconfirmed by the parties involved.

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"Disney+ will be exiting the TARDIS and will no longer be involved with Doctor Who after partnering on two seasons with the BBC plus an upcoming spin-off titled The War Between The Land and the Sea." - Deadline

BBC's Stance on Future Productions

The BBC has reiterated its unwavering commitment to Doctor Who, emphasizing that the show will continue without Disney's international distribution.

Doctor Who 'Not Going Anywhere,' BBC Insists After Disney Walked Away With $200M - 4

  • Continued Commitment: BBC drama director Lindsay Salt stated, "The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas."

  • Showrunner and Specials: Russell T Davies has agreed to write a 2026 Christmas special, indicating ongoing creative development.

  • Production and Distribution: While Disney+ is exiting, Tranter's Bad Wolf studio will continue producing the Christmas special, and BBC Studios will manage international sales.

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"The TARDIS is going nowhere — with or without Disney." - Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer

Industry Observations and Criticisms

Industry observers have noted the challenges of adapting established intellectual property for a global streaming audience.

  • Accessibility Challenges: Making long-standing franchises like Doctor Who accessible to new viewers, beyond existing fan bases, is a persistent challenge.

  • Creative Direction: Actor and writer Mark Gatiss suggested the show might need a "rest," and some critics have questioned the current creative direction and its appeal to a broader audience.

  • Budgetary Realities: With other streamers also adopting more economical approaches to investment, the landscape for large-scale co-productions has shifted.

"I think there were lots of areas you could point fingers at but ultimately it wasn't a better show with more money." - Director Hoar

Financial Implications and Future Outlook

The termination of the Disney+ deal may necessitate a recalibration of Doctor Who's budget.

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  • Financial Adjustments: With Disney's financial contribution removed, Doctor Who may return to more constrained budgets, a prospect one report frames as a potential "blessing in disguise" by a BBC Studios insider.

  • International Sales: BBC Studios will continue its role in selling the series globally, seeking new distribution partners.

  • The Doctor's Future: The BBC has assured fans that the Doctor is not going anywhere, and plans for the next series will be announced in due course. The regeneration of Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor into Billie Piper's Rose Tyler at the end of the most recent season has fueled speculation about future casting, though this has not been confirmed.

Key Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Doctor Who ending?
No, the BBC says Doctor Who is not ending. They are still planning new shows.
Q: Why did the Disney+ deal end?
Reports say it was because of money, not enough people watched the show on Disney+, and maybe different ideas about the show.
Q: Will there be a new Doctor Who Christmas special?
Yes, a special for Christmas 2026 is planned and will be written by Russell T Davies.
Q: Who will make Doctor Who now?
The BBC will continue to make the show. BBC Studios will sell it to other countries.