Doctor Who Will Continue But Without Disney's Money

The BBC has said Doctor Who will keep going, but Disney will not help pay for new shows. This means the show will have a longer break before new episodes come out. The BBC will make the show by itself from now on.
By Newsroom | Television, Science Fiction |

The future of the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who is under scrutiny following the abrupt end of its international distribution and co-production deal with Disney+. While the BBC insists the show will continue, the departure of Disney leaves a significant budgetary gap, prompting questions about how future seasons will be funded and the potential impact on the show's scope and production. The break in collaboration marks an extended hiatus for the series, raising concerns among its dedicated fanbase.

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Background of the Collaboration and Its Dissolution

The partnership between the BBC and Disney+ for Doctor Who began in 2022, with the aim of bringing the show to a wider global audience. This collaboration commenced with the 2023 season, featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the fifteenth Doctor. Under the agreement, Disney+ handled international streaming distribution for two seasons and accompanying specials, reportedly involving a significant financial investment from Disney, estimated at $200 million or $220 million.

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  • The collaboration allowed Doctor Who to be accessible to viewers worldwide on Disney+'s platform.

  • The deal concluded after two seasons, with the BBC confirming that Disney would not be involved in future seasons.

  • This partnership spanned Ncuti Gatwa's tenure as the Doctor for a total of 18 episodes, including two Christmas specials.

  • A spin-off series, The War Between The Land and the Sea, and an animated series for CBeebies are still planned under the previous agreement.

Reasons Cited for the Partnership's End

Reports suggest a confluence of factors contributed to the dissolution of the Doctor Who and Disney+ alliance. While neither Disney nor the BBC has publicly commented on the specific reasons for the split, several accounts point to performance and strategic alignment issues.

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  • Audience Reach and Engagement:

  • Doctor Who struggled to convert casual viewers into a large-scale, devoted fanbase on Disney+, a crucial metric for the streamer's investment.

  • Concerns were raised that the show failed to break out beyond its existing fanbase, particularly failing to capture a mainstream American audience.

  • Budgetary Concerns:

  • The reported substantial budget associated with the Disney-backed seasons was a significant factor.

  • Some analyses suggest that the glossy, high-budget presentation of Doctor Who under Disney may have been misaligned with the show's inherent identity.

  • Strategic Differences:

  • Reports indicate a "complete lack of enthusiasm over at Disney" for the franchise.

  • There were alleged plans to "Marvel-ize" the franchise, which reportedly did not materialize or succeed as anticipated, leading to the deal's collapse.

BBC's Stance and Future Plans

Despite the end of the Disney partnership, the BBC has reiterated its commitment to Doctor Who, asserting that the show is "not going anywhere." The broadcaster plans to continue production independently, though this raises significant financial questions.

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  • Continued Commitment:

  • Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama at the BBC, stated that the corporation "remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas."

  • Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, had previously reassured fans that the show would continue on the broadcaster.

  • Zai Bennett, CEO of BBC Studios Global Content, affirmed the BBC's dedication to ensuring the show has a "long and flourishing life."

  • Production and Release Schedule:

  • Following the departure of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in May 2025, the series will face an extended break.

  • The show is slated to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at Christmas 2026, marking a gap of approximately 19 months.

  • Russell T Davies has agreed to write another Christmas special for 2026.

  • The return of Billie Piper as Rose Tyler in the season finale has been confirmed, though her exact role moving forward remains unclear, with some speculation suggesting she may be a placeholder.

  • Budgetary Gap:

  • The departure of Disney leaves a void in funding for the show, and it remains unclear how BBC Studios will compensate for the financial gap left by Disney's withdrawal. Bennett's response when asked about BBC Studios potentially bridging this gap was notably evasive.

Impact on the Franchise and Fan Reception

The conclusion of the Disney partnership signifies a return to the BBC's independent production model for Doctor Who, a format that has historically defined the series. However, the financial implications and the extended hiatus are points of contention for the show's audience.

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  • Loss of Global Reach:

  • While the BBC is committed to the show, its distribution outside the UK and Ireland will no longer be facilitated by Disney+.

  • Budgetary Uncertainty:

  • The "big-ticket budget" associated with the Disney era has been a subject of discussion, and its absence necessitates a clear funding strategy for future seasons.

  • Fan Sentiment:

  • The extended break has been met with disappointment, alongside relief that the show has not been canceled outright.

  • The ambiguity surrounding the ending of Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor and the role of Billie Piper has fueled considerable fan discussion and speculation.

  • Some commentary suggests that Doctor Who "never belonged with Disney+" and that the BBC going it alone might be a more suitable arrangement for the franchise's integrity.

Expert and Insider Perspectives

Commentators and industry insiders have offered varied interpretations of the Doctor Who-Disney split, focusing on the show's performance and the strategic implications for both entities.

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"Doctor Who's Post-Disney Reset Season 15 concluded on an ambiguous note… So what doomed the Doctor Who deal, and what comes next? Our BBC Studios insider argues that Disney’s indifference towards Doctor Who may prove to be a blessing in disguise."— Deadline

"The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas."— Lindsay Salt, BBC Director of Drama

"With love, the Disney+ version Doctor Who looked too expensive. Gatwa played the Doctor for two seasons and two Christmas specials on Disney+ totaling 18 episodes. While certain other things about the Disney+ era felt wrong, Gatwa's Doctor always felt right."— Collider

Conclusion and Unanswered Questions

The end of the Doctor Who and Disney+ partnership marks a significant transition for the iconic series. While the BBC has affirmed its commitment to the show's continuation, the departure of a major international distributor and co-producer creates substantial financial and logistical challenges. The extended hiatus until Christmas 2026 provides a window for the BBC to solidify its funding strategy and plan for the show's future direction.

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Key questions remain:

  • How will the BBC bridge the significant budgetary gap left by Disney's withdrawal?

  • Will the independent production model impact the scale and ambition of future seasons?

  • What is the long-term strategy for Doctor Who's global distribution and audience engagement following the termination of the Disney+ deal?

  • What is the precise narrative function of Billie Piper's return and its implications for the next Doctor?

The BBC's assurance that Doctor Who will continue suggests resilience, but the financial realities of its independent production will undoubtedly shape the show's next chapter.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Doctor Who ending?
No, the BBC says the show is not going anywhere.
Q: Why is Disney not helping anymore?
Reports say it was because the show did not get enough new fans on Disney+ and maybe because of money.
Q: When will new Doctor Who shows be on?
The show will have a long break and is planned to return at Christmas 2026.
Q: Who is the Doctor now?
Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor, but he will leave in May 2025. A new Doctor will come after the break.