Disney Withdraws Support for ‘Doctor Who’
The BBC has officially announced that the beloved series Doctor Who is set to return on Christmas 2026, this time without Disney’s involvement. This conclusion follows months of speculation regarding the future of the iconic show.
Doctor Who’s Return Without Disney Support
After two successful seasons and an upcoming spinoff titled The War Between the Land and the Sea, Disney will not extend its partnership with the BBC for Doctor Who. The decision comes as both parties had previously explored the future of the show amid declining viewership numbers.
Viewership Trends and Partnership Changes
The 2025 season, featuring an exit from Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor, averaged just 3.2 million viewers per episode. This marked a decline from previous seasons, with viewership dropping by approximately 500,000 compared to Gatwa’s debut season in 2024.
- Viewership 2025: 3.2 million average per episode
- Viewership decline: Down by about 500,000 from 2024
In a statement, Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s Director of Drama, expressed gratitude to Disney for their collaboration over the last two seasons. “We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere,” she reassured, emphasizing the BBC’s commitment to the show’s legacy.
Future Plans for Doctor Who
While details about the ensemble cast for the upcoming Christmas special remain under wraps, Russell T Davies will return as the writer for this installment. The BBC has also hinted at future projects, including an animated version aimed at preschool audiences, and will seek a production partner for its development.
As fans eagerly wait for the Christmas special in 2026, the BBC is working on a comprehensive plan to keep Doctor Who relevant and beloved. Further announcements regarding the next season will be made in due course.
