Doctor Who is one of Britain’s biggest exports alongside roast potatoes, Adele, and a high tolerance for queuing – and it’s just got a lot bigger, with news the BBC’s legendary sci-fi series is heading to Disney+.
This means that all new episodes of Doctor Who will air on Disney+ everywhere except the UK and Ireland where it will remain on the BBC first. However, it’s likely that all previous series will end up on the streamer and new ones could be added to Disney+ in the UK after a certain amount of time.
Joining forces with the Mouse House could give Doctor Who a much-needed refresh, with a big audience and even bigger budget.
Disney will co-produce the upcoming specials and full series of Doctor Who, with production already well underway. David Tennant and Catherine Tate will return as the Doctor and Donna Noble in three specials to air in November 2023 for the show’s 60th anniversary.
Next Christmas, Sex Education breakout star Ncuti Gatwa will take over as the Fifteenth Doctor, before retuning for a full series presumably in 2024.
If you think those numbers look odd, then you’re not alone. David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010, but his return will instead see him portray the Fourteenth Doctor. Quite how that will be explained is literally anybody’s guess at this point.
'I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds,' said returning showrunner Russell T Davies. 'With the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.'
A new logo for a new era! Doctor Who returns in 2023 on the @BBC in the UK and @DisneyPlus in the rest of the world 🔷✨
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) October 25, 2022
Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/X7Z4Lfzr6J pic.twitter.com/FlGCp6GA5a
The sci-fi series has been steadily building on its international following, boostered by the likes of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan’s presence in the Marvel and Game of Thrones franchises – and this move lays the foundations for the Timelord to go truly global.
To mark the occasion, a new logo has been unveiled for the new era and it harks back to the show’s retro beginnings.
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