The BBC has confirmed a brand new Doctor Who show, Doctor Who: Tardis Crew, a pre-school animated series set to air on CBeebies, arriving sooner than the 2028/2029 projection for the main show.
The series follows a young Time Lord Doctor, who has blue hair and wields a sonic screwdriver, alongside his crew of Hannah, Beastie and Toast-IE. The quartet will embark on adventures across time and space, with the BBC promising the series will be 'bursting with imagination, humour and adventure'.
First look at the new Doctor
The first look image shows the Doctor with a blue-haired, sonic screwdriver-wielding appearance and an eager-looking companion. It is not currently clear where this fits into the grand arc of his regeneration history.
The official announcement states: 'Travelling aboard the iconic Tardis, they encounter incredible creatures, discover amazing new worlds and come face-to-face with legendary Doctor Who foes, including the Daleks.'
Daleks get a cuddly rebrand
The Daleks have had a cuddly rebrand for the show, with the first look image showing their manipulation arm, which has always looked a bit like a plunger, has been turned plunger-red. Their eyestalk has also been anthropomorphised, with a big googley eye peeping out of it now.
The BBC statement continues: 'The series celebrates curiosity, courage and kindness, encouraging young viewers to explore new ideas, solve problems and embrace the unexpected.'
Production details and release
Doctor Who: Tardis Crew will comprise 52 bite-sized episodes at 11 minutes a piece and is currently in production. The show is set to hit CBeebies screens sometime from late 2027 to early 2028, hoping to introduce a younger audience to the Whoniverse.
Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said: 'The Tardis is ready for its youngest crew yet. Packed with imagination, humour and adventure, Doctor Who: Tardis Crew will inspire children to be curious, courageous and kind as they explore incredible worlds across time and space.'
It comes after the main show was officially put out to tender last month, inviting studios to envisage the future of the Doctor. The deadline for initial applications closed last week. Doctor Who: Tardis Crew will arrive on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer in late 2027/early 2028.
