The BBC has officially confirmed plans for a new series of Doctor Who, with a release window of 2028/2029. The broadcaster has put the show out to tender, inviting production studios to bid to helm the series into a new era, while its home remains with the BBC.
Tender details and expectations
According to the tender document, companies should propose ‘a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series.’ The broadcaster stated: ‘The series should feel contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations…’
The BBC expects the core elements to remain: the Time Lord at the wheel of the TARDIS alongside a companion with a rich life of their own. Stories should ‘balance high-concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives’ and remain a family show with ‘distinctly British storytelling’.
Flexible format and timeline
The tender document adds: ‘We are flexible in the way the series is structured i.e. serialised or ‘story-of-the-week’ and the number of episodes which make up the series…’ The BBC is also not wedded to a ‘strict showrunner model’, a staple of the reboot under Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, and Chris Chibnall.
The document concluded: ‘Doctor Who is a show that has sparked conversation, taken risks and inspired audiences for decades, and we are looking for this series to continue that tradition.’ A final decision is set to be made in spring 2027.
Future of the show
The tender follows the end of the BBC’s collaboration with Disney Plus after two seasons. Several streaming executives have expressed interest, with Prime Video’s UK scripted senior commissioner John Oliver declaring he ‘loves Doctor Who, and welcomes any conversations around IP’, while Netflix UK content boss Anne Mensah added that she ‘thinks Doctor Who belongs on the BBC.’
There remains uncertainty over the cliffhanger of Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerating into Billie Piper, and no word yet on who could be the next lead. Richard Osman has suggested SNL UK breakout George Fouracres as a contender, who told Metro: ‘It’s hard to talk about because… like, obviously that would be my biggest dream ever come true, ever. That would be obviously the thing I would probably most like to do in the universe.’
