Doctor Who fans are expressing horror and despair after BBC director-general Matt Brittin revealed he was sent a 50-minute episode of the sci-fi series made using artificial intelligence, which he described as 'pretty good'.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference, Brittin said the episode he saw was 'pretty good' but insisted AI is 'not going to replace humans' in the creative field.
Fan backlash on social media
Taking to X after his comments surfaced, @LadyGravemaster stated: 'This is a pretty damning admission'.
'Being a Doctor Who fan in 2026 is just non stop humiliation rituals', wrote @kingsmillirving, while @PotNoodleOW said: 'It's genuinely so over.' @willbondspeare said: 'if doctor who ever uses ai, kill the show!!' @qLxke_ called the remarks 'embarrassing', while @beeeeeeaan said: 'doctor who is done, it's over.'
Context of the comments
Brittin, who joined the BBC earlier this year after spending 18 years with Google, was weighing in on recent comments by Amazon international chief Kelly Day. Day insisted AI 'brings down costs, meaning more stories can be made, more diverse voices can get heard and more creative risks get taken'.
Responding, Brittin said: 'Everyone's got the ability in their hands — or six billion people have — to create content at the standard of a Hollywood studio. In some cases it's not perfect, but look at what you can do, and that's changing all the time.'
Future of Doctor Who
While the immediate future of Doctor Who doesn't appear to be AI, it is uncertain, as the BBC officially put the long-running sci-fi series out to competitive tender in June. The announcement was made alongside the cancellation of the 2026 Christmas special, with showrunner Russell T Davies also departing.
Additionally, the BBC recently published criteria for production companies hoping to take on the beloved franchise, saying it is looking for an initial 'brief editorial online for a new multi-episode series' which will include 'potential for specials'. The idea is for Doctor Who to return in 2028 or 2029, with a decision to be made on its production in March 2027.
Outlining the plans, the BBC said: 'We are commissioning a new flagship series of Doctor Who. 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.'
Companies hoping to land the job have been told to be 'brave' and urged to 'innovate and surprise' bosses, striking a balance between 'high concept science fiction' and 'strong emotional narratives'. They continued: 'Successful pitches will deliver “back of the sofa” scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience.'
Still, it wants to maintain 'distinctively British storytelling', although they are 'flexible' in terms of whether the new Doctor Who will be 'serialised' or presented as a weekly story. Prospective production companies have been told to develop 'at least one' companion for the series, noting that they should be 'distinctive, authentic characters in their own right'. Famous companions of the past include Sarah Jane Smith, played by the late Elisabeth Sladen; Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper; and, most recently, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.
When it comes to the visuals, the BBC want a series that feels 'cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious, capable of competing for audience attention in a highly competitive global market'. They 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. Be brave, have fun, and we look forward to hearing from you.'
As for who might step into the Tardis next and succeed Ncuti Gatwa, who was the Fifteenth Doctor from 2023 to 2025, with his run ending on a cliffhanger, the conversation is wide open. Recently, fans threw Daniel Craig's name into the mix after a first look at him in Greta Gerwig's upcoming Narnia film, The Magician's Nephew, although it's unlikely any lead actor will be confirmed for the iconic role anytime soon.
