Zai Bennett, recently appointed production chief of BBC Studios after his tenure at Sky, has shared his optimistic vision for the future of the iconic series Doctor Who in his first interview. He emphasized the importance of BBC Studios in the series’ development, expressing a collective commitment to ensure that Doctor Who continues to thrive for years to come. “We’ve got the Christmas special coming. After that, it’s time for us all to work on it,” he told Deadline, highlighting upcoming plans for the beloved franchise.
With Disney’s exit from its streaming agreement for Doctor Who, which lasted two seasons, the BBC is now tasked with finding new financial strategies to compensate for the lost budget. Bennett noted the challenge of distributing the show to audiences beyond the UK, a critical aspect as global viewership becomes increasingly vital.
While he refrained from commenting on specific financial arrangements, Bennett echoed a spirit of collaboration, stating, “We’re all in it together,” which underscores the collective effort to keep Doctor Who prominent on television.
Fans can look forward to a 2026 Christmas special created by Bad Wolf and written by beloved showrunner Russell T. Davies, with production expected to ramp up in 2026. Despite recent challenges, the commitment from BBC Studios and its partners may herald a promising era for Doctor Who, as it continues to explore new creative avenues and audiences.