The BBC has officially confirmed the future of the renowned series Doctor Who, announcing a Christmas special set for release in 2026, penned by the show’s acclaimed writer Russell T Davies. This announcement comes in the wake of the conclusion of the show’s partnership with Disney+, with the BBC reiterating its unwavering commitment to the beloved franchise.
BBC’s Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, expressed gratitude towards Disney+ for their collaboration over the past two seasons and highlighted the anticipated spinoff titled The War Between the Land and the Sea, which is set to premiere on the BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year. Salt assured fans that Doctor Who remains a cherished part of the BBC’s lineup, emphasizing, “The Doctor is not going anywhere,” and promised that details about the next series would be revealed soon, thus maintaining the TARDIS as a focal point of the network.
In addition to the Christmas special, fans can look forward to a new Doctor Who animated series currently in development for CBeebies, although the BBC has yet to announce a streaming partner for the global release of the 2026 special.
Recent discussions surrounding Doctor Who have stirred a mix of opinions, especially following comments from a former writer who suggested the show was struggling. In response, Jane Tranter, co-founder of Bad Wolf, the production company behind the series, defended the show’s status, calling the assertion “really untrue.” She emphasized that fans would need to be patient as they await further updates about the show’s direction and future iterations.
The recent season finale has sparked intrigue, particularly due to Ncuti Gatwa’s departure and the surprise return of Billie Piper’s character in the closing moments, which has led to speculation about the franchise’s narrative direction. As fans eagerly await the next chapters of Doctor Who, the promise of a special event and new content only adds to the excitement surrounding this iconic series.