Disney+ Drops 'Doctor Who': What's Next for the Iconic Sci-Fi Series?

After two seasons together, Disney+ has officially ended its partnership with the BBC on 'Doctor Who,' marking a major shift for the iconic sci-fi franchise's global distribution.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the collaboration between the two broadcasters covered two seasons starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, along with five special episodes released between 2023 and 2025. The partnership also included the upcoming spinoff series 'The War Between the Land and the Sea.'

Image Courtesy: IMDb

While the exit of Disney+ may raise concerns among fans, the BBC has confirmed that 'Doctor Who' is far from over. The network announced that the Time Lord will return on 25th December 2026, with a brand-new Christmas special written by returning showrunner Russell T Davies. Davies previously revived the series in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, later returning for the 2023 anniversary specials and Gatwa's run as the Doctor.

BBC Confirms 'Doctor Who' Will Continue

BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt acknowledged the end of the Disney+ partnership but reassured fans that the series remains a key part of the broadcaster's lineup. Salt expressed gratitude toward Disney+ for its global collaboration and emphasised that the BBC remains fully dedicated to the future of 'Doctor Who.'

Image Courtesy: IMDb

She also confirmed that plans for the next series are already in motion, ensuring that the TARDIS will continue to travel across time and space for years to come.

The decision does, however, have implications for international audiences. Since Disney+ was responsible for distributing the show outside the U.K., fans worldwide may see changes in how and where they can stream new episodes. Additionally, with the Disney partnership ending, the series' budget could revert to pre-Disney levels—potentially impacting production scale and visual effects.

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What’s Next for the 'Doctor Who' Universe

Before the 2026 Christmas special, fans will get another Whoniverse adventure in the upcoming five-episode spinoff, 'The War Between the Land and the Sea.' 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The series stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, both of whom previously appeared on 'Doctor Who,' though they will play new roles in the spinoff. The story will follow the UNIT organisation as it faces off against the Sea Devils, with Jemma Redgrave reprising her role as Commander Kate Stewart.

Directed by Dylan Holmes Williams, with scripts by Russell T Davies and Pete McTighe, the spinoff will still debut on Disney+ despite the streamer’s withdrawal from future 'Doctor Who' projects.

Who Is the Next Doctor?

The future of the Doctor remains one of the biggest mysteries in the franchise. Ncuti Gatwa's run concluded in May 2025 with a shocking regeneration scene that saw Billie Piper—best known for playing companion Rose Tyler—appear as the new incarnation of the Time Lord. While fans quickly speculated that Piper would officially take on the role of the Sixteenth Doctor, the BBC has yet to confirm her status.

Image Courtesy: BBC

The network has stated that Piper's return will play a central role in the 2026 Christmas special, but it remains unclear if she will continue beyond that episode or if a new actor will eventually take the lead.

For now, 'Doctor Who' continues to evolve, proving that even after more than six decades on air, the adventures of the Doctor are far from over.

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