The TARDIS lands in the House of Mouse in 2023, as Disney+ becomes the show’s international home
It’s been talked about for months among Doctor Who fans. But today the BBC and Disney Branded Television have officially unveiled their plans for Doctor Who. They’ve described their aim for next year’s 60th Anniversary as transforming Doctor Who into a global franchise for UK audiences and the rest of the world.
Under a shared creative vision, they will deliver this quintessentially British show to future generations on an unprecedented scale with Disney+ as the exclusive home for new seasons of Doctor Who outside the UK and Ireland. The announcement – which was made this morning by the next Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa, during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan – begins a new collaboration between BBC and Disney Branded Television.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies describes the partnership as “the best of both worlds”
Both partners have aligned under returning showrunner Russell T Davies’ bold vision, who takes control of the TARDIS in 2023. He was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005 and is credited with propelling the show into one of TV’s biggest hits.
“I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds,” explains Davies, “with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.”
Doctor Who’s Executive Producers, Bad Wolf’s Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter, are similarly enthusiastic. “For Doctor Who to have the backing of two of the most innovative and respected media organizations in the world is a testament to the unique drive and vision at the heart of this show,” they say.
“Bad Wolf are beyond delighted to be once again working with the genius that is Russell T Davies and, with the exciting new partnership between the BBC and Disney, we can together reach to even greater heights, producing from Wolf Studios Wales ambitious stories through time and space for audiences across the globe.”
BBC executives call the new deal thrilling and exciting
Meanwhile, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, described the partnership as being centred on bring the Doctor’s epic adventures to new audiences on an ambitious scale. “We are thrilled to announce this exciting global partnership with Disney who are the perfect partners to bring this very British show to the rest of the world,” she says.
“Russell T Davies’ vision for Doctor Who has always been out of this world and we are committed to ensuring that audiences across the globe get the opportunity to enjoy the Doctor’s epic adventures with the scale and ambition that they deserve. Joining forces with Disney will elevate the show to even greater heights and reach new audiences so it’s an extremely exciting time for fans in the UK and across the world.”
Rebecca Glashow, the CEO of BBC Studios Global Distribution also comments, “We’re delighted to join forces with a partner who shares our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic shows in British TV history. This is great news for everyone who loves Doctor Who, and for all the new fans we will reach through this powerful partnership.”
Disney executives are similarly enthusiastic saying fans around the world should “grab their sonic screwdrivers” for next year
Things have been equally enthusiastic on the Disney+ side of the equation. Alison Bowen, President of Disney+ says “We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalog of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.”
Avo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, praised Doctor Who’s long history and expressed his excitement at the new partnership: “Doctor Who has captivated the imaginations of families around the world for the past six decades. We are so excited about this collaboration with the BBC, and the opportunity to bring this iconic franchise – and Russell T Davies’ brilliant vision – to life for a huge new global audience. Grab your sonic screwdrivers and prepare to travel through time and space!”
The new episodes will premiere on the BBC and Disney+ beginning in late 2023 for fans all over the world. The show will be produced in Wales by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios Production.
Doctor Who returns in November 2023 for three 60th Anniversary specials
