As we first reported on SFFGazette.com, the BBC has officially published an invitation to tender for the production of Doctor Who, specifying what it's looking for and how soon the long-running sci-fi series could return to our screens.
Russell T. Davies' latest stint in the TARDIS was meant to Marvel-ize the "Whoniverse," but neither Disney+ nor viewers stuck around for what proved a largely disappointing reboot. His latest run was defined by controversial creative decisions and politics that many fans felt were a step too far for Doctor Who (incel culture and pronouns factored heavily into stories).
For this new take—whether it addresses that big Billie Piper cliffhanger remains to be seen—the BBC is offering a contract for "a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series."
The BBC is seeking to keep the show in Wales and will continue to broadcast Doctor Who while retaining all rights to it. The full breakdown of what it's seeking can be found here.
The broadcaster writes, "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."
"Aside from the central character of the Doctor, you will need to develop at least one companion for the series," the BBC explains. "Companions should be distinctive, authentic characters in their own right, whose lives, relationships, ambitions, and personal journeys enrich the series. They should serve as an access point for audiences whilst also challenging, supporting, and influencing the Doctor."
"Stories should balance high concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives, ensuring that spectacle is always grounded in character and human experience," it continues. "Episodes should transport audiences to extraordinary times and places, ranging from historical settings to distant futures, alien worlds, and contemporary Earth."
"Successful pitches will deliver 'back of the sofa' scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience. Doctor Who embraces themes that celebrate curiosity, courage, intelligence, and compassion, themes that interrogate the human condition and most of all, it should and will always be distinctively British storytelling."
Interestingly, it's said that producers should not be "overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore," instead bringing a "new perspective that ensures Doctor Who remains relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring for both long-standing fans and new audiences."
Visually, Doctor Who "should feel cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious, capable of competing for audience attention in a highly competitive global market."
Much of this feels like a deliberate attempt to move away from the last decade or more of Doctor Who storytelling. It remains to be seen who comes up with a take that can bring people back to a series that's languished on the verge of cancellation for several years.
Doctor Who has plenty of potential, and with the right creative team, it can surely be restored to its former glory. We're still a long way off from casting, especially as the tender process has only just begun, but a 2028/2029 launch is a major positive for fans.
Stay tuned for updates on Doctor Who as we have them.