We'd heard rumours this might be the case, but the BBC and Disney+ have finally confirmed plans for Doctor Who to stream exclusively on the platform outside the UK and Ireland.
While the BBC will continue to be the show's home there, overseas fans will be able to watch new seasons on Disney+. Under a shared creative vision, the two companies look set to deliver this quintessentially British show to future generations on an unprecedented scale, and the next Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, broke the news on Live with Kelly and Ryan.
A press release notes that 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. Could he also oversee spinoffs for the streamer? That remains to be seen.
Davies says, "I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds –-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."
Disney+ President Alisa Bowen adds, "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."
The new episodes of Doctor Who will return to screens in November 2023 to coincide with the 60th anniversary and will premiere exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland. David Tennant will play the Fourteenth Doctor for three specials, before Ncuti Gatwa takes over the role as the Fifteenth Doctor over the festive season.
Take a look at the new Doctor Who logo below:
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