Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Disney+ Exits Doctor Who Partnership with BBC After Two Seasons
Imagine Doctor Who is a special toy that the BBC made.
For a while, a big friend named Disney helped pay for the toy and get it to more kids around the world.
Now, Disney has decided to stop helping with the toy after making it for two seasons and helping with one more special toy show.
But the BBC says they love Doctor Who very much and will keep making it themselves, just like before.
They are even planning a new Christmas episode and more shows.
So, even though the friend is leaving, the toy will still be around and made by the original maker.
Disney+ will no longer be partnered with the BBC for Doctor Who after two seasons and an upcoming spin-off.
The BBC has confirmed Doctor Who will continue, with a Christmas special penned by Russell T. Davies set for 2026.
BBC drama director Lindsay Salt thanked Disney for their collaboration over the past two seasons.
Rumors of Disney+'s exit had been circulating for months, with the initial deal covering 26 episodes.
Despite significant investment, ratings and viewership impact on Disney+ may have contributed to the decision to end the partnership.
- Who
- Disney+ and BBC
- What
- Disney+ is ending its partnership with the BBC on Doctor Who after two seasons.
- When
- After two seasons, with the partnership officially ending following the upcoming spin-off.
- Where
- Global partnership, primarily impacting international distribution and production financing.
- Why
- Disney+ is exiting the deal, with potential reasons including lower-than-hoped-for ratings and viewership impact on Disney+.
- Partnership Duration
- Two seasons plus an upcoming spin-off
- Upcoming Content
- 2026 Christmas special, new series, pre-school animation
- Showrunner
- Russell T. Davies
- Estimated Cost Per Episode
- £10M ($13.3M)
- Previous Doctor Actor
- Ncuti Gatwa
- Current Doctor Actor
- N/A (implied to continue with new Doctor)
- Production Company
- Bad Wolf