After Disney exit, BBC launches war to pick Doctor Who's next producer

The BBC has begun the process of selecting a new producer for Doctor Who’s next chapter, launching a competitive tender for Season 16. The broadcaster is inviting production companies to submit pitches that will outline a fresh vision for the long‑running sci‑fi series.

The initiative follows the departure of former showrunner Russell T Davies and producer Bad Wolf, as well as the expiration of a Disney co‑production deal.

In June, the BBC announced a major creative rethink for Doctor Who after Davies and Bad Wolf abandoned ship, and it also confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa would not return as the Time Lord. The network now seeks to bring in new creative leadership capable of revitalizing the iconic series for both existing fans and new viewers.

The tender document outlines expectations for a show that remains “relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring.”

The BBC’s invitation requires producers to propose a structure that could be serialised or a ‘story‑of‑the‑week’, with no fixed episode count. It also says the show should employ episodic writers once production starts, rather than relying on a single showrunner model.

Additionally, pitches must include at least one companion character and transport audiences from historical settings to distant futures, alien worlds and contemporary Earth.

## Background & Context

Doctor Who has long been a staple of British television, but its creative direction has shifted numerous times over its decades‑long history. The June announcement marked the most recent significant change, following the exit of two key figures and the end of a long‑standing partnership with Disney.

Those shifts prompted the BBC to consider a fresh approach that could re‑energise the franchise.

In its tender, the BBC emphasised that the new series should feel cinematic, distinctive and ambitious, capable of competing for audience attention in a highly competitive global market.

The document also encouraged innovative approaches to production, world‑building, visual effects and storytelling that maximise the scale and emotional impact of the Doctor Who universe.

Producers were asked to develop at least one companion character, with stories designed to transport viewers to extraordinary times and places, ranging from historical settings to distant futures, alien worlds, and contemporary Earth.

The tender also required that the show deliver “back of the sofa” scares, jeopardy and tension while remaining suitable for a broad family audience.

Finally, it noted that Doctor Who should celebrate curiosity, courage, intelligence and compassion—values that interrogate the human condition and are distinctively British in their storytelling.

## Producers Reactions

Earlier this year, the BBC reached out to four respected UK drama producers to gauge their appetite for taking on Doctor Who. All expressed serious reservations about becoming a gun‑for‑hire project that would be heavily controlled by a national broadcaster.

The producers cited concerns that they would not own the rights to a series that could become a significant drain on resources and creative energy. They also worried about funding after the Disney deal expired, and some questioned whether the Time Lord would remain relevant to young audiences.

Despite these reservations, some producers were more upbeat. One senior producer described Doctor Who as an intriguing prospect and a potential resource sink, while Simon Heath, known for Line of Duty, told the Radio Times he was interested in the show.

## Next Steps

Producers who submit an initial proposal by October 2 will be invited to a detailed discussion with BBC Studios before a final interview with the BBC in January 2027. The final contract is expected to be awarded in March of that year.

The tender document encourages producers to seek third‑party investment, although it does not prescribe a specific budget. Shortlisted tenderers will have the opportunity to discuss their proposed specification with BBC Studios prior to the final interview.

BBC Studios will continue to handle distribution, licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences for Doctor Who. The partnership underscores the broadcaster’s commitment to maintaining control over the franchise’s commercial and creative output.

The outcome of the tender process will determine who will helm Doctor Who’s next season.