*One of television’s most beloved sci-fi franchises is entering uncharted territory. Russell T. Davies is stepping down as showrunner of “Doctor Who,” and the BBC is now inviting production companies to help shape the show’s next chapter.
Davies broke the news on Instagram, framing his departure not as an ending but as the beginning of something bigger. “GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show,” he wrote, adding that the BBC is putting the series out to tender. The process opens the door for new production partners to co-produce the next series.
Along with the leadership change, the BBC confirmed the previously announced Christmas special will not move forward. The network explained that the decision was made to prioritize the show’s long-term future over a one-off bridge episode. Davies assured fans the wait will be worth it. “You’ll be waiting for MORE Doctor Who than a one-off. So it’s worth it!” he wrote.
The shake-up comes seven months after Disney+ ended its distribution partnership with the BBC in October 2025. That collaboration spanned two seasons starring Ncuti Gatwa, five specials between 2023 and 2025, and the spinoff “The War Between the Land and the Sea.”
Scroll to continue reading
Davies has deep roots with the franchise. He led the series revival in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston in the title role, guided David Tennant through four seasons, and returned for the 2023 anniversary specials and both of Gatwa’s seasons.
The transition arrives just as American fans gain fresh access to the series. AMC+ recently launched all 13 seasons and 175 episodes of “Doctor Who” from 2005 to 2022 on its platform, giving new and returning viewers a chance to revisit the full run of the longest-running British science fiction series on television. A launch trailer is also now available – watch below.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: BBC Confirms ‘Doctor Who’ Will Continue After Disney+ Partnership Ends
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE
