BBC Confirms Doctor Who Continues Despite Disney+ Exit

The BBC has firmly confirmed that Doctor Who will continue to air on the network despite recent fears of cancellation following Ncuti Gatwa's departure as the Fifteenth Doctor after just two seasons. BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips reassured fans at the Edinburgh Television Festival that the show "is going nowhere" and will remain on the BBC with or without its co-production partner Disney+, which had previously hosted the show on its streaming service in the U.S. Though the partnership with Disney+ will continue for the spin-off "The War Between The Land And The Sea," the main series' future is secure regardless of Disney's involvement. Ratings for the latest season averaged 3.2 million viewers, a decline from previous seasons, which contributed to speculation about the show's future, but the BBC remains committed to keeping the long-running sci-fi series alive. Showrunner Russell T Davies previously indicated uncertainty about the show's future, but BBC executives have now provided the clearest assurance to date that Doctor Who will continue to be a key part of the broadcaster's lineup. Additionally, Billie Piper has returned in the role of the Doctor, marking a notable regeneration following Gatwa's exit.