BBC Confirms Commitment to Doctor Who Despite Ratings Drop, Disney Deal Uncertainty

The BBC has firmly stated that Doctor Who will continue despite recent speculation about the show's cancellation following Ncuti Gatwa's sudden departure and declining viewership. At the Edinburgh TV Festival, BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips and Director of Drama Lindsay Salt reassured fans that the series would remain on the BBC "with or without Disney," emphasizing their commitment to the long-running sci-fi favorite. The show's partnership with Disney+, which began in 2022, has been beneficial for international audiences but controversial among UK viewers due to episodes premiering earlier on streaming platforms rather than in the traditional Saturday evening time slot. Ratings for Season 15 dropped significantly compared to previous seasons, though the BBC noted that the show still performs well with younger viewers. Uncertainty around the show's future has been linked to Disney's indecision on renewing its co-production deal, but the BBC continues to prioritize Doctor Who and related projects like the upcoming spinoff The War Between The Land and The Sea. Showrunner Russell T Davies has stated that decisions about the series' future rest with the BBC and Disney, and he himself is not involved in those negotiations.