BBC Regains Full Control of Doctor Who After Disney+ Partnership Ends

Doctor Who has ended its partnership with Disney+ after just two seasons, returning the iconic British sci-fi series to exclusive BBC control. The BBC has affirmed its commitment to continue the franchise, with Russell T Davies confirmed to write a Christmas special scheduled for 2026. The split comes after Disney+ struggled to achieve strong viewership for the show, which never cracked the US Nielsen Streaming Top 10, and some fans criticized the Disney-era seasons for prioritizing spectacle over the series' traditional British storytelling style. With Disney+ ceasing production and funding, the BBC will now oversee all creative and financial decisions, restoring the show's distinct British sensibility and allowing for creative risk-taking. While existing seasons and the upcoming spin-off "The War Between the Land and the Sea" remain available on Disney+, future episodes will premiere solely on BBC platforms, prompting international distribution negotiations with potential partners like Netflix and HBO Max. The hiatus until the 2026 Christmas special introduces a 19-month gap that impacts production schedules and viewer access, particularly in the U.S., where fans may need to seek alternative streaming options.