BBC launches tender for new Doctor Who production era

The BBC has officially launched a competitive tender process to find a new production partner for the next era of its flagship science fiction series, Doctor Who. The goal is to target a return to screens in the 2028–29 period.

This move follows the conclusion of the recent era involving showrunner Russell T Davies, the expiration of the co-production agreement with Disney, and the departure of lead actor Ncuti Gatwa. The BBC is seeking a creative vision that is “cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious” while remaining accessible to a broad family audience.

Notably, the BBC is not strictly requiring a single showrunner model, allowing for flexibility in narrative structure, such as episodic or serialized formats. Bidders must include at least one new companion character and are encouraged to propose innovative approaches to world-building and visual effects. The BBC also expressed a preference for maintaining production ties to Wales and meeting regional production standards. Initial proposals are due by early October, with a final decision expected in March 2027.