Doctor Who Disney+ Deal Ends as BBC Seeks New Global Partner

Disney+ will no longer be the global home for Doctor Who. The streaming giant has ended its partnership with the BBC for the iconic sci-fi series. The change affects viewers everywhere outside the UK and Ireland.

The BBC has confirmed it remains committed to the show’s future. A new Christmas special is already planned for 2026, written by showrunner Russell T Davies.

Partnership Concluded After Two Seasons

The original deal was announced with much fanfare in October 2022. It covered the two most recent seasons starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. It also included the upcoming spinoff, *The War Between the Land and the Sea*.

According to Reuters, Disney+ will retain the rights to stream the content already produced under the agreement. This means the Gatwa seasons and the spinoff will stay on the platform in their respective territories. The split was not entirely unexpected, as the initial term was for a set period.

Search Begins for a New Streaming Home

The BBC must now find a new international distributor for the long-running series. This search comes at a critical time for the show’s global brand expansion. The partnership with Disney was a major push to grow the show’s audience in key markets like the United States.

Reports from the Associated Press suggest the show did not become a breakout hit on the level of other Disney+ franchises. It never appeared on Nielsen’s top 10 streaming originals list in the US. The BBC’s next move will be closely watched by the show’s dedicated global fanbase.

The end of the Disney+ deal marks a significant turning point for Doctor Who, but the BBC assures fans the Doctor’s journey is far from over. The search for a new global streaming partner for Doctor Who begins now.

Thought you’d like to know-

Where can I watch the recent Doctor Who seasons now?

The recent seasons with Ncuti Gatwa will remain on Disney+ in territories where the deal was active. The BBC will announce a new international streaming partner for future seasons in due course.

Is Doctor Who ending after the Disney+ deal?

No, the BBC has confirmed the show is continuing. A Christmas special for 2026 is already in development, and plans for the next full series will be announced later.

Who will play the next Doctor?

The BBC has not officially confirmed the next actor to play the Doctor. The most recent episode ended with a surprise regeneration into the form of former companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper.

What happens to the Doctor Who spinoff series?

The spinoff, *The War Between the Land and the Sea*, was part of the Disney+ partnership and will still stream on the platform internationally. Its future beyond that initial release is unclear.

Why did the Disney+ deal end?

The initial agreement covered a specific number of seasons and the spinoff. Both parties have simply concluded that term. Speculation suggests the show did not meet Disney’s viewership expectations for a major franchise.