Doctor Who’s Global Future in Flux as Disney+ Exits BBC Streaming Partnership

The long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who is searching for a new international home. Disney+ has ended its global streaming partnership with the BBC. The change takes effect after the upcoming spinoff, “The War Between the Land and the Sea.”

This development leaves the show’s future availability outside the UK and Ireland uncertain. The BBC, however, has confirmed its full commitment to continuing the beloved program.

BBC Reaffirms Commitment Amidst Distribution Shift

According to the BBC, the corporation remains dedicated to Doctor Who. Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s Director of Drama, publicly thanked Disney+ for its collaboration. She also confirmed writer Russell T Davies is already developing a new Christmas special for 2026.

The initial deal, announced in October 2022, covered two seasons and the forthcoming spinoff. Disney+ will retain the rights to stream the Ncuti Gatwa-led seasons in its territories. The search for a new global distributor for future seasons is now a top priority for the BBC.

Analyzing the Impact on the Whoniverse

The end of this partnership marks a significant shift in the show’s global strategy. It comes after the recent season finale, which saw the Doctor regenerate into a surprising form. Reports from Reuters noted that the series did not become a breakout hit for Disney+ on the level of its major franchises.

For international fans, the immediate future of how they watch new episodes is now unclear. The BBC must secure a new partner to maintain the global reach it cultivated with Disney. This move underscores the challenges niche genre shows face on massive global streaming platforms.

The Doctor’s journey is far from over, but the path to international audiences has taken an unexpected turn. The BBC’s next steps in securing a new global home for Doctor Who will be critical for the franchise’s worldwide fanbase.

Thought you’d like to know

Is Doctor Who cancelled?

No, Doctor Who is not cancelled. The BBC has explicitly stated it remains fully committed to the series. A new Christmas special is already planned for 2026.

Where can I watch the recent seasons with Ncuti Gatwa?

Disney+ will continue to stream the two seasons produced during its partnership. This includes all episodes featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in regions outside the UK and Ireland.

Who is the next Doctor after Ncuti Gatwa?

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

What does this mean for international fans?

Fans outside the UK and Ireland will need a new streaming service to watch seasons beyond the upcoming spinoff. The BBC will announce a new international distribution partner in the future.

Why did Disney+ end the partnership?

Neither company has specified a reason. The original deal was for a set term covering two seasons and a spinoff, which has now concluded.