The long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who is departing Disney+ in the U.S. after its two-season run on the streamer. The show will continue on the BBC with a 2026 Christmas special, while previous episodes remain available on Disney+. The departure follows Ncuti Gatwa's exit as the Doctor, with Billie Piper regenerating into the role.
Background
Doctor Who became Disney+'s exclusive U.S. home for new episodes starting in November 2023, coinciding with the series' 60th anniversary and Ncuti Gatwa's tenure as the Time Lord. The partnership covered two seasons and specials, including the Season 2 finale "The Reality War," which concluded Gatwa's run. Reflecting on his time, Gatwa stated, "This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever."
Regeneration and Return
The finale featured a regeneration where the Doctor transforms into a familiar face: Billie Piper, known for her role as companion Rose Tyler in the mid-2000s alongside Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. Piper expressed her excitement, saying, "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse."
Future on BBC
Despite leaving Disney+, the series remains committed to the BBC. It will return with a 2026 Christmas special penned by showrunner Russell T. Davies. The two seasons and specials previously streamed on Disney+ will stay available there. BBC's director of drama, Lindsay Salt, commented, "We'd like to thank Disney+ for being terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons, and for the upcoming 'The War Between the Land and the Sea.' The BBC remains fully committed to 'Doctor Who', which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026. We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course which will ensure the TARDIS remains at the heart of the BBC." Plans for future seasons are forthcoming.