Netflix Officially Addresses the Future of ‘Doctor Who’
Netflix has ruled out taking over "Doctor Who" production, with the streamer's UK content chief saying she believes the long-running sci-fi series belongs with the BBC. The comments come as the show's future remains uncertain following the end of its Disney+ partnership, the cancellation of a planned 2026 Christmas special, and the BBC putting the series out to competitive tender for a new production company.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival's 2026 Spotlight panel, Netflix UK's VP of Content Anne Mensah said she was a lifelong fan and would love to work with showrunner Russell T Davies, but insisted "Doctor Who belongs on the BBC." Uncertainty around the show has also been fuelled by Ncuti Gatwa's exit after two seasons and the ambiguous status of Billie Piper, who appeared in the Season 15 finale but has not been officially confirmed as the next Doctor, unlike previous stars Gatwa and Jodie Whittaker.
- Netflix says it won't take over "Doctor Who" from the BBC
- BBC is seeking a new production company via competitive tender
- Billie Piper's role as a possible new Doctor remains unconfirmed
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Doctor Who is a British science-fiction series made for the BBC, first broadcast in 1963. It follows the Doctor, an alien who travels through time and space, and whose appearance can change, allowing new actors to take on the role.
The BBC has worked with outside companies to make and distribute recent series, including a partnership with Disney+ for international streaming. That deal has ended, and the BBC is seeking a production company for the next run; the choice of partner could affect how the programme is made and funded.