Former ‘Doctor Who’ Boss Officially Predicts When the Sci-Fi Series Will Return
Russell T Davies says he expects production on a new Doctor Who era to begin next summer, with a new Doctor and companion. His estimate offers fans a possible timeline as the BBC considers who will take over the series, though no decision has been announced.
Davies told BBC Radio 4 that the BBC might choose a production company from competing tenders around 10 October, followed by a process he thinks could take another six months. He is no longer involved and stressed that his forecast is a guess. Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio’s company, Hat Trick Mercurio, is among the bidders and has reportedly considered a 2028 or 2029 refresh; Davies also ruled out returning as showrunner for a third time.
- Davies estimates production could start next summer.
- A new Doctor and companion are expected.
- The BBC has yet to confirm a production partner.
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Doctor Who is a long-running BBC science-fiction drama about the Doctor, an alien who travels through time and space, often with human companions. The lead role is recast from time to time, allowing the character and the series to begin new chapters.
The BBC oversees the programme and works with production companies to make it. Russell T Davies has led the series as showrunner, the person responsible for its creative direction, but says he is no longer involved; Jed Mercurio’s company is among those reported to have bid to produce it.
A change of production company or lead creative team can shape the programme’s style and future plans. The timing matters to viewers and people working on the show, but the BBC has not announced who will make the next series or when it will be made.