Why Doctor Who’s Disney break-up is actually the show’s greatest chance for reinvention in decades

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After months of wondering what would happen with Doctor Who, fans received confirmation this week about the show’s future. As many predicted, the BBC and Disney have ended their collaboration.

Disney+ and the BBC collaborated on the last two seasons of Doctor Who, including Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the Doctor with Russell T Davies back as showrunner. This partnership significantly increased the show’s production budget.

Since Ncuti Gatwa’s surprising departure in May – when his character unexpectedly transformed into Billie Piper, who once played Rose Tyler – people have been questioning what this means for the show’s future.

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Last month, things seemed uncertain for the show’s future. Producer Jane Tranter revealed that Disney hadn’t decided if it would renew the series after the initial 26 episodes, especially with the new spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, on the way.

Okay, so it’s official – the Disney+ deal for Doctor Who is off! But honestly, as a fan, I’m relieved. The good news is Russell T Davies is writing a Christmas special for next year, which is amazing, and the BBC has promised they’ll be sharing details about the next series soon. That’s a huge weight off my mind, and I’m really excited to see what they do with it!

I was really bummed to hear the deal fell through, and a new report from Deadline is starting to explain why. Apparently, ratings weren’t great here in the US, and Disney is tightening its budget. Plus, it sounds like Disney just wasn’t as excited about the show as they once were, especially with everything going on politically. It’s a shame, but it seems like a lot of factors contributed to this.

Yet this could be a fantastic opportunity to press pause on the show from the BBC’s side too.

We’re not suggesting a long hiatus like the one in the 1990s, but a break would give the show time to reassess its future direction. Franchises often lose their freshness after about twenty years, and this one has been running for that long now.

The original run of the show lasted 26 years, but viewership eventually started to fall. The reboot is facing similar challenges now, and the numbers are beginning to reflect that. Season 15 averaged around 3.8 million viewers, a significant drop from the 7-8 million viewers the show enjoyed during the popular eras with David Tennant and Matt Smith.

Before people start predicting the show’s failure, it’s important to remember that Doctor Who has always successfully reinvented itself. This ability to change and adapt is exactly what’s allowed it to last as long as other popular, long-running franchises like James Bond and Star Wars.

Just as Russell T Davies successfully revitalized Doctor Who for a new audience in 2005, it might be time to do the same thing again. A fresh start, with someone – or a team – who grew up with the show in the 21st century could be exactly what it needs.

We aren’t criticizing Russell T Davies; many of his episodes have been highly praised, and he’s continued to create excellent TV even after leaving Doctor Who. We fully expect him to do so again with his new show, Tip Toe.

Many fans feel the show hasn’t been consistently good lately, leaning too heavily on familiar content and a formulaic Marvel style. Some believe it needs fresh perspectives, with one Reddit user suggesting that new writers and creators are needed to give the show a modern touch.

In an interview with Deadline, Tony Jordan from the Doctor Who Appreciation Society also hinted that it could be time for a new person to lead the show creatively.

Honestly, I think a slightly smaller budget could actually be good for the show. Sure, having more money let them try some really big things visually, but Doctor Who has always been at its best when it’s clever and imaginative, not just flashy. It’s kind of counterintuitive, but less is often more with this show, you know?

One of the things people love about the show is its distinctive, slightly low-budget look – the sets, characters, and costumes reflect its BBC origins. This actually contributes to its uniquely British charm, and often forces the creative team to find clever and innovative solutions.

Okay, so think about regeneration. It started as a clever way to explain how the show could continue after William Hartnell, the original Doctor, had to leave. Now, it’s honestly one of the coolest things about Doctor Who, and a huge reason why the show has lasted for so long! It’s totally essential to keeping it fresh and going strong.

You know, I always thought the show had a really unique vibe, and apparently, it was partly because they didn’t have a ton of money! One of the execs told Deadline that when you do have a huge budget, things can actually get worse. It sounds like too many people start trying to play it safe and end up with something… just okay. So, the limitations actually helped them be more creative and stand out!

The split with Disney might actually be a good thing. It gives the show a chance to pause, re-evaluate its direction, and bring in fresh ideas after a few years. Considering the show has always been about time and change, it’s positive that it will continue.

Doctor Who is broadcast on BBC One in the UK and on Disney+ internationally. Fans in the UK can also stream classic episodes on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-10-31 16:20