While it’s not certain if progressive values, or ‘wokeness,’ have completely destroyed the BBC and Disney’s partnership, a recent report suggests it likely contributed to its end. The issue? The idea of a Black, gay main character, along with a diverse cast and storylines, apparently didn’t appeal to audiences in the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency.
Doctor Who has a long history of embracing diversity. Since the show returned in 2005, it’s featured groundbreaking moments like a kiss between The Doctor and Jack Harkness, subtle suggestions of The Doctor’s bisexuality, and later, significant steps forward with a female Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), diverse companions, transgender characters, and storylines that addressed relevant social issues.
The recent controversy surrounding the show has sparked online backlash, as anticipated. However, according to Deadline, it may have also influenced Disney’s decision not to renew its co-funding agreement with the BBC after the current contract ends with the upcoming spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea. A source familiar with the situation told the publication that the show wasn’t performing well enough on Disney+ to justify continued investment. Specifically, the report suggests that Doctor Who was perceived as being “too progressive” for some American audiences, and this played a role in Disney’s thinking about renewing the contract.
Russell T. Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, has dismissed the idea that the show has become “woke” as silly. He believes anything labeled “woke” is simply being accepting and inclusive, and points out that Doctor Who has always championed diversity.
Despite various explanations – including claims from Disney that Ncuti Gatwa wasn’t right for the role after David Tennant, and suggestions from the BBC that Disney’s marketing failed – the core issue remains the same: the show will no longer receive financial support from Disney.
What Is the Future of ‘Doctor Who’?
BBC/Disney+
Even though Disney and the BBC’s partnership fell through, Doctor Who will continue. The show has been a fan favorite for over 60 years, and after a break, Russell T. Davies is planning a special holiday episode for December 2026.
It’s currently unclear what the future holds for Doctor Who after this current storyline. We don’t know if mysteries like Billie Piper’s return will be resolved, or if a new Doctor will take the lead in a future season. Since there won’t be any new episodes for over a year, fans will have plenty of time to discuss possibilities before the show returns for a Christmas special in 2026.
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2025-11-02 17:47