Doctor Who Showrunner Explains Why Disney+ Deal is Necessary for the Series’ Survival

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Doctor Who Showrunner Explains Why Disney+ Deal is Necessary for the Series’ Survival

During a recent interview on the They Like to Watch podcast, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies addressed the long-running sci-fi series’ partnership with Disney+, which began after the streamer acquired the international streaming rights to upcoming seasons in 2022.

Davies explained why Doctor Who’s Disney+ deal is vital to the beloved show’s future, revealing that he believes that its home network, the BBC, is “undoubtedly” nearing its end.

“I had already said in interviews that I think Doctor Who will have to become a co-pro, there’s no way the BBC is going to fund that,” Davies said. “You’ve also got to look in the long term at the end of the BBC, which is somehow, surely, undoubtedly on its way in some shape or form. What is Doctor Who going to do then? You have to prepare for that.”

Doctor Who Season 14 to Debut Simultaneously on Disney+ and BBC

Led by Ncuti Gatwa as the new timelord, Doctor Who Season 14 is set to be released simultaneously worldwide. It is scheduled to make its debut starting on Friday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. ET on Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally (excluding the UK) with the first two episodes.

“The next installment follows the Doctor and Ruby Sunday through infinite adventures across time and space in the TARDIS. From the Regency era in England to war-torn futures, the duo champion the forces of good while encountering incredible friends and dangerous foes,” reads the logline.

Doctor Who Season 14 hails from showrunner Russell T. Davies, who is executive producing alongside Phil Collinson, Joel Collins, Julie Gardner, and Jane Tranter. The cast also includes Jonathan Groff, Indira Varma as The Duchess, Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, Michelle Greenidge, Jinkx Monsoon, Lenny Rush as Morris, and more. It will also feature the return of series vets Yasmin Finney and Bonnie Langford, reprising their respective roles as Rose Noble and Mel Bush.