Doctor Who's 2026 Return Confirmed as BBC-Disney+ Partnership Ends

As of October 28, 2025, the future of the beloved sci-fi series Doctor Who has been a topic of much speculation and uncertainty. However, the BBC has now provided some concrete answers about the show's upcoming plans.

The good news is that Doctor Who will indeed return with a new episode in 2026, with showrunner Russell T. Davies writing a Christmas special for the series. This special is expected to feature Billie Piper's iteration of the Doctor, much to the excitement of fans who have been eagerly awaiting her comeback.

Unfortunately, the BBC's partnership with Disney+ as co-producers of Doctor Who is coming to an end. While the details of this decision are not entirely clear, it's possible that Disney+ was not impressed with the show's viewership numbers on the streaming platform, leading to a change in their stance on a guaranteed renewal for a third season.

This development is bittersweet, as the end of the BBC-Disney+ collaboration could mean a potential hit to the series' budget. However, it's also possible that the show may find another major co-producer to fill the void, potentially restoring the high production values that fans have come to expect.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the show's future, one thing is certain: Doctor Who fans can look forward to the return of the beloved franchise in December 2026, with the promise of Billie Piper's much-anticipated comeback as the Doctor.