BBC Studios Eyes Doctor Who Production Return

BBC Studios is actively seeking to reclaim the production rights for Doctor Who, with at least one of its in-house companies preparing a bid. Scripted boss Jamie Hall expressed strong confidence that the BBC group should "reap the rewards" of the beloved science fiction series. This move follows BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell's recent announcement of their enthusiastic participation in the tender process.

The production tender, issued a fortnight ago, calls for a "relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring" new direction for the show, with a premiere targeted for the 2028-29 season. A significant departure from recent practices, the tender explicitly permits pitches from independent production companies utilizing "episodic writers" rather than adhering to a singular "showrunner model."

Hall indicated that multiple BBC Studios labels could potentially submit proposals, emphasizing his commitment to supporting their endeavors while ensuring the process doesn't distract from their ongoing projects. He aims for Doctor Who to "sit within the BBC," allowing the entire organization to benefit from its success, especially after its hiatus and the termination of a previous co-production deal. Hall suggested a return to the core appeal seen during the Matt Smith and David Tennant eras, anticipating a audience reset during its off-screen period.