Doctor Who fans finally have a return window: 2028-29. The last new episode aired in May 2025.
Doctor Who fans finally have a steer on when Season 16 should land, as the BBC launches a competitive tender for the show's next chapter.
Well, the Doctor Who circus rolls on, and this time, the BBC is mixing things up properly. We’ve just got word that the whole project is going out for competitive tender, which means the Beeb is practically asking outside production companies to pitch for the job. It’s open season on creative directions—so long as you can deliver an ambitious, cinematic Doctor that can stand out in the streaming era. Not exactly business as usual for the longest-running sci-fi show on telly.
The next series of Doctor Who is up for grabs, with the BBC inviting pitches for broadcast in 2028-29.
Who's Actually Left?
If you were hoping for a smooth handover, you’re out of luck. Ncuti Gatwa, who starred as the Doctor for just a single season, is already out. And it’s not just Gatwa heading for the exit: production company Bad Wolf and showrunner Russell T. Davies are packing their bags as well. The way Gatwa’s Doctor left—regenerating into a version of himself with Billie Piper’s face (yes, you read that right)—is classic Doctor Who in ‘what on earth is going on’ fashion. Piper of course played Rose Tyler, one of the most memorable companions from the David Tennant years.
BBC's Big Wish List
So what does the BBC actually want now? According to the official tender, they’re not just after a new Doctor (though that’s still on the table). They’re specifically looking for stories that feel more like big-screen events: distinctive, ambitious, and able to draw eyes in what they call a "highly competitive global market". Whoever nabs the gig also needs to invent at least one proper new companion—so don't expect them to simply dust off fan favourites from the backroom.
The tender also says winning pitches need to deliver 'back of the sofa scares, jeopardy, and tension', while tackling the human condition and bigging up 'curiosity, courage, intelligence, and compassion'.
Cleverly, the BBC isn’t even floating a fixed budget. Production companies are being nudged to find their own investment partners if needed, so it’ll be interesting to see who bites and which direction they want to push the show. If you’re wondering when any of this will actually hit screens, the BBC’s aiming for 2028-29—so, yes, a bit of a wait before we find out whose TARDIS it’s going to be next.