Big changes are on the way for Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series that has been part of TV history for over six decades. The most recent series introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside Millie Gibson as companion Ruby Sunday.

The latest season premiered in May 2024, marking a modern, global rollout across both streaming and traditional broadcasting. It gave the show a more cinematic look and feel, blending BBC storytelling with a high-budget, international production approach.

What’s Happening with the Christmas Specials

For many fans, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a Doctor Who festive special. That long-standing tradition is set to continue — but with a slight break. The BBC has confirmed that the next Christmas special will air in 2026, written once again by showrunner Russell T Davies.

That means there won’t be a Christmas episode in 2025, giving the production team time to reset and prepare the next phase of the show. While that gap might disappoint fans used to annual festive adventures, it’s clear the BBC wants to make the next special a real event.

A New Spin-Off Expands the Whoniverse

While the main series takes a short break, fans won’t be left completely in the dark. A brand-new spin-off series is already in the works for 2026. Titled The War Between the Land and the Sea, the show will focus on the UNIT organisation — a long-running part of Doctor Who lore that investigates extraterrestrial threats to Earth.

This marks the first major spin-off since Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and it signals a broader effort to build a connected “Whoniverse” of stories, characters, and timelines.

Disney+ Walks Away

One of the biggest shake-ups behind the scenes is the end of the co-production deal between Disney+ and the BBC. After collaborating on the show’s relaunch and two series, Disney has decided to step away from the main Doctor Who production.

While Disney+ may still be involved in distributing or supporting spin-offs, the BBC will now have full creative and financial control over the flagship series once again.

Industry reports suggest that high production costs were one of the key factors behind Disney’s decision, with some episodes costing upwards of $13 million to make. Despite that, the BBC remains committed to keeping the show ambitious and globally relevant — just with more independence.

What Fans Should Know

The last full series of Doctor Who concluded in mid-2025. As of now, the next series doesn’t yet have a confirmed start date. However, the Christmas 2026 special is set in stone, followed by the UNIT spin-off launching later that year.

While the gap between series might feel long, it’s part of a deliberate effort to restructure how Doctor Who is produced — with higher quality, fewer episodes, and a bigger impact per release.

The end of Disney’s co-production role could also mean subtle changes in tone and style. Many fans expect a return to the more classic, quirky British storytelling that defined earlier eras of the show.

Why These Changes Matter

All these shifts represent a new era for Doctor Who. The longer production cycle and expanded universe show that the BBC is thinking long-term — building a franchise that can stand alongside global sci-fi giants while staying true to its roots.

The upcoming UNIT spin-off will give fans a taste of the wider Whoniverse, while the delayed Christmas special suggests that the BBC is focusing on quality over quantity.

As for Disney+ stepping back, it’s less a setback and more of a creative realignment. Doctor Who is returning fully to its home turf — and that might be exactly what the series needs.

The Future of the Whoniverse

It’s clear that Doctor Who isn’t slowing down. Instead, it’s evolving for a new generation of fans who want cinematic stories, deeper world-building, and more interconnected adventures.

Russell T Davies has promised that the next phase of the show will be “bold, emotional, and full of surprises.” Whether that means new Doctors, unexpected crossovers, or darker storytelling, one thing is certain — the TARDIS doors are far from closed.

The future of Doctor Who is bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever.