The BBC has published an invitation to tender for the production of Doctor Who.
The contract is for a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series.
The tender document says the new show “should feel contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations.”
Alongside the Doctor, bidders will need to develop at least one companion for the series. “Companions should be distinctive, authentic characters in their own right, whose lives, relationships, ambitions, and personal journeys enrich the series. They should serve as an access point for audiences whilst also challenging, supporting, and influencing the Doctor.”
Pitches should “innovate and surprise” and stories should balance “high concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives, ensuring that spectacle is always grounded in character and human experience.”
The BBC says it’s “flexible in the way the series is structured i.e. serialised or ‘story-of-the-week’ and the number of episodes which make up the series.”
Established villains can be used but the BBC says it’s “keen not to be overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore. We are looking for a new perspective that ensures Doctor Who remains relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring for both long-standing fans and new audiences.”
The contract is offered as ‘work for hire’ with the BBC continuing to broadcast the programme and retaining all rights.
The production will need to qualify as a regional production and the successful bidder will be expected to establish a production base in the agreed region. The BBC has a preference for a Wales qualification.
The deadline for initial submissions is 2pm on 2 October 2026.
Jon Creamer
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