By James Pearson on
To many fans’ relief, it seems whovians won’t have to live through what many were dubbing a ‘Wilderness Years 2.0’ as the BBC have officially confirmed (on the 17th of September) that Doctor Who is out for tender.
The tendering process is initially for one season (which does include specials), with an option for further seasons, following the success and reception of this first season. The award for tendering will be made in March 2027 with broadcast of a new season in 2028/29.
The Invitation to Tender (ITT) document was published online by the BBC; you can read the full document here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/doctor-who-invitation-to-tender-september-2026/
But for those who don’t wanna read the whole document and just wanna know the key details, well you are in luck. Here is everything you need to know about the Doctor Who ITT, and what it could mean for the future of the show.
So let’s start with what the IIT says about the show itself. It shines a very positive light on the British Icon, drawing attention to its longstanding tenure on tv and the global impact it has. This introduction to the document definitely helps to convey the BBC’s intent on taking this process seriously to help elevate the show to the heights it deserves to be.
Doctor Who is one of the most enduring and distinctive brands in global television. For over sixty years, it has captivated audiences through imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and ambitious adventures that span all of time and space. The series occupies a unique position in popular culture, combining entertainment for a broad audience with sophisticated science fiction concepts, emotional depth, humour, and spectacle.
The ITT emphasises that the new series ‘should feel contemporary and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations.’ Any eligible producers are invited to pitch an outline for a new multi-episode series, including ideas for specials (the ITT notes specials, plural? Interesting no?). Alongside this another key aspect that is non-negotiable is that those applying need to develop at least one new companion.
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.
Long time fans will be happy to know that past villains and characters will be available to a new producer but the emphasis is on new ideas and creations: there is no mention of any namestays such as the Daleks or the Cybermen. But it seems after a nostalgia heavy two seasons the BBC want a fresh start that will allow them to bring in new concepts as well as new fans.
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.
Despite wanting to seemingly return to the core values of the show, the BBC aren’t closed off to change. They seem aware of the changing landscape for tv, and understand that the way a show was run in the early 2000s isn’t how shows are run today.
We are not necessarily looking to work to a strict showrunner model and would expect once in production that the series will also use episodic writers.
Another big point the document makes is less reliance on magic and fantasy, and a return to basics with science fiction. The show faced a lot of criticism for it’s latest run, with many feeling the core of the show was lost in favour of a new genre. it seems the BBC took this to heart when deciding on what this new era of the show should look like.
Science fiction is Doctor Who’s bread and butter after all, and the emphasis on it in this document does suggest that the BBC has ditched the recent drift the programme has made lately into fantasy and folklore. There is a requirement for ‘high concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives.’ But the desired tone is the same “scares, tension and jeopardy while remaining suitable for a broad family audience.”
The ITT also stated that the BBC has a strong stance on production sticking to it’s Welsh home. Doctor Who has been a long standing staple of Welsh production, with many fans already voicing concern for the show’s possible moving from its long standing homeland. But it seems the BBC believe the Whoniverse belongs in Wales.
Despite stating that the show shouldn’t rely on nostalgia, the ITT does state that they have a preference for tenderers having a ‘deep knowledge’ of Doctor Who. Proving that the BBC aren’t looking for a complete reset of the franchise, but rather a respectful soft relaunch akin to the show’s return in the early 2000s.
We are seeking a creative vision that embraces the breadth of what Doctor Who can be and could be. Doctor Who is a show that has sparked conversation, taken risks and inspired audiences for decades and we are looking for this series to continue that tradition. Be brave, have fun and we look forward to hearing from you.
Those who make it as far as the longlist will be invited to provide a short proposal outlining their multi-episode season alongside ideas for specials. They must give details of the Doctor and the companion, ideas for locations and up to three story ideas. They need also to detail the production talent and key team members they have available to them. The criteria for this short proposal requires the following:
- Storytelling: Creative storytelling that appeals to Doctor Who loyal audiences and attracts new audiences.
- Doctor Who knowledge: Deep knowledge of the world of Doctor Who and it’s spin offs.
- On-screen talent: Proven ability to attract and nurture high profile on-screen talent. (Though I’m hoping they continue the long standing trend of Doctor Who of discovering new talent.)
So it seems the future of Doctor Who is a little less uncertain. But we are still a way off from truly knowing what that future will look like. But we can rest easy knowing the brand itself is staying safely in the BBC hands. (Safe hands being a loose term.) But there still remain many questions. Hopefully through the coming months we will slowly learn more, and by March next year we will have a clearer picture of what’s in store for our favourite Time-Lord and his sturdy blue box.