In a groundbreaking move set to reshape one of television’s most beloved institutions, the BBC and Amazon MGM Studios have announced a major new partnership that will see Doctor Who come to an end in its current form, only to be reborn under a bold new name: Dr Who.
Following the epic finale, airing this May on BBC One and iPlayer, the long-running sci-fi series will close the doors on its current incarnation. Titled “Wish World” and “The Reality War”, the two-part finale promises a reality-shattering conclusion for Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor, one that will mark the definitive end of the Time Lord’s life, with no regeneration to follow.
But the end is just the beginning.
The show will be relaunching with a new timeline, a fresh-faced First Doctor, companions, and a fully reimagined origin story for a modern audience, now under the simplified title Dr Who.
The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video internationally, and continue to air on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and Ireland.
Ncuti Gatwa said:
“The Doctor’s story has always been about change, and this one is massive. While I’m heartbroken to be saying goodbye, I’m also genuinely curious to see where Dr Who goes next. Whatever happens, I hope there’s still running involved!”
Russell T Davies, departing showrunner, added:
“Surprise! Series 15 was always going to be the end of our journey. It’s a farewell. A full stop. No regeneration, no loopholes. What happens next is a new beginning, and this new version is brave, bold, and completely bonkers. I wish the new team the very best as they pick up the baton.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said:
“This marks the end of one era and the beginning of something truly different, but also the same. With Dr Who, we’re taking the opportunity to speak to a new generation, while still honouring the depth of storytelling and imagination that have defined this show for decades.”
Vernon Sanders, Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios, commented:
“We’re thrilled to join forces with the BBC on launching Dr Who, a sleek, modern reimagining of one of the world’s most iconic sci-fi properties. The simplified title reflects our goal to make the brand more accessible and recognisable to younger global audiences. It’s Doctor Who for the TikTok age, and we think it’s going to be something truly special!”
Casting for the new First Doctor will be announced shortly, with filming beginning later in 2025.
Synopsis: When brilliant and unpredictable teenager Susan Foreperson begins raising eyebrows at her school, two concerned teachers, Babs Wright and Iona Chezerton, follow her to the London Central Learning Archive. There, hidden in the restricted section, they discover a strange purple police box… and a half-human traveller going by the name Dr…
Doctor Who concludes in May 2025 with “Wish World” and “The Reality War”. After sixty-two years, the Doctor’s journey comes to an end… making way for Dr Who.
