Disney Ends ‘Doctor Who’ Partnership Amid Low Ratings and Budget Concerns
Disney has officially ended its co-production agreement with the BBC for the iconic science fiction series, Doctor Who. The announcement follows a series of concerns regarding the show’s performance and budgetary issues. Multiple sources have indicated that Disney’s interest in the franchise had waned over the past year, leading to the decision that was formally confirmed by the BBC.
The collaboration was initially announced in October 2022 amid a surge in streaming competition, with hopes that Disney would elevate the series to new heights. However, this vision did not materialize as expected. The planned partnership, which aimed to leverage Disney’s extensive marketing capabilities, ultimately faltered due to several factors, including low viewer ratings and significant production costs.
Concerns Over Ratings and Budget
Sources close to the situation have revealed that the Ncuti Gatwa era of Doctor Who struggled to attract a broader audience beyond its established fan base. The show’s budget, estimated between £6 million ($8.5 million) and £8 million ($11 million) per episode, raised red flags within Disney regarding its long-term sustainability. A former Disney executive noted, “It was pretty apparent from early on that this wasn’t for the long term.”
The show’s performance in the U.S. was particularly disappointing. This year, Doctor Who failed to make an impact in Nielsen and Luminate’s streaming charts. The Entertainment Strategy Guy blog even labeled its debut on Disney+ as one of the notable “flops” of 2024. On the BBC, the show witnessed a significant decline in viewership, with Season 15 averaging 3.8 million viewers, a decrease of 1 million from the previous season.
Shifting Political Landscape
Another dimension complicating the partnership involves the cultural and political climate in the U.S. Under the leadership of showrunner Russell T Davies, Doctor Who has embraced diverse storytelling, which some insiders suggest may have contributed to reservations within Disney. One industry source stated the show became “too woke for Trump’s USA,” implying that political factors may have influenced Disney’s decision-making.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism regarding the future of Doctor Who. Following the conclusion of Season 15, which ended on an ambiguous note, fans are speculating about the direction the series might take. The anticipated 2026 Christmas special offers the BBC a chance to reset the narrative and consider new leadership for the show.
Industry experts suggest that a shift in showrunners might be necessary to reinvigorate the franchise. “Nothing says that Russell will be showrunner from 2027 onwards,” remarked Tony Jordan, head of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society. With the BBC’s budget for the series expected to be significantly reduced—possibly down to £2.5 million to £3 million per episode—decisions regarding the show’s future will require careful consideration.
Ultimately, while Disney’s departure from Doctor Who marks the end of an ambitious partnership, it may pave the way for a reimagined series that can reconnect with its audience. As BBC Studios continues to explore potential new buyers, there remains hope that the enduring legacy of Doctor Who will find a suitable platform for its next regeneration.
