Doctor Who: Could the BBC Series Move to HBO Max?
- The long-running science fiction series Doctor Who is navigating a period of transition, following a strategic partnership with Disney+ that didn’t fully meet expectations.
- Despite these challenges, the BBC maintains that Doctor Who is a valued brand and will continue.
- Salt emphasized the BBC’s positive working relationship with HBO, stating, “We’re waiting to see how we find out.
The long-running science fiction series Doctor Who is navigating a period of transition, following a strategic partnership with Disney+ that didn’t fully meet expectations. While the show’s Christmas specials featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the new Doctor garnered positive attention, viewership of the regular series declined. This has led to a pause in new episodes until the 2026 Christmas special, coinciding with the end of the BBC’s agreement with Disney+ for international distribution.
Despite these challenges, the BBC maintains that Doctor Who is a valued brand and will continue. The search is now on for a new international distribution partner and HBO Max has emerged as a strong contender. Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama for the BBC, recently discussed the possibility of a collaboration with HBO Max in an interview with Deadline.
Salt emphasized the BBC’s positive working relationship with HBO, stating, “We’re waiting to see how we find out. HBO has been a great creative partner. There are many things that are changing.” She added, “We just need to make sure we do it correctly and spend the necessary time. It’s one of the BBC’s most prized brands, so it’s not going anywhere.” This suggests the BBC is approaching the search for a new partner with careful consideration, recognizing the importance of maintaining the show’s quality and brand identity.
The potential partnership with HBO Max is particularly timely as the streaming service prepares to launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland on . Bringing Doctor Who to HBO Max would provide a significant boost to the platform’s content library in these new markets.
The BBC has already collaborated with HBO Max on other projects, including Richard Gadd’s Half Man (based on his acclaimed show Baby Reindeer) and Michaela Coel’s First Day on Earth. These successful partnerships demonstrate a strong creative alignment between the two organizations, making HBO Max a logical choice for the next phase of Doctor Who’s international distribution.
The previous co-production deal with Disney+ provided a substantial budget increase for Doctor Who, estimated at around $13.3 million per episode. This allowed for larger guest stars and more elaborate visual effects. Should the BBC be unable to secure a similar co-production agreement with HBO Max or another partner, Salt expressed confidence in the resilience of producers and writers to deliver a high-quality show at various budget levels. “I managed to walk into this job when the co-pro market imploded and I’ve learned a lot about the tenacity of producers and writers to make things at all budget levels. Things are getting funded in so many different ways now,” she explained.
The current situation reflects a broader shift in the streaming landscape. The end of the Disney+ deal follows a trend of changing dynamics in the co-production market. The BBC’s willingness to explore new partnerships underscores its commitment to ensuring the continued success of Doctor Who, a series with a history spanning 63 years. The show’s enduring popularity, as evidenced by the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Christmas special, suggests a strong foundation for future growth, regardless of its distribution channel.
While the future of Doctor Who’s international distribution remains uncertain, the BBC’s proactive approach and the potential for a partnership with HBO Max offer a promising outlook. The series’ legacy and dedicated fanbase position it well for continued success in the evolving world of streaming entertainment.