The BBC has taken significant steps to secure the future of Doctor Who, moving forward with a competitive tender process to determine the show's next producing partner. Proposals from interested production companies were due on October 2. While the public will not learn the winning bidder until March of next year, industry reports have shed light on several major players vying for the contract. Among the contenders is Hat Trick Mercurio, led by British television veteran Jed Mercurio, alongside World Productions spearheading ITV Studios' efforts. Another notable bid comes from STV Studios in partnership with Screen Scotland, proposing a shift of production from Wales to Scotland for Season 17. BBC Studios' in-house labels are also heavily anticipated to be part of the mix.
Several notable companies reportedly passed on the opportunity, including A24 UK, Playground, Mammoth Screen, New Pictures, Big Talk Studios, Expectation, and Quay Street. The current slate of new content remains limited to an animated series for preschoolers while the main franchise navigates this transition period. The BBC outlined specific requirements in its tender documents, though a final decision on the partner will not guarantee new live-action episodes until 2028 or 2029. Questions regarding casting and plot direction following the conclusion of the Fifteenth Doctor's era will remain open for speculation once the winning creative team is announced.
Major TV Studios Compete for Control of Doctor Who
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