Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, has assured fans that the cherished series will stay unchanged despite its co-production with Disney Plus.
It was revealed in October 2022 that the BBC and Disney had collaborated to bring additional seasons of the show to fans outside of the UK and Ireland via the streaming platform.
The global reach could result in millions more households tuning in for the long-running series, but long-time fans in places like Australia will now have to pay for episodes.
The BBC had a long-standing partnership with the Australian public broadcaster ABC that allowed viewers to see the science fiction for free.
Following the announcement, followers took to social media to express their displeasure with certain aspects of the contract and to proclaim the move as the “end of an era.”
Regardless of your concerns, Russell, also known as RTD in the community, wants you to know that there is no need to be concerned.

‘I know people are, naturally, worried about American producers having notes on things. Well, don’t be. They’re giving excellent notes,’ he expressed in the latest issue of Doctor Who magazine.
‘And I’m here to tell you, you haven’t watched a drama on British television in 20 years that hasn’t had American notes on it. Everything is a co-production… it’s really, completely normal,’ he added.
As viewers gear up for Ncuti Gatwa’s highly anticipated premiere, the 59-year-old TV writer stated, ‘We’re going to transmit the words ‘Mavic Chen’ on television for the first time since 1966. It’s the exact same show.’
That’s all there is to it!
Following the announcement that he’d been cast as the new Time Lord, Barbie star Ncuti expressed his excitement at the opportunity.
‘There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared,’ the 30-year-old said at the time.
‘This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.’
Doctor Who will return to the BBC in November 2023.