Disney+ has ended its partnership with Doctor Who, and sources say the reasons go beyond simply low viewership numbers.
The Show Didn’t Break Out in the U.S.
Recent reports indicate that Doctor Who hasn’t successfully drawn in new viewers on Disney+. Despite a significant investment – reportedly as much as $13 million per episode – the show didn’t appear on Nielsen or Luminate’s charts of popular streaming content. Even with Disney’s extensive marketing efforts, Doctor Who seems to be reaching mostly its existing fans, and some believe even that core audience is dwindling.
According to a former Disney executive who spoke with Deadline, it became clear early on that the streaming service wasn’t performing well enough on Disney+ to continue successfully. The source said everyone felt this way.
Disney Grew Cold Quietly
Disney didn’t make a formal announcement or have a big celebration when the news came out. They just verified what the BBC reported and then continued with business as usual.
Sources at Deadline report that studio executives privately expressed concern over the high cost of the show, which didn’t achieve the same level of popularity or awards recognition as other Marvel projects.
Politics May Have Played a Role
People familiar with the show have suggested there was some worry within the production team about whether Doctor Who was becoming too focused on progressive themes. Recent episodes under Russell T Davies included LGBTQ+ storylines – like a transgender character, a villain in drag, and a same-sex kiss – which some viewers may have found controversial.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the show was considered too progressive for the preferences of former President Trump and his supporters, and this may have been a factor in Disney’s decision-making process.
What’s Next?
Doctor Who will return for a Christmas special in 2026, and the BBC will continue the show without Ncuti Gatwa, who has finished his time as the Doctor. The recent finale surprised viewers when his character regenerated into Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper.
The show is likely facing budget reductions, and new episodes might cost around $3 million to produce. While it will be difficult to find another streaming service to partner with internationally, discussions could restart with companies like Paramount or others interested in established franchises. Amazon is also reportedly a possibility.
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2025-10-30 17:01