The BBC has confirmed a new era is on the horizon for Doctor Who.
A fresh series is set to launch as early as 2028/2029 under a revamped production model, following a public tender for a new creative team to take over one of Britain’s most iconic sci-fi franchises.
The broadcaster has published detailed criteria for production companies interested in taking on the project, marking a significant shift from the traditional showrunner-led approach.
In the tender document, the BBC said: "At this stage of the process, it is not a requirement to formally attach a writer.
"You may want to pitch with writer suggestions, or if you are already working with a writer, please do include them and their ideas/vision in your submission.
"We are not necessarily looking to work to a strict showrunner model and would expect once in production that the series will also use episodic writers."
This development signals the end of Russell T Davies' second tenure as showrunner, which began in 2023 and concluded after the BBC opted to take the show in a new direction.
The BBC is seeking proposals for a "new multi-episode series" with the "potential for specials," and plans to make a production decision by March next year.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "We are commissioning a new flagship series of Doctor Who.
"The series should feel contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations."
The broadcaster is calling for pitches that "innovate and surprise," combining "high concept science fiction" with "strong emotional narratives."
The BBC said: "Successful pitches will deliver ‘back of the sofa’ scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience."
Storytelling should remain "distinctively British," though the BBC is open to either a serialised format or a "story-of-the-week" approach.
Prospective production companies have been asked to "develop at least one companion for the series," ensuring all characters are "distinctive, authentic."
The BBC also wants a "cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious" visual style that can "compete for audience attention in a highly competitive global market."
They said: "We encourage innovative approaches to production, world-building, visual effects, and storytelling that maximise the scale and emotional impact of the Doctor Who universe."
The broadcaster is encouraging bold, imaginative ideas.
They said: "We are seeking a creative vision that embraces the breadth of what Doctor Who can be and could be.
"Doctor Who is a show that has sparked conversation, taken risks and inspired audiences for decades and we are looking for this series to continue that tradition.
"Be brave, have fun and we look forward to hearing from you."
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed that Doctor Who would be put out to competitive tender as part of its long-term strategy for the franchise.
The planned Christmas special has also been cancelled.
A BBC spokesperson said: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
"Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come."
The BBC, Russell T Davies, and Bad Wolf collectively decided to cancel the previously announced Christmas episode to focus on the future of the series.
The spokesperson said: "This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans.
"But in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one-off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory."
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