Doctor Who officially put out to tender as BBC confirms details – including when series could return to screens

Doctor Who has officially been put out to tender, as more details of what the BBC is looking for in a pitch have been released.

The broadcaster is asking production companies to pitch "a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series". The deadline for pitches is 2 October 2026 and a decision will be made in spring 2027.

In the document, the BBC states that the new season of Doctor Who should feel "contemporary and creatively ambitious".

It specifies that, as well as the central character of the Doctor, producers will need to develop "at least one" companion for the series, adding that companions should be "distinctive, authentic characters in their own right, whose lives, relationships, ambitions, and personal journeys enrich the series".

It goes on to say: "Stories should balance high-concept science fiction with strong emotional narratives, ensuring that spectacle is always grounded in character and human experience.

"Episodes should transport audiences to extraordinary times and places, ranging from historical settings to distant futures, alien worlds and contemporary Earth. Successful pitches will deliver ‘back of the sofa’ scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience."

Regarding the production location, the document states that the BBC has "a preference for a Wales qualification", following former producer Jane Tranter's prediction that production would remain in Wales.

It also specifies that the BBC is "flexible" on whether the series is serialised or whether it will be a "story-of-the-week" format, and about how many episodes will make up a series.

Going on to mention villains, it says that the show should not be "overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore".

The document urges companies to "be brave and have fun" and adds: "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."

When the BBC announced that Doctor Who would be put out to tender, the broadcaster said in a statement: "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."

At the time, it was announced that the 2026 Christmas special would be cancelled, that Russell T Davies would no longer serve as showrunner, and that Bad Wolf would no longer produce the series.

Since then, production companies like BBC Studios, World Productions and Electric Entertainment have expressed interest in competing for the series.

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