Is Doctor Who about to solve its biggest problem? 8 intriguing details from the BBC tender

With Doctor Who officially being put out to tender, the BBC has given us a glimpse into what they're looking for in the "brave" and "ambitious" next instalment of the beloved sci-fi.

The last time we saw the Time Lord on screen was in May 2025, in the season 15 finale The Reality War, which saw Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerate into returning star Billie Piper - although it was never confirmed if she was actually playing the Doctor or not.

At the time, there were plans for a 2026 Christmas special - although in June this year, it was announced that the special had been cancelled, and that Doctor Who would be put out to tender, with showrunner Russell T Davies stepping back.

Now, finally, the invitation to tender has gone out and, after a rocky year for the series, it's given us some exciting new details. Here's what we know so far!

1. Doctor Who could return for a 2028/2029 series - plus specials

The invitation to tender confirms that the BBC is looking for a series to transmit in 2028/2029. This is probably the earliest we could have expected, so it's a promising sign that the broadcaster wants the TARDIS to return to screens as quickly as possible.

It's also encouraging that producers are being asked to pitch specials. The Doctor Who Christmas special has been a staple since 2005 with The Christmas Invasion (or, debatably, since 1965 with The Feast of Steven). With this note in the invitation to tender, it seems likely that this tradition will continue.

2. The next season could be serialised

The BBC has said it is flexible as to how the the next season is structured - whether it will be serialised or story of the week.

The last time Doctor Who tried a serialised format, it didn't go down so well. Showrunner Chris Chibnall took a big risk with his series Doctor Who: Flux - and it's safe to say the reception from fans wasn't entirely positive.

However, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try it again. A serialised format would allow for major cliffhangers, a brilliant overarching story, and fleshed out character development - key parts of what Doctor Who does best.

3. It will likely be less reliant on classic monsters

Interestingly, the BBC has also said that, while producers are welcome to make use of classic villains, it is "keen not to be overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore" and encourages them to pitch original characters and monsters.

It's a reassuring point for fans, after the latest seasons of Doctor Who faced criticism for their reliance on bringing back classic characters, without the strong storylines to back up their returns. Recent seasons of Doctor Who brought back villains including Sutekh and the Rani, for instance, with their effect not being fully felt. It was a particularly sore point for fans of Susan (Carole Ann Ford), whose long-awaited return was never fully paid off.

For many fans, it was a huge problem with the recent seasons and the fact that the BBC has addressed this in the invitation to tender means it could be about to solve it.

4. Companions will be crucial

Another criticism of recent seasons of Doctor Who is that the companions haven't been as well developed as they once were. Companions are perhaps the most important part of the show, acting as the eyes of the audience, and need to have fully developed lives of their own - making those little scenes inside the TARDIS, for instance, all the more important.

The BBC has acknowledged this in a big way, stating early on in the invitation to tender: "Aside from the central character of the Doctor, you will need to develop at least one companion for the series. Companions should be distinctive, authentic characters in their own right, whose lives, relationships, ambitions, and personal journeys enrich the series. They should serve as an access point for audiences whilst also challenging, supporting, and influencing the Doctor."

5. There could be more episodes in a season

The BBC has also stated that it has flexibility over how many episodes will make up a season. Modern Doctor Who started with around 13 episodes per season although in recent years that has reduced to about eight.

Many fans have expressed their hopes that seasons will be made longer again, as it allows for better character development and for stories to breathe a little more - especially for bigger season-long arcs.

6. It could still be produced in Wales

Notably, when referencing a production location for new Doctor Who, the BBC has said it has a "preference for Wales".

That doesn't mean the next season will definitely be produced there, but it does make it clear that the BBC is taking the show's storied history with Wales seriously.

Since 2005, it's been produced in Cardiff, where it's nurtured plenty of Welsh talent on and off screen, and a report published in 2023 found that the show had contributed approximately £134.6 million in gross value added (GVA) to the Welsh economy between 2004 and 2021.

7. It will stay "distinctively British"

This doesn't come as a huge surprise - but again, it's reassuring. Following the deal with Disney+, it wouldn't be a surprise if another deal were to be struck with a global streamer.

It's encouraging to see that, even if that does happen, Doctor Who isn't going to lose its British identity in any way.

8. It needs to "take risks"

The invitation to tender also encourages producers to "be brave and have fun". Amid all the technical stuff - the budgets, the compliance, the insurance etc, that's perhaps the most important part.

Being bold is built into Doctor Who's DNA. Ever since that very first regeneration (which is turning 60 this year), Doctor Who has had to take risks - and that absolutely needs to continue.

After all, the Doctor never got anywhere by playing it safe, did they?

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