Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/doctor-who-invitation-to-tender-september-2026

We've published an invitation to tender for the production of Doctor Who. The contract is for 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. It's offered on a work for hire basis with the BBC continuing to broadcast the programme and retaining all rights.

The production will need to qualify as a regional production under two of the three Ofcom Regional criteria and the successful bidder will be expected to establish a production base in the agreed region. The BBC has a preference for a Wales qualification.

The deadline for initial submissions is 2pm on 2 October 2026.

All right, I've got about $10 CAD, and I expect them to cover my relocation expenses. I look forward to their response.

for transmission in 2028/29

We have a preliminary guesstimate, folks. Mark your calendars!

"I submitted my tender on a fan forum but the buggers never responded!" 😄

I'm shocked and dismayed by the implication that the BBC execs aren't visiting this site daily!

It's just a formality. I need to keep up the public appearance that I'm not a BBC exec.

Took me a while to open the actual document available on the Invitation to Tender page. Here is the part that I assume to be of most interest (forgive odd formatting, I'm on my phone):

Doctor Who is one of the most enduring and distinctive brands in global television. For over sixty years, it has
captivated audiences through imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and ambitious adventures that
span all of time and space. The series occupies a unique position in popular culture, combining entertainment for
a broad audience with sophisticated science fiction concepts, emotional depth, humour, and spectacle.

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.

We invite longlisted eligible producers to first pitch, in no more than three (3) pages, a brief editorial outline for a
new multi-episode series, including ideas for specials. Shortlisted producers will then be invited to put together
a comprehensive editorial pitch as part of their ITT submission.

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.

We see this pitch as an exciting opportunity to innovate and surprise us. 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. Doctor Who
embraces themes that celebrate curiosity, courage, intelligence, and compassion, themes that interrogate the
human condition and most of all, it should and will always be distinctively British storytelling. We are flexible in
the way the series is structured i.e. serialised or ‘story-of-the-week’ and the number of episodes which make up
the series.

Iconic, established villains are a mainstay of the series over 60 years and we invite you to use them, but we will
want to begin to get an understanding of the original characters, aliens and themes that producers wish to bring
to the show and are keen not to be overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore. We are looking for a new perspective
that ensures Doctor Who remains relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring for both long-standing fans and new
audiences.

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.

Visually, the series should feel cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious, capable of competing for audience attention
in a highly competitive global market. We encourage innovative approaches to production, world-building, visual
effects, and storytelling that maximise the scale and emotional impact of the Doctor Who universe.

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.

March 2027: Award decision finalised and contract signed.

Notification to unsuccessful Tenderers and announcement of successful Tenderer.

Yeah, the BBC don't mess around once they get going.

They expect a longlist of tenders by October 9, the shortlist by Nov 6, final tenders hand-in early December, and then interviews by end January.

Early December at 2 pm sharp, to be exact

Nebula presents "Jet Lag: Doctor Who".

So Christmas Special 2028, season in 2029

Well no this can’t be right.

I have been assured Doctor Who is definitely cancelled by many fans who definitely know. /s

Doesn't sound impossible from the way it's written in the ITT 🙂

Had to recheck when I was less tired. You're right, good to see punctuality is a priority 😄