Yes, there’s more Doctor Who spin-off show rumours
Is the Doctor Who universe about to get bigger? That’s a question that has been asked by fans time and again in recent times as rumours of spinoffs continue to circulate the BBC show since the return of Russell T Davies as showrunner.
It’s no secret that Davies has huge ambitions for the show, something that has been reinforced this year by a landmark deal between the BBC and Disney who we are told have a “shared creative vision” for the show. At the time of the announcement that will see Disney+ become the international home for Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary specials and into season 14 with Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson a joint statement spoke of turning “Doctor Who into a global franchise for UK audiences and the rest of the world.”
The language of “franchise” led many, including us here at Screen OD, to speculate that Doctor Who could be spun off with new shows in the future in a similar way that Disney has made more Star Wars and Marvel than ever on our screens. Of course, Russell T Davies has experience with this, having launched both Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures in the past. And, let’s face it, the fans have no shortage of ideas for spin-offs should more shows get the green light.
And although both the BBC and Disney have said nothing further about how the deal between the two could change the show, reports have speculated that it could see a significant per-episode budget increase – but furthermore, the rumours of spin-off shows have not gone away.
The latest instalment of the spin-off saga comes today from the Mirror newspaper which has run an article claiming the Daleks and the Cybermen might get their own spin-off shows as part of the Disney deal.
The Mirror quote an insider who says: “Fans can expect to see Sontarans, Weeping Angels and Sea Devils in separate series showing what they get up to when the Doctor isn’t there to stop them, along with Daleks and Cybermen.”
The BBC told the Mirror that it was too early to comment on any plans.
Of course, this is just one report from one newspaper, but it feels there’s definitely momentum building behind the idea that a Doctor Who spin-off (or more) might be announced in the future.
Fans have a year-long wait until the 60th-anniversary specials starring David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Neil Patrick Harris. They have even longer to wait until season 14 begins, which it is thought will begin around the festive period of 2023.
While we wait, we’re sure speculation about spin-offs will continue.
- Try Screen OD on YouTube
- Love Doctor Who? Get all the latest Doctor Who news and views from Screen OD
- Looking for some entertainment? Have you tried our general knowledge quiz questions and answers yet? Or browse all the Screen OD quizzes.
- Want to supercharge your streaming? Take a look at our guide to Netflix secret codes for TV and movie fans
- Love TV and movies? Try Screen OD on YouTube...
