Disney+ has officially cut ties with Doctor Who, and now insiders are revealing why the deal fell apart — and it’s more than just low ratings.
The Show Didn’t Break Out in the U.S.
According to Deadline, Doctor Who failed to attract a new audience on Disney+. Despite a reported budget of up to $13 million per episode, Doctor Who failed to chart on Nielsen or Luminate. Even with Disney’s global marketing push, the series struggled to expand beyond its core fanbase — a fanbase that, many argue, has largely abandoned the show.
A former Disney exec told Deadline the writing was on the wall early. “Everyone got the impression that it wasn’t doing what it needed to do [on Disney+] to be sustained,” said the source.
Disney Grew Cold Quietly
As noted, there was no big sendoff by Disney, and Disney didn’t even bother to issue a press release. They simply confirmed the BBC’s announcement and moved on.
According to Deadline, behind the scenes, execs reportedly regretted how much they spent on the series, which didn’t generate Marvel-level buzz or awards attention.
Politics May Have Played a Role
Sources for the site also hinted at internal concerns about Doctor Who‘s “woke” image. Under Russell T Davies, the show featured LGBTQ+ themes, including a trans character, drag queen villain, and a same-sex kiss — moves that may not have sat well with many viewers.
One industry insider claimed the show was seen as “too woke for Trump’s USA,” suggesting politics may have influenced Disney’s decision.
What’s Next?
The BBC will continue Doctor Who solo, with a 2026 Christmas special confirmed. Ncuti Gatwa has already exited the role, and the series finale left fans confused after he regenerated into Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler.
Budget cuts are expected, with future episodes possibly slashed to around $3M each. Finding another global streaming partner won’t be easy, but talks could resume with platforms like Paramount or others looking for built-in IP. Amazon has been rumored.
