‘Doctor Who’ Producer Hits Back at Comments the Sci-Fi Series Is “Dead as We’ve Ever Known It”

Jane Tranter, the producer of the sci-fi show, has publicly disagreed with a former writer’s claim that the series is effectively over. Robert Shearman made the comment in the latest issue of *Doctor Who Magazine*, prompting a strong response from Tranter.

The iconic sci-fi show *Doctor Who* recently turned 60, making it one of the longest-running in television history. While the show went off the air for twenty years – with only one TV movie during that time – it returned in 2005 and has remained a popular part of culture ever since. However, recent seasons haven’t been as successful with audiences, and have faced criticism for being overly focused on social issues. The news that Ncuti Gatwa will leave his role as the Doctor after only two seasons has also worried fans about the show’s future.

Tranter strongly disagrees with this claim. In an interview on BBC Radio Wales, she responded to Shearman’s statements by saying:

That comment is both impolite and inaccurate. Here’s the situation with Doctor Who: the BBC and BBC Studios have a deal with Disney+ to produce 26 episodes. We’ve filmed 21 so far, and we have five more episodes of the ‘War Between the Land and the Sea’ spin-off coming up. After those air, we’ll all work together to decide what happens with Doctor Who next.

‘Doctor Who’ Is Going Nowhere


BBC Studios

Some viewers have criticized the show for lacking direction, but according to Tranter, that’s just the point – the series isn’t *supposed* to be going anywhere. She explained:

This show has been around for sixty years, and we’ve been consistently making it for twenty years since its revival in 2005 when I was at the BBC. It’s natural for any long-running series to evolve over time, and it shouldn’t stay exactly the same forever. So, changes are inevitable. But one thing is certain: the Doctor will return, and all of us – myself included – just need to be patient and see when and who will take on the role next.

The most recent Doctor Who episode ended with a surprising twist: Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated, and the new Doctor’s face was that of Billie Piper, who previously played companion Rose Tyler. While it’s unclear if Piper will officially become the next Doctor, reports indicate the season finale and her appearance weren’t originally planned and were changed shortly before airing.

There’s talk that Disney might not keep funding the show, but most people are confident *Doctor Who* will continue somehow. BBC’s Kate Phillips, who oversees content, previously stated firmly:

Don’t worry, Doctor Who isn’t going anywhere! Our collaboration with Disney has been fantastic – and will continue with the upcoming ‘The War Between The Land And The Sea’ next year – but Doctor Who will remain a BBC show, with or without Disney’s involvement. The show is staying put.

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2025-10-19 18:33