“This Story Is Incorrect”: Doctor Who’s Status Confirmed After A Report Claimed Show Could Stop For Years Amid Disappointing Ratings

Doctor Who‘s status has been confirmed after a report claimed the show could go on hiatus for years amid disappointing ratings for the newest season. As Doctor Who season 15 is poised to air later this year, a report from UK outlet The Sun claimed the show will soon be going on a lengthy break for up to 10 years, following low ratings during Ncuti Gatwa’s run as the Fifteenth Doctor. The report also claims the actor is planning to move to Los Angeles for bigger roles, and he’ll be regenerating in the upcoming episodes.

However, according to the Radio Times, a Doctor Who spokesperson has cleared the air on rumors the show is going on hiatus, stating the series has not been cancelled. While the anonymous source says the decision on a third season with Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor will be made after the next one airs, the show has a 26-episode deal with Disney+. With more episodes still to come as part of the deal, it seems the show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Check out what the spokesperson had to say below:

This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs.

The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.

What Doctor Who’s Current Status Means For The Show’s Future

Season 15 Probably Won’t Be Its Last

Given Doctor Who season 14 ended with plenty of ideas still left for the show to explore, season 15 and a possible season 16 will no doubt be needed to expand upon the franchise. It seems all but guaranteed given the BBC’s deal with Disney+ on producing a set number of episodes, something that indicates another season will come to pass. However, the statement doesn’t indicate if Gatwa will remain the Doctor for a third season, leaving answers about his part to play on the show up in the air.

While the show doesn’t sound like it’s going on hiatus, overnight ratings are still the lowest they’ve ever been, with the show dipping to a low 2.02 million with season 14, episode 7, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday.” This is a significant dip from season 13, whose lowest-rated episode was season 13, episode 6, “The Vanquishers,” at 3.58 million viewers. Luckily, this doesn’t reflect the episodes’ full viewership, with releases on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ likely impacting these numbers, not reflecting the full extent of viewers across all platforms.

Our Take On Doctor Who’s Confirmed Continuation

A Good Sign Cancellation Rumors Aren’t True

This latest confirmation indicates the show isn’t going on hiatus anytime soon, despite an admittedly sharp dip in overnight viewership for its latest season. While the statement didn’t clarify if the cast of Doctor Who will remain the same in a potential season 16, the show doesn’t seem to be going anywhere no matter what transpires. With another season potentially on the way, the series may be able to withstand live viewership numbers being low if its streaming success can continue.