One of the great traits about The Doctor is that he’s always been an animated character who likes to express himself through over-the-top verbal and physical mannerisms. Now, the BBC is taking that literal by turning him into an actual animated persona for a new Doctor Who kids show that’s set to air on the pre-school channel, CBeebies. This won’t be the first time The Doctor gets the animation treatment, but it will be the first full-fledged animated series for kids in the franchise’s long history. Per Deadline, the BBC is now on the hunt for a production company to produce the animated series, as Disney – who co-produces the flagship show – won’t be involved this time around. It will be aimed at pre-school kids and feature The Doctor “solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends.” Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, released a statement to coincide with the news, saying that it’s only fair that kids get to experience Doctor Who since all of us adults have been enjoying him for decades:
“Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor. This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand-new format. This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”

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There’s no word yet on whether any of the original cast members will provide the voices for the characters, as things are obviously still in the very early stages of development. Tenth Doctor David Tennant lent his talents to the animated serial Dreamland in 2009, and the BBC used animation to recreate some of the series’ lost episodes over the years, which featured the likes of the Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton.
What Does the Future Hold for ‘Doctor Who?’

Disney+

News of the new Doctor Who animated series comes at a time when the future of the main show remains in limbo. Reports are that Disney won’t be renewing its contract with the BBC, and will therefore not be involved in things going forward. That being said, the network has stated that Doctor Who will continue with or without the House of Mouse, but warns that fans will face a significant delay, meaning we probably won’t get a new season until 2027. All of this couldn’t have come at a worse time, either, as audiences were left shocked at the end of Season 15 when Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper, who previously played Rose Tyler in Seasons 1 and 2 of the modern era. Now fans are going to have to wait even longer to find out what the heck is going on, as not only is Doctor Who not expected to return for a while, but the yearly Christmas Special is also on hiatus in 2025. As we await to find out what the future holds for Doctor Who, you can catch Seasons 1 through 13 of the new era streaming now on Max, and 14 and 15 on Disney+. We’ll have more news on the animated series as it becomes available. Source: Deadline

Doctor Who

4.5
/5

Release Date

December 25, 2023

Network

BBC

Directors

Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie

Franchise(s)

Doctor Who