Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies confirms return of spin-off shows

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has excitingly confirmed that new spin-off shows are in the works.

The writer's previous tenure launched both Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, but the world of Doctor Who has shrunk considerably with a lack of TV companion shows in recent years.

The spin-off drought is about to change, as Davies is back and has just inked a global distribution deal outside of the UK for Doctor Who with Disney.

Speaking to GQ, Davies revealed that new spin-offs are being developed as part of his relaunch of Doctor Who with its 60th anniversary specials later this year.

preview for Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials trailer (BBC)

"I thought – with no criticism whatsoever towards the people who were running it at the time, because they were running it within the BBC's measures – it was time for the next stage for Doctor Who," he said.

"I thought the streaming platforms are ready, the spin-offs are ready; I always believed in spin-offs when I was there. I did Torchwood as a spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures as a spin-off.

"Those spin-offs declined when I left, and I can see why. And I very much left after 2008, when the money became scarce. I think that's fair enough for the public service broadcaster that the money is spent on other things."

While the prospect of Disney pumping money into Doctor Who might be scary for some long-time fans, Davies has already clarified that it won't have impact on the kinds of stories told on the show.

Getty Images

"I know people are, naturally, worried about American producers having notes on things. Well, don't be. They're giving excellent notes," he told Doctor Who Magazine this month.

"And I'm here to tell you, you haven't watched a drama on British television in 20 years that hasn't had American notes on it. Everything is a co-production... it's really, completely normal."

Doctor Who returns in 2023 on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Meanwhile, in the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams on BritBox in the UK.

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