Season 26

Season 26 of Doctor Who, starring Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor aired between 6th September 1989 and 6th December 1989.

Overview
The season consisted of four stories and 14 25 minute episodes. It was the final season of the so-called "classic" series; the BBC announced in 1990 that it would not be producing a 27th season. A one-off Children in Need special, Dimensions in Time, appeared in 1993, after which a television film co-produced by an American network, followed in 1996. The series finally returned in 2005, however the BBC chose to restart the season numbering with Series 1. Season 26 featured the return of Nicholas Courtney as The Brigadier and the last televised appearance of Anthony Ainley as the Master. Unusually for a Doctor Who season, aside from some scenes in Survival, all the stories took place on Earth. Apart from Battlefield, the stories followed a loose character arc, as Ace came to turn with her past.

Regulars

 * The Doctor - Sylvester McCoy
 * Ace - Sophie Aldred

Semi-regulars

 * The Brigadier - Nicholas Courtney (Battlefield only)
 * The Master - Anthony Ainley (Survival only)

VHS

 * Battlefield
 * ''Extended'


 * Ghost Light
 * The Curse of Fenric
 * Extended


 * Survival

DVD

 * Ghost Light
 * The Curse of Fenric
 * Extended, with new SFX.


 * Survival
 * Battlefield
 * Awaiting release.

Novelisations

 * Battlefield
 * Ghost Light
 * The Curse of Fenric
 * Survival

Aliens and Enemies

 * Morgaine
 * Mordred
 * The Destroyer
 * Light
 * Nimrod
 * Husks
 * Fenric
 * Commander Millington
 * Ancient One
 * Haemovores
 * Cheetah People
 * Kitlings
 * The Master

Behind the Scenes
Before the cancellation of Doctor Who produscers had already concuted basic plots for another season of Doctor Who. It was proposed that Ace should leave mid season. Also planned was that the entire season should do more to explore the darker side of the Doctor.

Contemporaries
Other selected TV series launched during the last half of 1989:
 * Saved by the Bell
 * American Gladiators
 * Seinfeld
 * Baywatch
 * Doogie Howser MD
 * Maid Marian and Her Merry Men
 * America's Funniest Home Videos
 * The Simpsons