Series 14 (Doctor Who)

Series 14 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Sony's Bad Wolf and Disney Branded Television for streaming on Disney+.

Due to showrunner Russell T Davies announcing in Doctor Who Magazine #585 that the series would consist of only 8 episodes plus a special, this series would have an identical number of episodes to the previous Series 13, which also consisted of a reduced episode count.

Early announcements
In May 2017, it was announced that due to the terms of a deal between BBC Worldwide and SMG Pictures in China, the company had right of first refusal on the purchase for the Chinese market of past and future series of the programme, as well as spin-offs.

In October 2019, it was revealed that due to the show heading to HBO Max, the network had struck a deal for additional series of the programme.

On 29 July 2021, following the announcement of Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall's departure, the BBC noted, "We will announce plans for the new generation of Doctor Who in due course – watch this space!"

It was noted in a big reveal by the BBC on 24 September 2021 that Russell T Davies would make his return in the 60th anniversary in 2023 and remain as head writer in "series beyond". Like the preceding series 13, the series was announced as happening before the previous series had even begun broadcast.

Promotion
The very first bit of promotion for this series came on 24 September 2021 with the reveal that Russell T Davies would be leading the show from the 60th anniversary and into "series beyond".

On 6 January 2022, visual effects editor Emily Lawrence spoke to Doctor Who Magazine 573 and offered a look into what may be in store for the future of the show, hinting at 360 screens and gaming software akin to shows like The Mandalorian, saying "The 360 screens in "The Mandalorian" and how they used gaming software to create those amazing landscapes is something I’d love to see in "Doctor Who", the actors walk in front of the screen and the environment moves with them.", explaining it would get rid of green screens once and for all.

On 8 May, Ncuti Gatwa shared a post on Instagram containing two hearts and a blue box. Shortly after, it was officially announced by the BBC that Gatwa would take on the role of the Doctor. Speaking on it, Gatwa said: "There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same. Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."

- Ncuti Gatwa

Showrunnner Davies added: "The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!"

- Russell T Davies

On 26 May, Russell T Davies spoke to Doctor Who Magazine, issue 578, about his plans around the reveal of Gatwa and their follow-up appearance at the BAFTA-awards show.

In an interview with Variety on 30 July, former villain actor Neil Patrick Harris teased that the new Doctor would be "the first gay Doctor".

On 24 September, former showrunner Steven Moffat told Radio Times that he had read Russell T Davies's scripts and said they were "fantastic".

Same day auditions for the new companion were held.

On 30 September, when David Tennant spoke in an interview with BBC News about his and Catherine Tate's return to the show in the 60th anniversary specials, also praised incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, saying he's "brilliant" and "lovely" and "really talented".

On 23 October, following the broadcast of The Power of the Doctor and the episode's surprise regeneration into David Tennant, Russell T Davies revealed that Tennant would be playing the Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa would be playing the Fifteenth Doctor.

On 25 October it was announced by Gatwa on Live with Kelly and Ryan that a deal had been struck between the BBC and Disney Branded Television to have Doctor Who streaming on Disney+ from November 2023 onwards to transform the show into a global franchise. Along with these news was unveiled a new diamond-shaped logo.

Speaking of these news, Davies said: "I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK."

- Russell T Davies

Disney+ President Alice Bowen also weighed in: "We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalogue of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling."

- Alice Bowen

Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis also offered a few words: "Doctor Who has captivated the imaginations of families around the world for the past six decades. We are so excited about this collaboration with the BBC, and the opportunity to bring this iconic franchise – and Russell T Davies' brilliant vision – to life for a huge new global audience. Grab your sonic screwdrivers and prepare to travel through time and space!"

- Ayo Davis

On 10 November new revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 584 about the new era to come; the new production crew was revealed and it was also revealed that the Fifteenth Doctor's companion had been cast and at the time of the magazine, Davies was already on "Episode Seven". Furthermore, Davies teased that "huge revelations to come and brand-new stories about a Time Lord’s life" were yet to come.

On 18 November, Davies and the official Doctor Who accounts shared a post early in the morning containing two hearts and a ruby. Later, in the evening, the new companion was revealed at the Children in Need charity event to be Millie Gibson in the role of Ruby Sunday. Speaking of her new role, Gibson said: "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started."

On 20 November, the Scottish BAFTA's were held, attended by Peter Capaldi and Ncuti Gatwa, where Capaldi praised Gatwa and reminisced about his own time as the Twelfth Doctor, saying "[Steven Moffat was] looking for a new Doctor Who, he took me on the most magical journey, a journey that Ncuti is about to embark on. And I suspect Ncuti knows this already because I can see it in his heart and see it in him. But he’s about to discover how beautiful and wonderful and cosmic the human race can really be". Gatwa also revealed that his Doctor's costume was not yet finished, saying "it's still fluid, we’re still building.".

On 8 December, Davies revealed to Doctor Who Magazine issue 585 that the new series would consist of 8 episodes plus a special, saying that he's aware that it's not a lot, but urged fans to "give [them] time".

On 13 December, during an interview with Total TV Guide, Davies revealed that viewers would "…be staggered with the surprises we’ve got in store!" in the upcoming special, recalling the very first Christmas Special commission in 2005, saying: "It really felt like Doctor Who coming home.", and calling it a "tradition".

On 17 December, official promotional images of the new costumes for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday were revealed by the BBC. At the same time the actors themselves posted a video of themselves revealing the outfits that had been filmed at Cardiff Harbour Authority car park.

On 22 December, in an interview with Radio Times, while promoting Count Magnus, former writer and occassional cast member Mark Gatiss spoke about the new series, stating "There's just such a kind of... it's got a spring in its step which just makes you very excited to watch it and Ncuti just seems so absolutely adorable and just brimming with that kind of effervescent love of the show." and spoke about his excitement for the the show's regularity to return.

On 5 January 2023, some revelations were made in Doctor Who Magazine issue 586 about the casting and production processes along with an interview with Gibson, revealing what it was like to act opposite Gatwa.

On 9 January, the BBC revealed on Doctor Who social media that Jemma Redgrave would return as Kate Stewart alongside UNIT and that Aneurin Barnard would appear as new character Roger ap Gwilliam.

Broadcast
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Cast

 * Fifteenth Doctor - Ncuti Gatwa
 * Ruby Sunday - Millie Gibson

Recurring

 * Kate Stewart - Jemma Redgrave

Guest

 * Roger ap Gwilliam - Aneurin Barnard

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Producers
Russell T Davies made his "explosive return" to Doctor Who in the 60th anniversary and "series beyond".

Phil Collinson, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter also returned from the 60th specials as executive producers and were joined by Joel Collins.

Returning from the 60th specials were also Vicki Delow, Chris May and Ellen Marsh.

Phil Sims continued as the production designer and Scott Handcock as the script editor.

Director
Dylan Holmes Williams directed the first filming block along with director of photography Sam Care.

Mark Tonderai directed the second filming block.

Writers
To be added

Pre-production
On 12 August, The Hollywood Reporter stated that the series would begin filming in November.

On 10 November it was revealed in Doctor Who Magazine #584 that pre-production on the series began on 26 September.

Filming
Filming officially began on the series on 5 December 2022 in Wolf Studios in Cardiff, Wales and continued on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and ending on 12 December.

Public filming then began and continued on 13, 14, 15 and 16 December at the White Cross Inn in Groeswen, Wales.

Filming then went on to Cardiff Bay Barrage in Penarth, Wales, which went on until 17 December.

On 3 January 2023, filming took place on Cardiff Queen Street and inside Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff, Wales.

Filming moved on to Swansea University Bay Campus in Swansea, Wales on 4 January where it continued on 5, 6 and 7 January.

On 9 and 10 January filming took place at Newport Market, High Street and Victoria Place in Newport, Wales.

Episode notes
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Aliens and enemies
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Rumours

 * Billie Piper expressed a willingness to return as Rose Tyler at some point "if the circumstances and the story were right”.
 * Matt Smith expressed a willingness to return as the Eleventh Doctor at some point "if the timing was right, and after giving Jodie Whittaker a chance. I think we've got to give a few years to Miss Whittaker to get the TARDIS under her belt, as it were, and then yeah — one day".
 * Davies' new era could bring back the Christmas Special.
 * According to The Mirror, the new era will get spin-offs focusing on villains such as the Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen, Sea Devils and Weeping Angels, centering around what they get up to when the Doctor is not around.

Novels
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Comics
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Webcasts
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Adaptations and merchandising
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