Series 14 (Doctor Who)

Series 14 was a series of Doctor Who produced by BBC in collaboration with Bad Wolf, which had been acquired by Sony. It entered a new era of the programme as former showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies made his return to the role he effectively started. Davies' original era began with the series revival in 2005, ended in 2010 with the Tenth Doctor's regeneration in The End of Time, thirteen years before this series.

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 has first right of refusal on the purchase for the Chinese market of past and future series and spin-offs of the programme.

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.

Return of a showrunner
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!"

The new series and Davies' return were first teased by Piers Wenger when he said an upcoming change for Doctor Who would be "radical" on 25 August.

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 special in 2023 and remain as head writer in "series beyond".

Davies first hinted at this reveal earlier that same day, telling his Instagram followers to watch for "News incoming 3.15pm", in a post which featured artwork of his forehead in front of Gallifrey. Like the preceding series 13 the series was announced as happening before the previous series had even begun broadcasting.

Commenting on his return, Davies said: "I'm beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we're time-travelling too fast, there's a whole series of Jodie Whittaker's brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm — I'm still a viewer for now."

- Russell T Davies

Chibnall himself added: "It's monumentally exciting and fitting that Doctor Who's 60th anniversary will see one of Britain's screenwriting diamonds return home. Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him. Doctor Who, the BBC, the screen industry in Wales — and let's be honest everyone in the whole world — have so many reasons to be Very Excited Indeed about what lies ahead."

- Chris Chibnall

Speaking at a press event on 11 October, Wenger said of the decision for Davies to return: "I almost think that I don't need to answer that question. I think bringing back Russell for Doctor Who was one of the least painful decisions I've ever had to make. How will he evolve that show? I mean, he is a man with a vision, for sure. But, you know, we are way off filming. We've got a new series starting at the end of the month, and a whole year of Jodie [Whittaker] to go yet. And lots of adventures ahead for her. And so I think it's just a bit early to say what his vision will be, but it was a very exciting opportunity for the BBC to bring him back."

- Piers Wenger

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 special and into "series beyond".

Broadcast
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Cast
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Producers

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

Director
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Writers
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Pre-production
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Filming
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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".

Adaptations and merchandising
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Stories set during the season
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