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+.

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.", explaing 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.

Broadcast
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Cast

 * Fifteenth Doctor - Ncuti Gatwa

Recurring
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Guest
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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.

Writers
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Pre-production
On 12 August, The Hollywood Reporter stated that Series 14 would begin filming in November.

On 10 November it was revealed in Doctor Who Magazine #584 that pre-production on Series 14 began on 26 September.

Filming
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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.

Novels
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Comics
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Webcasts
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Adaptations and merchandising
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