After Jodie Whittaker, Doctor Who will undergo a “radical” change

Star Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall are both leaving Doctor Who after the upcoming season, laying the groundwork for major change.

Change is never far away on Doctor Who. The series is famous for switching out its leading actor every few years as the Doctor regenerates into a new form, and a regeneration is coming: both star Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall are leaving the series after the upcoming thirteenth season, and the race is on to find their replacements.

Who will they be? Well, there’s no shortage of applicants, but we won’t know until the BBC is ready to tell us. For now, they’re only promising big things ahead. “As with any change of Doctor and showrunner, we’ll be radical,” said Director of Drama Piers Wenger at the Edinburgh TV Festival. “Change is ahead.”

The next question is what “radical” change would look like for the show. Every fan has their take. Should it become more serialized? Or should it go in the opposite direction and be purely episodic? Should it lean more into sci-fi? More into horror? Should it embrace classic storylines and villains or go its own way? Or maybe the show should just…end?

All of this will be up to whatever new hires the BBC makes. (Except the scenario where it ends; only the ratings can decide that.) For now, we can just enjoy the time left with Whittaker and company. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me,” she said. “I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever. I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel hopefully. The universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

Doctor Who season 13 will premiere later this year.

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