After middling new season, Disney's Doctor Who deal "hangs in the balance"

In 2022, Disney struck a deal with the BBC for Disney+ to become the new home for future seasons of Doctor Who outside of the UK. Under the deal, the show got a much-increased budget. It was huge news, ushering in a whole new era for the Whoniverse.

When "season 1" premiered earlier this year, viewers were introduced to actor Ncuti Gatwa in the role of the Doctor. The reception wasn't quite what everyone had anticipated. The season attracted an average of 1.5 million fewer viewers than Jodie Whittaker's final season as the Doctor. What's more, even with returning showrunner Russell T. Davies at the helm, the season's reception was pretty mixed. It had great episodes, but also some extremely mediocre offerings.

Taking all of this into account, future collaboration between Doctor Who and Disney is precarious. In a recent report from Deadline, it's revealed that Doctor Who was omitted from Disney's Upfronts, where the company unveils some of its upcoming projects to investors.

Additionally, Deadline reports that sources close to the production “feel its future hangs in the balance already.” The article contains another quote from an industry source which explains that the ratings simply aren't close to being good enough. “The ratings are a problem. They can talk all they like about young viewers but they’re still down from the specials and down from the Jodie [Whittaker] series. I imagine serious conversations are happening. Disney will want to see results.”

Returning showrunner Russell T. Davies has previously voiced his opinion on the performance of the new season. He's relatively happy with how the ratings turned out. While viewership may still leave a lot to be desired, the season performed well in its target demographic. "The under-16s and the 16-34 audience, as well, is massive," he told Radio Times. "It's not doing that well in the ratings, but it is doing phenomenally well with the younger audience that we wanted."

Attaining great success in the target audience is one thing, but it might not be enough. The time will come when Disney demands big numbers, and Doctor Who will have to deliver.

Doctor Who will return for its second season on Christmas Day. The show's future following season 2 is up in the air.

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