Disney is reportedly in talks with the BBC about acquiring the streaming rights to a future season of Doctor Who.

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According to a new Bloomberg report, the long-running sci-fi show could potentially air globally on Disney Plus, while still airing on the BBC.

Bloomberg states that Disney is attempting to acquire more "established entertainment properties" for its streaming service, but does however note that talks are still at an "early stage" with no guarantee that a deal would be reached.

When approached by RadioTimes.com the BBC declined to comment, while Disney has also been contacted for comment.

Disney Plus logo on a Samsung tablet
Could Doctor Who be heading to Disney Plus? Getty

Doctor Who is currently in a transitional phase as it approaches its 60th anniversary, with showrunner Chris Chibnall and star Jodie Whittaker bowing out after this year's centenary special. Russell T Davies will take Chibnall's place, while Ncuti Gatwa is set to star as the new Doctor, as David Tennant also returns to the series for the 60th anniversary.

Davies' return to the series is also seeing a significant production overhaul behind the scenes, as the show will now be co-produced by his own production company Bad Wolf, which was acquired by Sony Pictures Television last year.

It was also claimed earlier this week that the series would be getting a spin-off series on BBC Three, entitled Doctor Who: Unleashed, which would be similar in format to 2005-2012 behind-the-scenes series Doctor Who Confidential, although there has been no official confirmation.

Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer with episodes of the classic series also available on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.

Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.

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Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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