As Doctor Who season 15 enters its second half, Disney+ has revealed that the series will shift its release schedule for the season finale in a move that could hint towards major revelations coming. The latest season of the long-running sci-fi series sees Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor attempting to return new companion Belinda, played by Varada Sethu, back to her home on present-day Earth. Doctor Who season 15 also features the return of Millie Gibson as former companion Ruby Sunday, Jemma Redgrave as UNIT leader Kate Stewart, and Anita Dobson as the mysterious Mrs. Flood.
Disney+ has unveiled that the season finale will receive a new release schedule on the platform. As opposed to releasing at midnight on May 31st, “The Reality War” will be broadcast at 1:00 PM EST. This release is in line with both the standard BBC1 television broadcast, as well as the time the episode will release in a limited double-feature theatrical release of the two-part finale across the UK.
What Doctor Who’s Finale Release Could Mean For The Series’ Future
Simultaneous Releases Have Been Saved For The Era’s Biggest Twists
For the current era of Doctor Who within the shared Disney and BBC co-production agreement, a move from their typical release model could have massive implications for the show itself. For the majority of its releases under the agreement, Doctor Who has had a streaming-first release where it released on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ several hours before its UK television broadcast, save for the release of the 60th-anniversary and seasonal specials. However, even though it was released in cinemas also, Doctor Who‘s season 14 finale “Empire of Death” still maintained the streaming-first release structure, making season 15’s finale rescheduling significant.
The future of Doctor Who beyond season 15 has been a question on many viewers’ minds, as showrunner Russell T Davies, the cast, and other higher-ups involved in the show’s production have stated no news would come until the current season was on streaming. However, the real-world narrative surrounding whether the series could be cancelled in its current form has found its way into the show itself with Mrs. Flood’s ominous warnings of an immediate end, leading to speculation that the radio silence may be intentional. With the scheduling shake-up, it is clear the episode will have major revelations.
Our Thoughts On Doctor Who Season 15’s Finale Release Shake-Up
Could The Reveals Make Up For Almost Two Years Of Uncertainty?
While Doctor Who‘s current production deal may have offered new opportunities, it has also led to much confusion and concern within the fandom about whether it could meet Disney+’s standards. Furthermore, accounts about what the series will look like beyond season 15 have been conflicting, as while Gatwa and Davies have previously hinted at the show continuing, these statements have either been walked back or amended with a less definitive response later on. However, if Doctor Who is keen to air a Whoniverse-upending twist in the finale, these decisions may have been part of a long game.
Source: Disney+
Doctor Who
5/10
- Release Date
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December 25, 2023
- Directors
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Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie
- Writers
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Russell T. Davies, Dave Gibbons, Kate Herron, Steven Moffat
- Franchise(s)
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Doctor Who / Whoniverse