Summary
Doctor Who season 14's release window was briefly revealed in a BBC press release before being removed, sparking speculation about the premiere date.
Ncuti Gatwa is set to portray the fifteenth Time Lord, being accompanied by Millie Gibson as the companion Ruby Sunday throughout various time periods in their thrilling escapades.
The absence of a specified release timeframe may be attributed to the higher priority given to the forthcoming 60th anniversary specials or potential disagreements related to distribution between the BBC and Disney.
The release window for Doctor Who season 14 in 2024 was initially revealed in a BBC press release, but was quickly removed. This upcoming season will mark Ncuti Gatwa's first full season as the fifteenth incarnation of the Time Lord, following his debut in this year's anniversary specials. Joining Gatwa will be Millie Gibson, who will play the companion Ruby Sunday. Together, they will embark on adventures set in the near-future, Regency-era England, and the Beatlemania of the 1960s. After wrapping up filming in July, the release window for the new episodes was hinted at in a press release on the BBC Culture website, which focused on the global premiere of the upcoming 60th anniversary specials.
According to Den of Geek, the anniversary specials led by David Tennant are set to be released in November, and the latest Doctor Who Christmas special will arrive in December. It was further stated that Doctor Who season 14 is anticipated to air in spring 2024. However, the article was subsequently edited, with the original mention of the spring 2024 release window being removed.
What Could The BBC's Release Date Removal Mean For Doctor Who Season 14?
Production for season 14 of Doctor Who commenced in December 2022, with Gatwa and Gibson's involvement confirmed. Regular updates were shared online until filming concluded in July. Additionally, the work on Gatwa's second season is already in progress, as Russell T Davies, the showrunner, is writing season 15 while filming takes place. Gatwa has also confirmed his return for future seasons. The BBC's sudden changes to the production process, despite its seemingly smooth execution, raises curiosity.
While the removal of the release window for season 14 of Doctor Who may cause concern for some, there could be several reasons for the BBC's reversal of their initial statement. The BBC, in anticipation of the show's 60th anniversary airing in November, may prefer to focus on that event, similar to how they kept Jodie Whittaker's successor concealed until her final episode aired. Additionally, with Disney now involved in the production and distribution of Doctor Who outside of the UK, it is possible that both companies have not reached a firm agreement on a specific release window.
Regardless of the BBC's initial report's accuracy, it is hoped that Doctor Who will still be released in spring 2024. With an outstanding cast, beloved characters making a return, and intriguing adventures on the horizon, there is much anticipation to witness Gatwa's portrayal as the Fifteenth Doctor in the TARDIS. It would be wonderful if the release date was brought forward to an earlier time in the year. Although a spring release is not assured, Doctor Who season 14 is without a doubt one of the most highly anticipated TV releases of 2024.
