Doctor Who Tender Update: "Line of Duty" Showrunner & More Pitching
Bidders have proposed new production bases and third-party investment as the BBC seeks a dramatic refresh for the long-running sci-fi series.
- The BBC closed submissions last Friday, October 2, for a competitive tender to produce Doctor Who, seeking a new production partner for the 63-year-old franchise after launching the bake-off-style process last month.
- This search follows the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies and producer Bad Wolf, alongside the exit of star Ncuti Gatwa, leaving the broadcaster seeking a dramatic refresh after recent production hurdles.
- Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio is bidding via Hat Trick Mercurio, alongside World Productions and STV Studios, to reimagine the Time Lord, with World Productions spearheading ITV Studios' efforts for the contract.
- BBC executives will shortlist four to five prospective producers by this Friday, October 9, before awarding the final contract in March 2027 to the winning production partner.
- The successful bidder will produce a multi-episodic series aimed for broadcast in 2028/2029, with the BBC requiring the reboot to remain relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring for both longtime fans and new audiences.
17 Articles
17 Articles
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"Line of Duty" Team May Reboot "Doctor Who"?
“Line of Duty” and “Bodyguard” creator/showrunner Jed Mercurio is attached as executive producer to one of the proposals for a “Doctor Who” reboot at The BBC. As previously revealed, the network launched a competitive tender for the sixteenth season of its long-running sci-fi series with the aim of getting the series on air by 2028 […]
The Independent
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“Line of Duty” creator Jed Mercurio has thrown his fedora in the ring to reboot the “Doctor Who” franchise. Mercurio, a prolific TV writer responsible for shows including Vicky McClure-starrer “Trigger Point” and “Bodyguard,” led by Richard Madden, has submitted his interest via Hat Trick Mercurio, the production company he co-founded with Jimmy Mulville. Last […]
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