The BBC is taking pitches for a new Doctor Who series, and it is asking for something specific: a show that can scare kids and comfort them at the same time, while also being smart enough to talk about what it means to be human. The broadcaster put out a call for producers, and the rules are clear. You have to include the Doctor, you have to include a companion, and you have to keep things suitable for a broad family audience — even if you are trying to be scary.
What the BBC Wants
The paperwork states that prospective producers must propose a reasonable production base, with the broadcaster stating a preference for Wales. That is a practical matter for anyone who wants to pitch a new series. The BBC is also open to how the series is structured. “We are flexible in the way the series is structured i.e. serialised or ‘story-of-the-week’ and the number of episodes which make up the series,” the broadcaster said.
The villains are fair game too. “Iconic, established villains are a mainstay of the series over 60 years and we invite you to use them,” the broadcaster said. But the broadcaster wants to know what original characters, aliens and themes producers wish to bring to the show. The broadcaster is keen not to be overly reliant on existing Doctor Who lore.
The goal is a show that feels fresh. “We are looking for a new perspective that ensures Doctor Who remains relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring for both long-standing fans and new audiences,” the broadcaster said.
The Companion Rule
Producers must feature the Doctor in their pitch, and at least one “distinctive, authentic” companion to accompany them. Companions, per the BBC, “should serve as an access point for audiences whilst also challenging, supporting, and influencing the Doctor.” That is a demanding brief for anyone who wants to write a Doctor Who story. The companion has to be relatable, but also capable of pushing back against the Doctor when necessary.
Pitches that veer the Doctor and their companions into spicier space-time shenanigans will likely get tossed in the bin. The BBC wants pitches that “deliver ‘back of the sofa’ scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience” and that “celebrate curiosity, courage, intelligence, and compassion” while “interrogating the human condition.” It’d also help if the pitches boast “distinctively British storytelling.”
Who Is Pitching
Producers are encouraged to attach a committed writer to their pitches — though the BBC is not necessarily married to the idea of having a new showrunner. The broadcaster’s document asks producers to include “a plan to develop actors” as part of their proposals. From this distance, that seems to let former Who companion/maybe future Doctor Billie Piper off the hook for future appearances.
The Pitch Criteria
The BBC’s document is specific about what it wants. Here is a quick breakdown of the key requirements:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production base | Preference for Wales |
| Structure | Serialised or “story-of-the-week” |
| Villains | Use iconic established villains, but bring original characters |
| Doctor | Must be included |
| Companion | At least one distinctive, authentic companion |
| Audience | Broad family-friendly, with “back of the sofa” scares |
| Themes | Curiosity, courage, intelligence, compassion, interrogation of the human condition |
| Storytelling | Distinctively British |
What This Means for Fans
The BBC is clearly trying to balance tradition with innovation. The broadcaster wants Doctor Who to feel familiar to longtime fans, but also surprising enough to attract new viewers. That is a difficult trick to pull off, especially when the show has been on television for 60 years.
The requirement to remain suitable for a broad family audience is particularly notable. The BBC is asking for horror that is not too frightening, and for stories that celebrate intelligence and compassion. That is a tall order for any aspiring time-travel writer.
The broadcaster’s document is asking for a show that is both scary and comforting, intelligent and accessible. That is a lot to ask of any pitch, and it is not clear how many producers will manage to deliver on all of those criteria.
See the video the story is built around at The A.V. Club.
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