Robert Shearman, a former writer for *Doctor Who*, doesn’t believe the show’s future is bright. While *Doctor Who* celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 with the return of Russell T. Davies and a new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, Shearman feels Davies’ return didn’t revitalize the series as expected. In fact, he suggests it may signal the end of *Doctor Who*, as the show hasn’t been officially renewed.
Robert Shearman told *Doctor Who Magazine* that the show seems to be facing its most serious crisis yet. While *Doctor Who* has been cancelled before – in 1989 – Shearman believes this time feels different. He explained that even after the 1989 cancellation, there was still a recent Doctor still being portrayed, but now anything new created for the show will feel like a step backward. He pointed out that writers won’t start creating stories featuring Billie Piper’s Doctor because it’s unclear how that would fit into the current timeline, putting the show’s future at risk.
Doctor Who’s Future Looks Less & Less Certain Every Day
The season 15 finale of *Doctor Who*, “The Reality War,” ended with a surprising twist in May 2025. Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor saved Belinda Chandra’s child but had to regenerate, unexpectedly transforming into Billie Piper, who famously played Rose Tyler in the series. Writer Russell T Davies has hinted that this ending was designed to be definitive, providing a clear conclusion unlike when *Doctor Who* was cancelled in 1989, leaving Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor without a proper farewell.
As a long-time Doctor Who fan, I’ve always appreciated the work of writer Mark Shearman. He’s been contributing stories – both for TV and audio with Big Finish – since the Sylvester McCoy era. He actually wrote a fantastic episode with Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, “Dalek,” from the 2005 relaunch, which is a personal favorite. So, when he shares his thoughts on the show’s future, it really hits hard. Interestingly, he seems almost… accepting of the current uncertainty, saying it’s made him appreciate the show’s unique world. While the BBC has confirmed Doctor Who will continue, we’re all still waiting to find out when that will be.
Many viewers are eager to find out how Billie Piper might return to *Doctor Who*, with some speculating she could play the Sixteenth Doctor. The show also feels like it needs a fresh start, even after Russell Davies’ recent return, and fans are hoping a new showrunner – names like J. Michael Straczynski, Kate Herron, and Toby Whithouse have been mentioned – could help revitalize it. With the future of the Bad Wolf/Disney partnership unclear, the show’s overall direction, and even the Doctor’s current situation, remain uncertain.
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2025-10-15 15:10