Doctor Who Makes a Big Comeback on BBC with Classic Episodes

The popular sci-fi show Doctor Who is now back on the BBC, and there is plenty to get excited about. Beginning on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the network will begin broadcasting several classic episodes of the series on BBC Three. It is a significant effort to keep the storms of excitement alive while you await more news about the Doctor's next adventure.

The BBC stated that the schedules will showcase some of the greatest and most memorable stories from the modern era of the series, allowing any lifelong fan, or a fan from the first episode in 1963, and any new viewer, the opportunity to experience the magic created by Doctor Who as a truly global phenomenon.

Doctor Who Returns with Matt Smith’s First Episodes

The return starts with two fan favorite stories from the Matt Smith era:

• The Eleventh Hour - Matt Smith's debut as the 11th Doctor, originally broadcast in 2010
• The Beast Below - an exciting follow up story, which continues with his first season. 

The two episodes will be presented back-to-back, broadcast on BBC Three at 7:10 pm and 8:15 pm, respectively. Although BBC hasn’t released the full schedule yet, they confirmed additional classic stories will air in in the weeks to come. The repeat episodes will allow fans to look back on these significant moments and for the new audiences to be introduced to parts of the show's history.

BBC Gives Big Update on Doctor Who’s Next Chapter

During the Edinburgh TV Festival, BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips responded to fan concerns about the show’s future. She made sure viewers knew Doctor Who is going to continue, regardless of the partnership with Disney+. “Any Whovians out there, rest assured – Doctor Who is going nowhere,” said Phillips.

This is significant because Disney+ is currently charged with the international distribution of the series. While it is still in the discussions phase of whether to renew that deal, according to the BBC, Doctor Who will still be aired even if that deal does not continue.

Doctor Who Season Finale Twist Leaves Fans Speechless

The last season of Doctor Who finished on May 31, 2025, and had a shocking twist for viewers. The finale entitled The Reality War included a surprise regeneration for Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor.

At the end, the Doctor transformed into a different version of himself, leaving readers speculating about the next version of the character. Everyone is speculating about the next chapter of the story, and some rumors say that Billie Piper—the fan-favorite companion Rose Tyler from earlier seasons—will be a prominent player. The BBC has offered no casting information, leaving Doctor Who fans waiting for the next big discovery.

Big News: A New Doctor Who Spin-Off Is Coming Soon

In addition to the main series, a new spinoff series is currently in development. The War Between the Land and the Sea, the new spinoff is set to air in 2026. We don't yet know much about it, but it is designed to provide some new stories and to broaden the "Whoniverse" beyond the Doctor's regular excursions.

This is in keeping with television's ever-increasing trend to build ever larger story worlds, offering fans even more ways to connect with their favorite characters and places.

Why Fans Are So Excited About Doctor Who’s Comeback

For over sixty years, Doctor Who has enthused its audience with an intriguing formula of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. The show has historically welcomed change, starting with the actor cast in the role of the Doctor, and has continuously invited storytelling change for more than sixty years.

The return of stories from the past serves two purposes:

• For new audiences, it's an ideal entry point into the show's long legacy. 
• For long-time fans, it is a nostalgic trip down memory lane back to the series' most cherished moments. 

The technique also allows the fanbase to keep up with each other while they await news on the next Doctor and the series' future seasons. 

What’s Next for Doctor Who

Although the BBC hasn't announced when the next full season will begin filming, the fact that the network has aired classic episodes suggests that announcement of the future may not, in fact, be that far away. Given the development of a spin-off, an unsolved regeneration mystery, and some new potential international deals, Doctor Who seems to be poised for a new exciting era.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): www.mirror.co.uk