As Doctor Who’s future teeters on the edge, a suggestion from writer and actor Mark Gatiss may signal a shift for the long-running series. The BBC’s iconic sci-fi show has faced much uncertainty, with the most recent season finale airing nearly two months ago. 
With co-production partner Disney’s return still unclear, and insiders hinting at a lengthy hiatus, Gatiss, who has written nine episodes and appeared in five, believes it might be time for Doctor Who to take a well-earned break.
Gatiss drew a parallel with the show’s previous hiatus between 1989 and 2005, suggesting that it might be necessary to step away for a while. Speaking to Prospect magazine, he remarked, “It’s been back for 20 years, which is an awfully long time. Almost as long as its original run. That’s pretty spectacular. So maybe it’s time for another rest.”
Despite the show’s tumultuous path, including the departure of Ncuti Gatwa and an unexpected appearance by Billie Piper, Gatiss expressed continued love for the series. “I really don’t know,” he admitted. “I only know that I still love the show with all my heart.” His comments add to a growing chorus of uncertainty surrounding Doctor Who’s future, with no actor officially confirmed to portray the Doctor moving forward.
The current showrunner, Russell T Davies, has also been reticent, stating that the creators still don’t know what’s next. In the meantime, the BBC has a spin-off miniseries, The War Between The Land and The Sea, scheduled for 2026. An animated series for children is also in the pipeline, but it’s unclear when production will begin.
As the show faces these challenging decisions, one thing seems clear: the Doctor Who landscape is shifting, and fans are left wondering what will come next.