Ever since the classic British science fiction series was rebooted in 2005, Doctor Who has continued to gain popularity worldwide, and the upcoming 15th season is already shaping up to be the biggest yet. Originally debuting in 1963 on the BBC, the series concerns a mysterious alien known only as The Doctor who travels through time and space with various human companions in their vessel, the TARDIS. With adventures ranging from cheesy to terrifying, Doctor Who has continued to captivate audiences with stories of excitement among the stars, in the past, and even in alternate dimensions.
The original Doctor Who series ran from 1963 until its cancelation in 1989, and though a backdoor pilot in 1996 went nowhere, the series was rebooted properly in 2005. The era affectionately known as “New Who” has now become an ongoing TV juggernaut of its own and has added seven new Doctors to the equation in the years since it debuted. Ncuti Gatwa is the latest actor to step into the role, and with Doctor Who‘s partnership with Disney+, the 15th Doctor’s era is another fresh start for the longest-running science fiction franchise of all time.
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Even before season 14 debuted, the latest news sees Ncuti Gatwa’s future beyond Doctor Who season 15 teased by the showrunner. Typically, actors don’t remain in the role of the Time Lord for too long, and though Gatwa is signed on through season 15, his future beyond is uncertain. However, in preparation for season 14’s arrival, showrunner Russel T. Davies and Gatwa himself dropped hints that the 15th Doctor might stick around a while longer, saying he’s “not going anywhere soon.” Most Doctors of the “New Who” era only stick around for three seasons, meaning Gatwa may star in season 16 as well.
Considering the immense popularity of Doctor Who the BBC’s decision to renew the show for two seasons at once wasn’t really surprising. Despite changing lead actors every few years since 2005, Doctor Who has hardly faded in its relevance and the start of the Disney+ era is a chance for the show to expand its reach even more.
One of the biggest changes made with the official start of the Disney+ era of Doctor Who is that the season numbering has officially been reset. Though the canon of the story is still intact, Doctor Who season 14 was technically season 1, making season 15 technically season 2. The decision was likely made to try to draw in new viewers who were perhaps scared off by 13 seasons of TV they might have to catch up on, but it has led to confusion as well. Doctor Who now has three separate season 1’s making starting points plentiful for burgeoning Whovians.
Despite the fact that season 14 is still so new, production is already underway on Doctor Who season 15. Furthermore, a release window for Doctor Who season 15 has already been revealed, and it suggests the show will get back on a yearly trajectory. According to recent reports, season 15 is slated to debut in May 2025, exactly one year after the debut of season 14.
The cast of Doctor Who season 15 has been the subject of much speculation since rumors swirled that The Doctor’s newest companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), would be departing after season 14. Though other news suggests Ruby will appear in season 15, newcomer Varada Sethu is being set up to become The Doctor’s newest companion in season 15. As a counterpoint to the confusion surrounding the companions, 15th Doctor actor Ncuti Gatwa is already confirmed to reprise the role in season 15.
The presumptive cast of season 15 includes:
At this juncture, it is impossible to know exactly what will happen in season 15 of Doctor Who. The Doctor’s adventures are best when they’re unexpected, and each episode is usually a self-contained story that may touch upon overarching themes. The best Doctor Who stories typically involve many of The Doctor’s most recognizable enemies like Daleks or Cybermen, but they can also be character-driven as well. Season 14 will undoubtedly set the tone of the Ncuti Gatwa era, and that will likely inform the types of adventures The Doctor faces in season 15.