'Doctor Who' Coming To Disney+

Six years prior to man first stepping on the moon,  'Doctor Who' graced the screens on the BBC.

The iconic sci-fi series follows the Doctor's intergalactic adventures, alongside foes such as the tyrannical Daleks and Cybermen.

It premiered in November 1963, and celebrates its 60th anniversary this week.

A recently released economic report from the BBC estimates the last 13 series contributed to over £256 million (approx. $489.5 million AUD) to the UK economy.

The original series ran through from 1963 through to 1989, and now it finds itself in a more modern universe dominated by streaming. 

On November 25th, it will be globally relaunched, marked by the first of three special episodes, which will appear exclusively on Disney+ outside of the UK.

The deal between Walt Disney, and BBC broadens the brand's international reach, and all new episodes will run on Disney+.

UK viewers will still be able to access the show via BBC, where a backlog of over 800 episodes is available to stream under Whoniverse.

The upcoming will officially be known as Season One both in the UK and abroad. 

Executive Producer Joel Collins said, “It opens [Doctor Who’s] accessibility … to have that moment where it’s new to some, and beloved and well known to others. There’s no barrier to entry … you can either come afresh or you can enjoy everything that’s been.”

He insists the show's distinctive British character will be maintained with the Disney partnership.

“It’s the opportunity to share that work … on a much bigger platform for people to enjoy.” 

He added the show now has the opportunity to engage a new audience, “that are used to all the new streamers, and [the] money they can spend.”

Senior media and telecoms analyst at Enders Analysis, Francois Godard said, "The future of the BBC at this point as an international player may be to strike deals with [streaming companies]."

He continued by saying platforms are looking for “outside content, third party content, because they are cutting costs.”

He also noted the advantages for companies that have produced popular shows, to partner with streaming companies.

“Disney has a capacity to leverage, to monetize brands that the BBC doesn't have. The only worry for me about the BBC is that they find themselves dependent on Disney. Dependent on Disney for the budget of new episodes … and the international brand of Doctor Who.”

The show has also generated many collectibles including 13 million action figures sold since 2005, and over 1 million tickets sold for live events, including concerts and exhibitions. 

The online reach has been growing steadily, with 100 million views on YouTube in the last year alone.

It's also had its fair share of snags, including being pulled off the air in 1989 due to a slump in viewership and behind the scenes tension at the BBC.

Before returning in 2005, a dedicated fanbase kept it alive for 16 years.

Founder of The Who Shop in London, which was opened 39 years ago, Alexandra Looseley-Saul said, "I've been to almost every single state with a convention."

She met her future husband on the opening day, and it's a goldmine of 'Doctor Who' merchandise and home to a museum of original props. 

“It’s really the fans you have to thank, they kept it alive all that time."

Now, for its 60th birthday, the show is looking to the future and behind.

David Tennant, notably the most famous of the title characters, is returning to pilot the Tardis, for the three special episodes. 

Then, Ncuti Gatwa takes over as the 15th doctor.

Ncuti is best known for portraying Eric in 'Sex Education' on Netflix. With a personal Instagram following of 2.8 million, which is higher than the show's official account - 825,000, showcases the BBC's desire to expand the reach of the series.