HBO Max, Warner Media’s massive new streaming service, is due out in the spring and it’s just snapped up a major new TV series to add to its ever-growing, already impressive collection of content. Deadline has revealed that Doctor Who is coming to the site from its launch onwards thanks to a lucrative deal with BBC Studios to acquire the exclusive streaming rights to the property.
All eleven seasons of the beloved sci-fi show’s modern incarnation will be made available on the streaming service, with Jodie Whittaker’s first run of episodes receiving its SVOD debut on the site as well. HBO Max will then be the online home for subsequent seasons of Who, once they’ve aired on BBC America. The BBC deal also comes with other popular British series like the original version of The Office, Idris Elba’s Luther and Top Gear, among others.
“Doctor Who is one of television’s all-time, most beloved series, on both sides of the pond, and we are happy to be the exclusive streaming stewards for this BBC gem” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max and president, TNT, TBS, and truTV. “Another series to further define the high-quality content experience consumers can expect from HBO Max.”
“As any Doctor Who fan knows, the iconic Tardis is ‘bigger on the inside’ – and it’s a good thing because the Tardis is about to welcome a whole new slew of fans coming to the show through this deal with HBO Max,” promised Nigel Gaines, Interim President, BBC Studios – Americas. “HBO Max’s ambitious content line-up is the perfect complement to the Doctor Who global franchise, in addition to some of our most award-winning and game-changing UK dramas and comedies.”
“Doctor Who is a program like no other – an incredibly rich world of stories, packed with adventure, regeneration, heart (two actually) and hope. Our audience is incredibly dedicated and engaged, and we can’t wait to work with HBO Max to tell our stories from across all of time and space,” added Sally de St Croix, Doctor Who Global Franchise Director.
It was previously revealed that HBO Max would be gaining exclusive rights to The CW’s Arrowverse shows as well, including the upcoming Batwoman, the popular Riverdale and its planned spinoff Kathy Keene. DC Universe’s Doom Patrol will also release its second season simultaneously on the service. And, of course, another big draw will be the fact that HBO Max has managed to snatch Friends away from its greatest competitor, Netflix. Ready to subscribe yet?
As for Doctor Who, season 12 is currently in production ahead of its release in early 2020. And now we know where to expect the new outing to land after it’s completed its run on broadcast TV.
