Doctor Who returns with a new season, a new companion, and a very special guest star. The second season, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, premieres on April 12, 2025.
Here’s the Lowdown: The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) will be joined by a new companion, Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu. The season launches simultaneously on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and on Disney+ internationally (where available) on Saturday, April 12, at 8am (UK time). Emmy Award-winner Alan Cumming guest stars in the second episode as Mr. Ring-a-Ding, a cartoon character who breaks free from the screen with terrifying results. Millie Gibson also stars as Ruby Sunday.
What This Means Now: The immediate impact is that fans have a firm date to look forward to: April 12. The addition of a new companion and Alan Cumming’s intriguing villain provide fresh elements for the upcoming season.
The Bigger Picture: Doctor Who continues its long-running tradition of regeneration and reinvention, both with the Doctor himself and his companions. The show, produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television, is clearly aiming for a broad, international audience with its dual release strategy. The inclusion of a well-known guest star like Alan Cumming adds further appeal. Other confirmed cast members are: Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Christopher Chung, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, and Susan Twist.
