Doctor Who – Picture: BBC
Doctor Who was removed from Netflix in early 2016 with it making its way over exclusively to Amazon Prime in the US but that deal is now up but sadly, it doesn’t look like Netflix is going to see it return. Here’s where it’s headed.
Just a recap as to what happened for those who didn’t follow or have a Netflix account in previous years and didn’t know that the Doctor was on Netflix at one point. Doctor Who Classic and the modern Doctor Who were both available on Netflix and received yearly updates (something most regions still do).
Sadly, the BBC content came up for renewal in the early stages of 2016. It was then announced that Doctor Who would be leaving the service in favor of an exclusive deal struck with Amazon Prime.
The deal covered both Classic Doctor Who and the brand new Doctor Who.
Doctor Who is a BBC show produced and aired first in the United Kingdom. The series covers a timelord who uses his TARDIS to travel both space and time. It’s generated hundreds of in-depth stories and created many memorable villains such as the Cybermen and Daleks. The twelfth season is about to begin with an all-new logo, theme song and as you’ve probably heard, the first female Doctor.
The Amazon deal was a multi-year deal and that expired in 2019. Amazon didn’t renew but a new streaming provider has been found. On August 1st, 2019 it was announced that HBO Max will be carrying the show.
Netflix has seen other BBC shows leave since Doctor Who, many of which do also seem earmarked for HBO Max.
Could Netflix ever see Doctor Who return?
The answer is yes but once again, won’t be for another three years when the series likely comes up for licensing. Even then, competition is fiercer than ever with Britbox also likely in the lineup for wanting the show.
Instead, Netflix seems to be focusing on their own original content and although there’s nothing quite like Doctor Who on Netflix now, there’s plenty of sci-fi treats.
Will Doctor Who leave Netflix in other regions?
Elsewhere, Doctor Who can still be enjoyed on Netflix. Netflix in the United Kingdom (where the series actually airs) gets its Doctor Who seasons renewed annually. 190 more regions also stream the show too.
There’s plenty of other great BBC shows and indeed sci-fi series on Netflix so don’t despair. Some recommendations we have include Travelers, a sci-fi show from Australia exclusive to Netflix. We’d also recommend trying out some of the other great BBC shows currently streaming on Netflix too.
Are you sad that Doctor Who won’t be returning to Netflix?
