Streaming Services

AMC+ picks up the rights to “Doctor Who”

BBC One’s “Doctor Who” (2005–2022) is coming to AMC+

AMC+ officially acquired the exclusive rights to stream the modern era of Doctor Who (2005–2022) in the United States. The announcement, ending the show’s streaming absence, was made on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The post-2022 Doctor Who catalogue is still with Disney+. AMC+, as an add-on channel, can be accessed through streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.

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There is an important caveat. The deal, only covering the so-called NuWho Era, doesn’t include either the Classic Era or the Disney+ Era. The Classic Era, spanning 26 seasons (1963–1989), is found on streaming services such as BritBox, Tubi, or Pluto. The Disney+ Era, short-lived, was a BBC-Disney partnership that only lasted two seasons.

The NuWho Library, spanning thirteen seasons, delivers no fewer than 176 episodes. This period brought new life to the long-running science fiction series.

The Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant), The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), The Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), and The Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker).

Also, not the main character, both The War Doctor (John Hurt) and The Fugitive Doctor (Jo Martin) made appearances. Adding these characterizations left some individuals questioning the behind-the-scenes decision-making.

Some people longed for a return to the Classic Era vibe. But, naturally, new audience members were looking for something more modern. Major retcons, including the Time War and the so-called “Timeless Child” reveal, were met with mixed reactions.

Referencing the Disney+ Era, understandably, “mixed reactions” is an understatement. Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how hard you try, you can’t please everyone. It has been suggested that the Disney+ Era caters more to an American audience than to persons on the other side of the pond.

For six decades, undeniably, Doctor Who has been a British staple. Because of how Britons feel about the long-running science fiction series, naturally, changing key elements is strongly disliked. Let’s not forget that between the Classic Era and the NuWho Era, sometimes considered a blip on the radar, there was the made-for-television movie Doctor Who (1996).

While there are individuals who like the television movie, a production that was made as a potential pilot, it was strongly disliked for many years. Whovians, clearly an American term, questioned whether the 1996 television movie was considered canon. It is what it is. Not everyone likes everything.

AMC Networks, something I only recently discovered, apparently owns full rights to BBC America. Not too long ago, in the United States, BBC America televised Doctor Who from 2009 to 2022. Recently, after the House of Mouse exited its international co-production deal with the BBC, the NuWho Era catalog relocating to AMC+ became the logical choice.

“Doctor Who is one of the most beloved franchises in television, with a fanbase that spans generations,” said Lawrence Szabo, EVP of Content Sales, North America & LatAm, BBC Studios. “AMC+ has built a differentiated home for premium genre franchises and deeply engaged fandoms, making it the ideal exclusive U.S. streaming partner for these 13 seasons of Doctor Who. We’re excited to bring these adventures back to longtime U.S. fans and welcome new audiences into the Whoniverse. Allons-y!”

Before the BBC-AMC+ agreement became a thing, as we understand it, Doctor Who was completely absent from U.S. streaming for nearly a full year. Doctor Who became unavailable via Max in July 2025.

“’Doctor Who’ strengthens AMC+’s position as a destination for premium genre storytelling — curated franchises defined by iconic worlds, passionate fan bases and enduring cultural impact,” said Courtney Thomasma, Executive Vice President of AMC Global Media’s linear and streaming products. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Whoniverse into our home of fandoms, giving longtime fans a reason to return while inviting new audiences to discover one of television’s most beloved franchises.”

NuWho coming to AMC+ could be just what The Doctor ordered. Let’s not forget that the deal only covers the NuWho Era. It has not yet been established whether AMC+ will serve as the first-run U.S. home for future episodes. That includes the upcoming 2026 Christmas Special and the following new seasons.