Doctor Who Will Return in 2026, But the Plan Has Fans Shocked

An exciting new Doctor Who story event is almost here, and BBC Studios has finally unveiled more details about what's to come. Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker kicks off as a new multi-platform event next month.

Circuit Breaker puts the focus on the Fugitive Doctor and will unfold across audio, publishing, gaming and digital for one connected Whoniverse event. The first chapter, titled Calling the Doctor, will launch on June 25 on the Doctor Who in-universe UNIT website. The event will run through September and is already confirmed to feature some of the franchise's most iconic Doctor Who antagonists, from Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans and even a Weeping Angel.

Doctor Who's Circuit Breaker Event Spans Comics & Beyond

After Circuit Breaker launches on June 25, fans won't have to wait long to get their hands on a new comic story, Adversary of the Daleks, being published by Titan Comics and written by Dulce M. Montoya and Dan Watters. The full solicit for Circuit Breaker, below, teases where the new Doctor Who story will be headed.

"In the depths of UNIT’s most secure facility, the Black Archive, familiar objects have been pulled through time and space, surrounded by a dangerous energy signature threatening to tear reality apart. With time running out, newly appointed Head of the Black Archive, Osgood (Ingrid Oliver) and her assistant Andrew (Omari Douglas) turn to the only person who can help… the Doctor (Jo Martin)."

"This is no ordinary crisis, and not the Time Lord they are familiar with. As the Doctor confronts her most infamous enemies, such as the Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, and a rogue Weeping Angel, she is forced to complete a mission with an insidious presence lurking in the shadows. Secrets begin to surface, and trust between UNIT and the Doctor begins to erode as those who idolize her start to question if she really is the Time Lord they thought they knew…"

Circuit Breaker marks Doctor Who's third multi-platform event to date, with previous stories following this format including Time Lord Victorious and Doom's Day. More story reveals are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, leading up to Circuit Breaker's official launch.

Doctor Who Star Teases Brand New Costume in Circuit Breaker

As Circuit Breaker begins to unfold, Doctor Who fans will have plenty of surprises in store. Jo Martin, who has portrayed the Fugitive Doctor since 2020, spoke about the upcoming event and what to expect. "Circuit Breaker now has an official start date! I'm delighted for fans to join the Fugitive Doctor on a brand-new adventure! One that may even showcase a more vulnerable side (yes, she does have one!). But for now, I invite you to take a first look at my Doctor's brand-new costume."

Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, the writer for the Calling the Doctor story that kicks off the event on June 25, added: "Circuit Breaker is truly unique in the Doctor Who universe. Just as the Fugitive Doctor rocked everyone's world when they first appeared on our screens, we wanted to bring something exciting and new to the fans, a story that takes the best parts of Doctor Who and melds them with a fresh and innovative boldness that makes for fantastic storytelling."

Doctor Who's Circuit Breaker event launches on June 25, with Titan Comics' Adversary of the Daleks following as the second part of the adventure on July 8.