HBO Responds to Rumors of Acquiring 60+ Year Old Sci-Fi Franchise

2 weeks ago 8

Published Mar 30, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT

In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 2500 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams. Alongside interviewing stars such as Selin Hizli, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Harlan Coben, and Chelsea Peretti, Jake was lucky enough to visit the set of Aardman and Netflix's Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl in 2024, getting the chance to chat with four-time Academy Award winner Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Jake has also worked for other publications, including Agents of Fandom.

We know that Doctor Who is set to return with a Christmas special in 2026, but that doesn't stop the radiating sense of uncertainty from Whoniverse. Under the guidance of returning showrunner Russell T. Davies, the series has been through a turbulent few years, culminating in the early end of Ncuti Gatwa's run as the titular Time Lord and the end of an ultimately disappointing partnership with the House of Mouse. Before Doctor Who returns, it is expected that they will strike a deal with a new international streaming partner.

In late February, it was hinted by Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, that the timey-wimey franchise and the Beeb could be looking to go into business with HBO, considering the pair's upcoming collaboration with new projects from breakout stars Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer) and Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You). "We’ll wait and see how we figure it out. HBO have been great partners creatively. There’s a lot of stuff that is changing out there," Salt said in an interview, before implying that a future for the series might have to work with a reduced budget compared to the Disney era.

Now, HBO boss Casey Bloys has responded to the suggestion that the TARDIS is heading their way, admitting in an interview, "It has not been presented to us," although this denial was followed by some hope that Doctor Who might make its way to HBO. He continued, "As with anything, I would say 'Never say never' – it's just not something that I know about."

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HBO Max Now Has a Presence Across the Pond

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson smile at each other in 'Doctor Who'

After many years of waiting, British audiences finally got their hands on HBO Max on March 26. The arrival of the streamer across the pond comes at a perfect time, with the new trailer for HBO's reimagining of Harry Potter for the small screen smashing expectations, leaving those from the magical franchise's home country counting down the days until its Christmas debut. British and Irish subscribers can finally get their hands on HBO Max's impressive catalog of content, which also includes the upcoming Euphoria Season 3, hit medical drama The Pitt, and more.

The most recent Doctor Who is available on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest updates.