Doctor Who's Tender Process Bid Frontrunners Unveiled To Revive BBC's Sci-Fi Classic

MovieStillsDB Published Oct 7, 2026, 2:20 PM EDT Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour. Sign in to your ScreenRant account This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.As the competitive tender process gets underway for the future of Doctor Who, the frontrunners have now been revealed. Deadline reports that Hat Trick Mercurio, World Productions and STV Studios have all submitted bids for the iconic sci-fi franchise. Hat Trick is run by Line of Duty showrunner Jed Mercurio and Jimmy Mulville. Mercurio himself would serve as executive producer if his proposal proves successful. He is no stranger to sci-fi, having created Invasion: Earth and written novels by Ascent. Outside of that genre, Mercurio's other credits include Cardiac Arrest, Line of Duty, Bloodlands, Trigger Point and DI Ray. His political thriller Bodyguard received nominations at the Emmys and Golden Globes. STV Studios, one of the other bidders, has a unique angle with their proposal. If selected to produce Doctor Who, the studio wants to move production to Scotland. It was also recently reported that two companies associated with BBC Studios would submit proposals as well, though details haven't been revealed on that front. Jamie Hall has said that the BBC, which airs Doctor Who in the UK, could benefit from his long history with the franchise. More to come...