Whovians, mark your calendars. Doctor Who is officially making its comeback next week, and it’s unlike anything the franchise has done before. Rather than a new television season, the iconic sci-fi series is launching Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker, a massive multi-platform event spanning comics, audio dramas, novels, video games, and digital storytelling. The first chapter drops on June 25 on the in-universe UNIT website, kicking off a story that will unfold across the entire summer.
Here’s everything fans need to know about Doctor Who’s highly anticipated return.
What Is Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker?
Circuit Breaker marks the third major multi-platform event in Doctor Who history, following in the footsteps of Time Lord Victorious and Doom’s Day. Rather than telling its story through a single medium, Circuit Breaker spreads the narrative across BBC Studios’ network of partners, including Titan Comics, Doctor Who Magazine, BBC Audiobooks, East Side Games, Puffin, BBC Books, and Big Finish.
The story centers on a reality-threatening crisis: deep inside UNIT’s most secure facility, the Black Archive, mysterious objects have been pulled through time and space, surrounded by a dangerous energy signature that threatens to tear the fabric of 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 might be able to help.
The Fugitive Doctor Takes Center Stage
The hero of Circuit Breaker isn’t a Doctor fans are used to seeing lead the charge. Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor, who first stunned audiences in the 2020 episode “Fugitive of the Judoon,” is stepping into the spotlight for this event. The Fugitive Doctor will face off against some of the franchise’s most iconic villains, including the Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, and even a rogue Weeping Angel, all while a larger threat lurks in the shadows.
Martin has teased that fans will see a side of the character they haven’t experienced before. She has described the Fugitive Doctor in Circuit Breaker as more layered and vulnerable than her previous television appearances, moving away from what she’s called a “one-dimensional” portrayal and toward a Doctor defined by regrets, humor, and genuine emotional depth. Martin also revealed a brand-new costume for the character ahead of the launch.
How the Story Will Unfold
The first chapter of Circuit Breaker, titled “Calling the Doctor” and written by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, launches June 25 on the official UNIT website. From there, the story rolls out across multiple formats throughout the summer. Confirmed release dates include:
August 31 — The Black Archive Files: Circuit Breaker DVD release September 3 — The Kaleidoscope, a novel written by Jo Martin herself, published by BBC Books September 22 — Full Circuit, a Big Finish audio story written by Robert Valentine September 24 — Short Circuits, two Big Finish audio shorts, including stories from Alex Hewitt and Natasha Siegel
A Titan Comics tie-in, “Adversary of the Daleks,” is also expected shortly after the event begins, with fans able to track every twist via the official Doctor Who website, The Whoniverse Show, and the franchise’s social channels.
Why This Matters for the Future of Doctor Who
Circuit Breaker arrives at a pivotal moment for the franchise. The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will continue, though its next on-screen chapter has faced delays and uncertainty following Disney+’s exit from its production partnership. With a traditional Christmas special reportedly pushed back and the show’s next steps still being finalized, this multi-platform event gives fans a substantial new story to dive into while the future of the television series takes shape behind the scenes.
For longtime fans, Circuit Breaker is also a chance to see a fan-favorite character finally get her due. Since her debut, the Fugitive Doctor has remained one of the most mysterious and popular incarnations in the show’s history, and Circuit Breaker promises to dig deeper into who she really is.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker start? The first chapter, “Calling the Doctor,” launches on June 25 on the in-universe UNIT website.
Is Circuit Breaker a new TV series? No. Circuit Breaker is a multi-platform story event told through comics, audio dramas, novels, games, and digital content rather than a traditional television season.
Who is the lead character in Circuit Breaker? Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor leads the story, facing the Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, and a rogue Weeping Angel.
How long will the Circuit Breaker event run? The event rolls out in chapters from June 25 through late September 2026.
Where can fans follow the story? Fans can follow Circuit Breaker through the official Doctor Who website, The Whoniverse Show, and the franchise’s official social media channels.
We’ll be tracking every twist and turn of Circuit Breaker as it unfolds this summer — drop your predictions in the comments and check back for the latest updates!
