Doctor Who season 2, or Doctor Who series 15 for those who keep count, is set to be released this year, with Ncuti Gatwa reprising his role as the new Doctor. Following the critically-acclaimed season 1, as well as the sweet 2024 Christmas special co-starring Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, the legendary show is moving towards new adventures, and we can't wait to see it.
Here is everything you need to know about the second season of Doctor Who, including release date speculation, plot theories, confirmed cast, and more.
With the Mrs. Flood mystery still unresolved and a new, yet familiar, companion jumping on board the TARDIS, there are a lot to be unpacked in future episodes, and even more reasons to be excited for what's to come. As the next season of Doctor Who makes its way to the BBC in the UK and Disney Plus in the US, we keep track here of every update about it, no matter how small.
Beware of spoilers from season 1 as we give you a glimpse of what's in store for Doctor Who season 2.
Doctor Who season 2 release date speculation
Doctor Who season 2 is a lock for 2025, although the exact release date has not been announced yet.
We know the new episodes have already been filmed and production on season 2 wrapped as early as May 2024, though, so it's only a matter of time before a release date is confirmed. Our bet is May 2025, marking a year between seasons, but we'll keep you updated here.
Doctor Who season 2 cast
Ncuti Gatwa is back as the Doctor for a second full season, meaning that Christopher Eccleston is the only post-reboot Doctor to only stick around for one year.
Despite leaving the TARDIS during the Empire of Death ending, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) will also appear in the second season – at least for a handful of episodes.
The Doctor is also getting a new companion: Varada Sethu is back, having already played Mundy Flynn in season 1 episode ‘Boom.’ She won't be back as Mundy, though, but as a new character, Belinda Chandra.
Doctor Who, of course, has history with both: Clara Oswald arrived ‘early’ before getting official companion status, while Peter Capaldi showed up in ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ as Lucius Caecilius before playing the Twelfth Doctor.
Outside of that, nothing has officially been confirmed when it comes to the Doctor Who season 2 cast.
However, given her tease at season 1’s end, we would expect Anita Dobson to appear once more as Mrs. Flood – something that she confirmed herself in an interview with Radio Times.
We also expect Jonah Hauer-King to come back in season 2 as Ruby's romantic interest.
In terms of guest stars, we know that Rose Ayling-Ellis will star in one episode, but we're sure there will be more surprises ahead.
Doctor Who season 2 trailer
A teaser trailer of Doctor Who season 2 was revealed on Christmas day, following the release of the festive special. This first look at the new episodes features Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday.
In June 2024, we got a sneak peek too, where Ruby is seen telling a large group in a pub to stay indoors, and to instruct their friends and family to do the same.
We are still waiting for a full trailer for Doctor Who season 2.
Doctor Who season 2 story: what’s been said by showrunner Russell T Davies?
Doctor Who’s first season ended with the Doctor bringing ‘death to death’ and returning the entire universe back to life after Sutekh’s grand plans were undone. That means plenty of potential (including worlds and enemies long thought dead), but there’s been no concrete info about what exactly season 2’s plot will consist of.
But there have been crumbs. In a talk at a recent BAFTA event (H/T Radio Times), showrunner Russell T Davies teased that one upcoming episode will be a "riot."
"There's one next year where I very specifically said, 'I want this film crossed with that thing,' and that's the best episode ever! Episode 6 next year, watch episode 6 next year – it's a riot. My God, it's a riot. It's hilarious."
And what of Ruby Sunday? "The story of that family hasn’t finished yet," Davies said of the Sunday family during an episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed. The first season reveals that Ruby Sunday’s mother is Louise Miller, a typically ordinary NHS worker.
Fans have since theorized that Ruby’s unseen dad, William, may have ties to future Prime Minister – and all-round evildoer – Roger ap Gwilliam, literally meaning ‘son of William’. What’s in a name, eh?
Speaking of theories, Mrs. Flood has sparked plenty of them – though we’re partial to the idea that she’s the God of Stories, especially since she’s been mimicking so many costumes from past companions. After the Toymaker, Sutekh, and Maestro, there may yet be one more of the pantheon still to emerge.
Mrs. Flood actor Anita Dobson told Radio Times that we’ll "find out a lot about her" next year. On the aforementioned episode of Unleashed, Davies also promised "astonishing reveals."
So answers, it seems, are coming. Alongside that, expect the whizzing adventures across history to continue. Where might the Doctor end up next? Only time will tell...
For more, check out our guide to 2024's biggest new TV shows.
