20 Years Of Doctor Who Revival: What Do We Know About The Special Episode?

A special episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed is set to air to mark 20 years of the revival of the time travel drama. Here’s everything you need to know.

Doctor Who: Unleashed: 20 Years Of The Revival

As the BBC and Disney’s second season of Doctor Who – starring Ncuti Gatwa in the title role – edges to a climax, the British broadcaster has been busy working on a special documentary. While 2023 marked 60 years of Doctor Who, 2025 marks 20 years of the show’s revival, and BBC Three will air a special episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed to look back on these two storied decades.

What Will Happen?

Hosted by Steffan Powell, this special episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will delve into the time vortex, showcasing the last 20 years of Doctor Who. While the original series ran from 1963 to 1989, the revival commenced in 2005, and has seen six actors take on the famous role: Christopher Ecclestone, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker and our current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa.

Steffan will be joined by a whole host of cast and creatives that played a part in bringing the show back to life – including some very famous faces. These voices will come together to discuss what Doctor Who means to them, while Steffan sneaks behind the cameras to unveil the technical secrets of those who bring the series to life. ‘What a joy to be giving the Unleashed treatment to 20 years’ worth of Doctor Who history,’ Steffan says. ‘To see the lasting impact the show has had on those who helped bring the magic to screen has been a privilege, and a reminder of just how much the show means to so many.’

Russell T Davies (© BBC Studios/Bright Branch)

Who Will Star?

Previous Doctors David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker are set to star, alongside former companions Billie Piper, Pearl Mackie and Mandip Gill. They will be joined by the current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and the series’ newest companion, Varada Sethu. Ex-showrunners Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall will also star, as well as the current showrunner and the man who brought the show back to our screens in 2005, Russell T Davies.

After the season’s climactic end, it’s great to celebrate the 20 years that led us here,’ Russell says. ‘I hope this is a party for faithful viewers, with a galaxy of stars, Doctors, companions, Billie Piper reunited with David Tennant, and the making of our first ever Dalek!’

What Is Doctor Who: Unleashed?

Doctor Who: Unleashed is a documentary series that complements episodes of Doctor Who. Airing since 2023 and the BBC’s collaboration with Disney, it is seen as a successor to Doctor Who Confidential, which ran from 2005 to 2011 and similarly delved behind the scenes of the series.

Release Date

The 20th anniversary edition of Doctor Who: Unleashed will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in June 2025.

Previous episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.