In a surprising turn of events, Bad Wolf, a Sony-owned production company, secured an unprecedented deal with BBC Studios to produce the iconic television series, Doctor Who. This unique agreement not only brought back Russell T Davies as the showrunner but also resulted in record-breaking revenues for Bad Wolf. Let us delve deeper into this extraordinary deal and its financial impact on the production outfit.
In its inaugural year of producing Doctor Who, Bad Wolf experienced an astronomical increase in revenues. From September 2021 to the end of March 2023, the production company generated a staggering £117 million ($148 million), marking a monumental 192% growth compared to the previous year’s £40.2 million. Furthermore, Bad Wolf subsidiary, Whoniverse1, which functions as the special purpose vehicle for Doctor Who, contributed an additional £43 million ($54 million) to the overall sales figure during the same period.
This landmark achievement of £117 million in sales represents Bad Wolf’s highest revenue in a 12-month period since its establishment in 2015 by Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter. It is noteworthy that Bad Wolf previously recorded revenues of £121 million in 2020. Nevertheless, this remarkable figure was amassed over a 15-month period due to the company extending its accounting period.
Bad Wolf’s exceptional financial success extended beyond its record-breaking revenues. The production outfit’s pre-tax profit for 2023 amounted to £7 million, demonstrating a remarkable 366% increase from the previous year’s £1.5 million. These figures, published on Companies House, solidify Bad Wolf’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the television production industry.
The collaboration between Bad Wolf and BBC Studios is unprecedented in the history of Doctor Who. Traditionally, the BBC or BBC Studios produced the show in-house, retaining full control over the iconic brand. However, this groundbreaking deal saw Bad Wolf taking the reins under the supervision of BBC Studios, which maintains ownership of the Doctor Who brand and manages international sales and merchandise. Notably, BBC Studios also orchestrated an agreement with Disney+ to secure streaming rights for the show outside the UK, further expanding Doctor Who’s global reach.
The successful endeavor between Bad Wolf, Russell T Davies, and BBC Studios is not their first collaboration. Julie Gardner, Jane Tranter, and Davies previously worked together on the revival of Doctor Who in 2005, which quickly captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. As a testament to the continued popularity of the show, the recent special episode starring David Tennant garnered a massive audience of 7.6 million viewers on BBC.
Furthermore, the future of Doctor Who looks promising, as Ncuti Gatwa is set to assume the role of the Tardis’s guardian in his first full episode on Christmas day. With Bad Wolf leading the production and the immense financial success it has achieved, fans of the beloved sci-fi series can anticipate exciting new adventures and captivating storylines in the years to come.
The unique partnership between Bad Wolf and BBC Studios to produce Doctor Who has proven to be a resounding success, both creatively and financially. Bad Wolf’s exceptional revenues and profitability demonstrate their ability to reinvigorate an iconic brand while maintaining its enduring popularity. This remarkable feat opens new doors for the television production industry and establishes Bad Wolf as a prominent player in the field. As the Doctor Who saga continues, fans can eagerly await a new era of captivating storytelling and thrilling adventures in time and space.