Doctor Who Specials to Air in US

We’ve had a bit of a break, but BBC America is about to get its Who on again with the acquisition of five new specials. The deal includes the four 2009 specials; the final episodes of the tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant. The first of the specials, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead will premiere in July. As a London red bus takes a detour to an alien world it forces the Doctor (Tennant) to work with the extraordinary Lady Christina (Michelle Ryan, Bionic Woman). But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets hidden in the sand and time is running out as the deadly Swarm gets closer.

BBC America also acquired the 2008 Christmas Special, The Next Doctor featuring David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan. That special will air Saturday, June 27, 2009.

“The outstanding quality of the Doctor Who scripts from Russell T Davies and the on-screen dynamic that David Tennant brings to the role are a magic combination for our viewers. Russell’s spin-off series Torchwood is already our highest rated show on the channel and I know the fans will follow these new specials with equal passion and support. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic show to BBC America, home of the best British sci-fi programming on television,” says President, BBC Worldwide America Garth Ancier.

The second special, Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars, and two additional untitled specials will premiere later in 2009 and early 2010.

Torchwood, the companion series to Doctor Who will have a very short, five episode run for the season, also starting in July on BBCAmerica.

Photos courtesy of BBC America