While fans are still on the edge of their seats waiting for the resolution of last year's jaw-dropping Doctor Who cliffhanger, a brand-new adventure is set to arrive this summer that promises to keep the excitement alive. One of the Doctor's most enigmatic incarnations is making a comeback, and this time, she's crossing over into nearly every form of media imaginable. Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker is an ambitious, sprawling crossover event that will send the Fugitive Doctor hurtling through time, space, and multiple storytelling formats.
Jo Martin reprises her role as the Fugitive Doctor in Circuit Breaker, a character first introduced in the 2020 episode "Fugitive of the Judoon." That episode upended decades of Doctor Who lore by revealing that the Doctor had lived many lives before the one we thought was the first—lives even the Doctor herself didn't remember. Martin's incarnation has since become a fan favorite, and now she's getting her own epic saga.
The story kicks off when UNIT's Petronella Osgood (Ingrid Oliver) and her assistant Andrew (Omari Douglas) recruit the Fugitive Doctor to investigate the mysteries of the Black Archive. What begins as a routine mission quickly spirals into a confrontation with some of the Doctor's deadliest enemies—including the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Sontarans, and the Weeping Angels. But there's a twist: while these iconic villains all have a vendetta against the Doctor, the Fugitive Doctor hasn't met them yet. This sets the stage for a thrilling, time-twisted adventure where she must face foes who know her, but she doesn't know them.
Circuit Breaker is not just a single story—it's a multimedia extravaganza that will unfold across games, comics, audio dramas, and prose. The event brings together an impressive roster of Doctor Who licensees, including Titan Comics, Doctor Who Magazine, BBC Audiobooks, East Side Games, Puffin, Penguin Random House, and Big Finish. Each chapter will offer a unique piece of the puzzle, and fans will need to follow along across all platforms to experience the full story.
The adventure officially begins on June 25 with a launch on UNIT's website, and new updates will roll out throughout the summer. The full list of chapters and release dates has been announced, ensuring that fans can plan their journey through this interconnected narrative. It's a bold experiment in storytelling that reflects the ever-expanding universe of Doctor Who.
Meanwhile, the future of the TV series remains uncertain. After the latest season premiered last year, the show lost its international streaming partner, Disney+, and left viewers hanging on a massive cliffhanger. A Christmas special is planned for later this year, which is expected to resolve the mystery of why the current Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) seemingly regenerated into Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), the beloved companion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors. For now, Circuit Breaker offers a welcome distraction—and a chance to explore a lesser-known but equally fascinating Doctor.
If you're looking for more entertainment to tide you over, check out our coverage of Maya Hawke & KJ Apa bringing Shakespeare's 'Love's Labour's Lost' to life in 'The Summer Oath' audiobook, or dive into our ranking of the top 10 Stephen King thrillers. And if you're a fan of British crime dramas, don't miss Apple TV's 'Criminal Record' returning for a new season.
Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker launches on June 25. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates on this and other entertainment news.
