This November, BBC Studios, CinemaLive, and Fathom Entertainment team up to bring a special one-night-only cinema event to fans across the globe, marking 20 years of the iconic Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler era. On 23 November 2026, which is the official anniversary of the show’s 1963 premiere, more than 1,000 cinemas across the UK, Ireland, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will host a movie-length screening of The Satan Pit Extended Cut.
What to Expect from the Extended Cut of ‘The Satan Pit’
This special event combines The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit into a newly re-edited, cinematic feature. For the first time, deleted scenes previously confined to DVD home releases are woven directly into the narrative alongside never-before-seen extended footage. Audiences will also be treated to an exclusive, all-new interview with international Emmy and BAFTA-winning director and producer James Strong, who will reflect on the behind-the-scenes creation of this modern classic. Starring David Tennant and Billie Piper, the two-part story follows the TARDIS crew to Sanctuary Base 6 on a planet orbiting a black hole, where they encounter the mysterious Ood and face an ancient, primeval evil known as the Beast.
Tickets for this global cinema event go on sale starting 25 September 2026 at 9:00 AM local time. Fans in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can book their seats by visiting doctorwhoincinemas.com, while audiences in the United States can purchase tickets through fathomentertainment.com. Natasha Spence, Global Events Director at BBC Studios, noted that the event captures the extraordinary spirit of discovery that defines the franchise, giving fans a brand-new way to experience a beloved story together on the big screen.
Production Updates and the Future of Doctor Who
Alongside the anniversary celebrations, recent updates from the BBC shed light on the broader horizon for the franchise. The BBC has announced that it will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year to secure the show’s future in alignment with Charter and Agreement requirements, though BBC Studios will retain all intellectual property and continue leading global distribution, licensing, and immersive experiences.
Additionally, the BBC, Russell T Davies, and Bad Wolf have collectively decided to forgo the previously announced Christmas episode, choosing instead to invest those resources directly into the long-term future of upcoming series rather than bridging the gap with a one-off special. Meanwhile, production is currently underway on a brand-new Doctor Who animated series tailored for younger audiences on CBeebies.
