BBC and Shanghai Media Group sign Doctor Who deal

Ten past and several yet to air series of the iconic British science fiction show Doctor Who will soon be available on TV channels and on-demand platforms in China, following a deal struck on Thursday between BBC Worldwide and Shanghai Media Group Pictures (SMG Pictures).

The BBC series has run intermittently since 1963 and chronicles the adventures of a time-travelling extraterrestrial called "The Doctor."Doctor Who has garnered a significant cult following and is broadcast in 239 territories around the world.

The new deal will grant SMG Pictures access to series one through 10 of Doctor Who, as well as the yet-to-film 11th series, and first looks at series 12 through 15. The deal includes Doctor Who spin-off shows Torchwood and Class.

Jaclyn-Lee Joe, chief marketing officer of BBC Worldwide, said: "This marks the start of a longer and even more fruitful partnership with SMGP. Doctor Who already has a substantial fan base in China. Now, Chinese fans will be able to access the entire catalogue of Doctor Who and its spin-offs thanks to this agreement.

Joe said the deal is an affirmation of both parties’ commitment to build the Doctor Who brand and fan base in China.

Doctor Who has already gathered a following in China where it is available on digital platforms Youku, LeTV and BesTV, whose own deals will remain in place until they expire. In the series "The Doctor"has visited China on several occasions, during historically significant periods in the 3rd Century BC, and the 13th, 20th and 21st Centuries.

Chen Sijie, general manager of SMG Pictures, said: "China is going through a time of tremendous growth and rapid market development. Everyone here is curious about popular cultures around the world. At the same time, they want to share their Chinese culture and values."

He added: "Doctor Who, with its long television history and iconic place in popular culture, is a great representative of British pop culture. We hope that this partnership with BBC Worldwide will enable both parties, as well as Chinese and British fans to share and exchange ideas and learnings to grow the universe of Doctor Who in China.