Doctor Who has been hailed as an important part of the success of BBC iPlayer, named the fastest-growing Video On Demand service in the UK.

BBC iPlayer is up over 20% so far this year, meaning its viewing growth is twice that of Netflix, three times ITVX, and four times that of Channel 4. This includes record levels of people over the summer, up 10% on the same time last year.

As Doctor Who aired over May and June 2024, this plays an important part in the service.

Notably, there’s a whole section named The Whoniverse on iPlayer, which includes almost every episode of the show (excluding An Unearthly Child and the missing stories), as well as episodes of Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Doctor Who Confidential, Class, and more.

BBC’s Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore says:

“Our digital transformation strategy is working. The BBC has grown market share, gaining against the global streamers as well as our UK competitors. BBC iPlayer has had another record-breaking year and its incredible growth story is a clear signal that we are offering audiences uniquely British content they really value.

“This is a success story for UK creativity because as the biggest investor in UK producers, talent and skills the value from our spend is retained in the UK and benefits the long-term sustainability of our world-class sector. In a competitive global market BBC iPlayer stands out as the home of distinctive British content – made here, authentically told and universally available to all.”

In 2023, the BBC spent more on British content than any other commissioner, £1 billion of original TV content; and invested more than 60% of its TV budget outside of London supporting more UK TV production companies and suppliers than anyone else, a total of 326 last year.

So the BBC is doing well, and so, it seems, is Doctor Who; this might not quash concerns about its future, but it’s a good sign nonetheless.