Doctor Who 60th anniversary release schedule: when is episode 3 out on BBC and Disney Plus?

doctor who wild blue yonder
(Image credit: BBC)

Doctor Who is in the middle of airing its celebratory 60th anniversary special episodes, which see David Tennant and Catherine Tate back again in the Whoniverse. Two specials have aired so far in the line-up, with a third called 'The Giggle' on its way very soon.

To help you navigate all things the TARDIS, we've broken down everything you need to know about the remaining episodes. This includes exactly when and where they will air in the UK, US, and further afield. So, if you're trying to work out your Celestial Toymaker from The Meep, then look no further – you're in the right place.

We've got your complete guide to watching the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, from episode counts and release dates to where you need to tune in to watch. There's even confirmation of the upcoming 2023 Christmas special, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.

doctor who the star beast

(Image credit: BBC)

Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials: When is The Giggle airing on BBC and Disney Plus?

'The Giggle', the third and final of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, will be released on Saturday, December 9 at 6.30pm GMT in the UK on BBC One. It'll hit Disney Plus in the US on 10.30am PT/1.30pm ET. 

How many Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials are there? 

Catherine Tate, Ruth Madeley, and David Tennant in Doctor Who

(Image credit: BBC)

There are three Doctor Who anniversary specials and one festive Christmas special – so that's four special episodes in total before the new season kicks off in 2024.  

The Christmas special, titled The Church on Ruby Road, will hit our screens on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 5:55pm GMT.

Where can you watch the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials? 

David Tennant and Yasmin Finney in Doctor Who

(Image credit: BBC)

UK viewers can watch all the 2023 specials on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, while those in the US can tune in on Disney Plus

Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials release schedule: When are new episodes airing? 

David Tennant in Doctor Who

(Image credit: BBC)

The three anniversary specials will be airing weekly, with a new episode being released every Saturday.  

When is the Doctor Who Christmas special 2023 releasing? 

Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor

(Image credit: BBC)

Once the 60th anniversary specials are over and done with, Ncuti Gatwa will step into the TARDIS and take the reins for the Doctor Who Holiday Special, titled 'The Church on Ruby Road'. That episode arrives, fittingly, on December 25 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 5.55pm in the UK and on Disney Plus in the US. 


For more, check out our guide to the other best new TV shows coming our way in 2023 and beyond.

Entertainment Writer

I’m an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering everything film and TV-related across the Total Film and SFX sections. I help bring you all the latest news and also the occasional feature too. I’ve previously written for publications like HuffPost and i-D after getting my NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. 

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