Doctor Who triumphantly returned to television in 2005 and continued with two decades of production until the latest series in 2025.

Later in 2025, the BBC announced its intent to begin the lengthy process to allow production companies to pitch to produce the programme. The BBC’s Invitation to Tender states that Doctor Who will return 2028.

A new book, The Reality War by Richard Marks, examines how the efforts to produce modern Doctor Who captured the imagination of a new generation, dominated the television ratings, ingrained itself into toy shops, bookshops, concert halls and cinemas, and sold over five million DVDs ‒ worldwide. It’s also the story of Doctor Who’s impact on television itself.

Along with research, the book includes new interviews. Among them are directors Brian Grant and Rachel Talalay, plus producers Brian Minchin, Marcus Wilson and Tracie Simpson.

The description of the book states:

“Modern Doctor Who spans a period of unprecedented change within the TV industry. The show reinvigorated family viewing, trailblazed the BBC’s digital transition and lit the fuse of the Welsh creative economy. It popularised the role of the ‘showrunner’ and staged the biggest global simulcast ever for its 50th anniversary.”

“The Reality War celebrates the creation and impact of the Doctor Who revival, from modest beginnings at BBC Wales to its global partnership with Disney.”

Former Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury endorsed The Reality War.

“Doctor Who’s success story – and a captivating account of how TV and popular culture has evolved over 20 years…”

The Reality War is available to pre-order from Ten Acre Books for a 26 October release.