U.S. Air Date Set for David Tennant’s Final ‘Dr. Who’ Special

Those who are fans of the British Sci-Fi series Doctor Who know that heartbreak lies ahead. David Tennant, the beloved actor who has taken up the titular mantle as the Tenth Doctor since 2005, will be leaving the show and handing off his TARDIS to newcomer Matt Smith. We’re now receiving word that BBC America will be airing the upcoming episodes mere days after it’s initial broadcast in the UK.

According to BBC America’s press release, they are running the final Tennant episode even sooner that originally anticipated.

BBC AMERICA today announced the U.S. premiere of David Tennant’s final special as the Tenth Doctor. Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two, premieres January 2, one week after Part One, on BBC AMERICA. The finale to the era of David Tennant is one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures in the history of Doctor Who. Guest stars include John Simm (Life on Mars) as the Master, Timothy Dalton, Catherine Tate and Bernard Cribbins.

This schedule means that Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars will air on Saturday, December 19th (9PM ET/PT), Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One will air on December 26th (9PM ET/PT), and Part Two will air on January 2 (8PM ET/PT).

Not much has been released about the finale, except for the announcement of John Simm returning as The Master and Timothy Dalton guest starring. IMDb gives credit to Billie Piper as guest star, as well as John Barrowman, which means we could see Rose and Captain Jack make a return.

This episode not only marks the final work of David Tennant on the series, but show runner Russel T Davies will be passing his baton over to writer Stephen Moffat, who will now take the helm. Be sure to keep it here for any and all upcoming news on the finale.