NEW YORK – December 16, 2019 – In a first for a live-action television series, specialty retailer Hot Topic has partnered with BBC AMERICA and BBC Studios to offer Doctor Who fans new, exclusive T-shirt designs inspired by each week’s episode immediately after it airs, as part of the retailer’s robust Doctor Who assortment.

The program will kick off with the return of Doctor Who to BBC AMERICA on New Year’s Day. Following each new episode of Doctor Who, an episode-specific T-shirt will be released at hottopic.com/doctorwho, allowing fans to capture and relive Jodie Whittaker’s exciting second season as the Doctor, which introduces terrifying new monsters alongside the return of some familiar but not-so-friendly faces.

“We’re excited to offer fans even more Doctor Who-inspired merchandise in this unique retail program,” says Andrea Lewis, VP of Brand Marketing, Hot Topic.

“Doctor Who fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic on this planet,” says Suzy Raia, VP Licensing and Business Development, BBC Studios. “This partnership with Hot Topic brings fans immediate gratification and a way to celebrate each episode of the new season.  We know they’re going to love it.”

Kicking off 2020, the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) returns to BBC AMERICA with the launch of the latest season on Wednesday, January 1 at 8pm ET/PT, resuming her time-and-space travels with friends Ryan (Tosin Cole), Yasmin (Mandip Gill), and Graham (Bradley Walsh). Subsequent episodes will air Sundays at 8pm ET/PT beginning January 5.

In addition, Doctor Who returns to U.S. cinemas for a one-night event on January 5 in partnership with Fathom Events, featuring the premiere episode from the new season, as well as an early unveiling of the second episode, plus a live Q&A with Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill. Tickets and more information are available at www.FathomEvents.com. For a limited time only, Hot Topic are offering fans with a Fathom ticket stub the opportunity to purchase the Thirteenth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver from participating retail locations for a special price, while supplies last.

While the Hot Topic program officially kicks off after the premiere, fans can head over to Hot Topic now for a brand new, exclusive T-shirt celebrating the new season.

For more information, please contact:

Kimberly Ehlmann, Director, Communications, BBC Studios – Americas

Email: Kimberly.Ehlmann@bbc.com

Tel: (212) 705-9359

Dara Meas, Brand Marketing & Publicity, Hot Topic

Email: DMeas@hottopic.com

Tel: (626) 839-4681

ABOUT BBC STUDIOS

BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programs are internationally recognized across a broad range of genres and specialties. It has offices in 22 markets globally, including seven production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes over 2,500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector.

 In the Americas, BBC Studios’ operates two production units – one in Los Angeles, responsible for ratings juggernaut and Emmy®-nominated Dancing with the Stars and multi-award-winning Life Below Zero, and the other in Brazil, where local productions Dancing Brasil and Bake Off Brasil have become breakout hits. The company manages joint venture relationships with AMC Networks for flagship channel BBC AMERICA (U.S.) – home of original series Killing Eve and global brands Dynasties, Doctor Who, and Top Gear – and with ITV for SVoD service BritBox (U.S./Canada), as well as strategic partnerships in Canada with Blue Ant Media for BBC Earth Channel and Corus for BBC Canada. The company also boasts a franchise management business and a robust linear and digital content sales and co-productions operation.