Not only does it see the return of Ncuti Gatwa's debonair and canonically queer Fifteenth Doctor, not only does it feature Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan in the title role, but also this particular Christmas special is penned and executive produced by former series showrunner Steven Moffat.

Joy's ending might seem a little morbid for a Doctor Who Christmas special, but the show's got form – in fact, Joy's sacrifice is very reminiscent of Kylie Minogue's guest appearance in Voyage of the Damned, which saw her character Astrid sacrifice herself to save the Doctor, dissipating into atoms.

The TARDIS is as much a part of Christmas as turkey, mince pies, and mulled wine, and former "Doctor Who" showrunner Steven Moffat certainly knows his way around a festive adventure. This year's holiday offering,

With verve, imagination and fun concepts, Steven Moffat's latest Who episode wraps up Christmas in a big sentimental bow. Spoilers ahead.

The "Doctor Who" Christmas special, "Joy to the World," will debut on Disney+ on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2024. The special stars Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy. ©Disney, All Rights Reserved Disney

It's Christmas! As we all know, Christmas means one thing – an epic Doctor Who special. This year, it's Joy to the World, written by former showrunner Steven Moffat and starring Ncuti Gatwa and new guest star, Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan.

This year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, “Joy to the World,” is the most Steven Moffat of Christmas specials - in all the right ways.

After setting up the Time Hotel the Doctor is staying at—a business of myriad gateways currently set to send guests to every Christmas in history—we’re quickly whisked through a bunch of those doorways as he follows a strange suitcase hopping between handcuffed,

One of the great ironies of Doctor Who is that the one episode that most people tend to watch – the big, broad appeal Christmas special – is often the least inspiring. I am still haunted by the year,