Unit HQ: The Black Archive digital activation launches today globally

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23 July 2025 – London: Doctor Who fans across the globe are invited to step into the heart of the Whoniverse, with the launch of UNIT HQ, a thrilling new online experience debuting on doctorwho.tv.

For the first time ever, UNIT’s classified Black Archive is being opened to the public, digitally. Launching today as fans gather in San Diego for an in-life immersive Black Archive pop-up experience, this fully in-universe online platform transforms fans into official UNIT operatives. Upon entry, users will receive a UNIT badge and begin their journey under the guidance of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Head of UNIT.

“UNIT HQ is an invitation to step into the world of Doctor Who like never before,” said Luke Spillane, Head of Fandom at BBC Studios. “Whether you’ve been watching for sixty years or just joined the adventure, this is your chance to become part of the story and help protect the planet – UNIT style.”

Throughout the year, operatives will be deployed on interactive missions to help protect Earth from alien threats. These assignments include mini-games, quizzes, and immersive challenges, all designed to test fans’ knowledge of the Whoniverse and sharpen their skills.

The Archive also offers an exclusive look at iconic props and artifacts from across Doctor Who history, and future, giving fans a deeper connection to the show’s rich legacy as well as the UNIT Equipment Store, where they can purchase exclusive UNIT-branded merchandise.

The first mission, inspired by Season 2 of Doctor Who, challenges fans to identify misinformation about key characters, separating fact from fiction in a test of both UNIT training and Whovian expertise.

Sign up to join UNIT HQ

Visit https://doctorwho.tv/unit-hq

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Notes to editors

BBC Studios Communications

Farah Cherif – Farah.Cherif@bbc.com

Devin Johnson - Devin.Johnson@bbc.com ​

^{About Doctor Who ​}

^{Quintessentially British, Doctor Who is one of the longest running sci-fi television series in the world with legions of fans across the globe since it was launched by the BBC in 1963. Doctor Who remains one of the most watched programmes on iPlayer and season one was the BBC’s top drama for under 35s making it one of the biggest programmes for the demographic across broadcasters in the UK. ​ ​}

^{Doctor Who has a variety of licensees and partnerships spanning comics and collectibles, audiobooks, podcasts and magazines. Since 2012, over 17 million Sonic Screwdrivers and action figures, 19 million DVDs and over one million tickets for Doctor Who live events have sold globally. In 2023, BBC iPlayer launched the Whoniverse, a dedicated area where UK viewers can see more than 800 shows within the orbit of Doctor Who. Produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for BBC and Disney Branded Television, Doctor Who is available exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ in the rest of the world, where available. ​ www.doctorwho.tv}