BBC America get first dibs on The Doctor

BBC America have won the US rights to premiere the last five Doctor Who specials of David Tennant's tenure before SyFy. The 2008 Christmas special "The Next Doctor" will air on 27 June @9pm ET/PT and the Easter special "Planet Of The Dead" arrives in July. "The Waters Of Mars" will follow in late-'09 and this year's two-part Christmas/New Year specials will arrive early-'10.

BBC Worldwide President Garth Ancier:

"The outstanding quality of the Doctor Who scripts from Russell T. Davies and the on-screen dynamic that David Tennant brings to the role are a magic combination for our viewers. Russell's spin-off series Torchwood is already our highest rated show on the channel and I know the fans will follow these new specials with equal passion and support. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic show to BBC America, home of the best British sci-fi programming on television."