First Trailer for Doctor Who: Joy to the World Features Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan

Disney+ released the highly anticipated trailer for the “Doctor Who” Christmas special, Joy to the World. The holiday episode is set to air on Dec. 25 at 9:10 a.m. PST / 12:10 p.m. EST and promises a wild and timely Christmas treat.

The story follows Joy, played by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who checks into a London hotel in 2024 only to stumble upon a secret doorway to the Time Hotel. What begins as a curious discovery quickly spirals into chaos, featuring dinosaurs, danger, and an ominous plan threatening Earth just in time for Christmas.

The special marks Ncuti Gatwa’s first Christmas outing as the Doctor, his starring role in Sex Education, while Coughlan’s Joy is promised to bring humor and heart to the chaotic world of the Doctor. The cast also includes Steph de Whalley as Anita, Jonathan Aris as Melnak, Joel Fry as Trev, Peter Benedict as Basil, Julia Watson as Hilda, and Niamh Marie Smith as Sylvia.

Written and executive produced by the acclaimed writer of previous Doctor Who classics and Sherlock, Steven Moffat, Joy to the World is directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai (Riverdale, Bridgerton). Russell T Davies is Showrunner and Executive Producer on the series. Joel Collins and Phil Collinson are also Executive Producers alongside Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter.

Doctor Who, from Bad Wolf in association with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television, BBC One, and BBC iPlayer, has been a staple of British television for six decades, while its expanded partnership with Disney+ introduced the beloved franchise to a whole new global audience.

Fans will also be eagerly awaiting the second season of Doctor Who, starring Ncuti Gatwa, which will transmit in 2025 on Disney+ in territories outside the U.K. and on BBC iPlayer in the U.K.