"The Well" is the third episode of the fifteenth series (also marketed as Season 2) of the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who, which aired on April 26, 2025
. The episode is set far in the future on a brutal planet that was once a mining colony, where only one survivor remains after a disaster. The Doctor and companion Belinda Chandra investigate the mystery, confronting a terrifying alien entity linked to the planet's dark past
. Significantly, "The Well" serves as a sequel to the iconic 2008 episode "Midnight" from David Tennant's era. The planet in "The Well" is revealed to be the same as the one visited in "Midnight," known as Planet 6767 or Midnight, about 400,000 years later. The alien entity encountered in "The Well" appears to be the same mysterious and fearsome creature from "Midnight," now evolved with new abilities and a more aggressive modus operandi. The episode explores themes of fear, possession, and survival, with the monster attacking anyone who crosses its path while hiding behind a host
. The episode was written under the guidance of showrunner Russell T Davies, who aimed to create a respectful yet frightening story, initially considering incorporating elements from Nigerian Orisha mythology before settling on an original alien threat. The episode also features a deaf character, Aliss Fenly, whose condition plays a key role in the plot and subtext about inclusion and vulnerability
. Overall, "The Well" is noted for its blend of hard science fiction and horror elements, its connection to a classic Doctor Who story, and its thematic depth including representation and metaphorical layers about turning one's back on others
. The episode stars Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor alongside Varada Sethu as Belinda, with Rose Ayling-Ellis playing Aliss Fenly
