July 12, 2024 – Through 15 doctors and over a dozen brave captains, sci-fi fans have travelled on journeys spanning the cosmos, and on July 30 fans will rejoice as the Doctor Who and Star Trek franchises come together to celebrate the creation of the inaugural Intergalactic Friendship Day. The celebration aligns with International Friendship Day which was established in 2011 with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. Throughout both franchises’ long histories, there have been numerous on-screen nods to each other that delight fans, and now the two pop culture titans Doctor Who and Star Trek are joining forces to spotlight shared values of friendship, hope and fandom with fan celebrations, digital activations and special giveaways.

The collaboration will kick off at San Diego Comic-Con, where Alex Kurtzman, showrunner and executive producer of the Star Trek franchise, and Russell T Davies, showrunner and executive producer spearheading the Doctor Who Whoniverse, come together for an exclusive creator-to-creator conversation about the art of storytelling in alternative universes and to celebrate the power of friendship. The SDCC Intergalactic Friendship Panel: Star Trek x Doctor Who will be on Saturday, July 27, from 5:30-6:30 PM, in Room: 6A, and will be moderated by Keisha Hatchett, staff editor of TVLine. Attendees to the creator conversation will each receive a special Doctor Who X Star Trek poster designed by artist Dusty Abell.

Under the banner of “Friendship is Universal,” Star Trek and Doctor Who will operate a special celebratory gallery experience at 226 and 230 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. The gallery experience will feature original costumes and props from across the storied histories of both, highlighting themes of friendship and shared values between the two universes. There will also be photo opportunities for fans as well as special friendship bracelet giveaways. “Friendship is Universal” activation hours of operation are Thursday, July 25 through Saturday, July 27 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and Sunday July 28 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission is free. “Friendship is Universal” is not an official SDCC activation, therefore no badge is required for entry.

About Doctor Who

Quintessentially British, “Doctor Who” is one of the longest running action-adventure television series in the world with legions of fans across the globe since it was launched by the BBC in 1963. Ncuti Gatwa took on the role of the 15th Doctor in The Church On Ruby Road, which was the UK’s most viewed scripted show on Christmas Day 2023 for under 35s. The critically acclaimed series airs on BBC iPlayer and primetime BBC One in the UK and Disney+ in the rest of the world, where available.

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 1 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, the program is available now on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ in the rest of the world, where available. www.doctorwho.tv

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios, a global content company with bold British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group, supporting the licence fee and enhancing programmes for UK audiences. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, its activities span content financing, development, production, sales, branded services and ancillaries across both its own productions, and programmes and formats made by high-quality UK independents. Award-winning British programmes made by the business are internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like “Strictly Come Dancing”/”Dancing with the Stars,” “Top Gear,” “Doctor Who” and “Bluey.” BBC Studios has offices in over 20 markets globally, including 10 production bases in the UK and production bases or partnerships in a further seven countries around the world. The company, which ordinarily makes around 2,000 hours of content a year for both the BBC and third parties including Apple, Netflix and Migu, is a champion for British creativity around the world. It is also a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector through a mix of equity partnerships, content investment and international distribution for programme titles. BBC Studios | Website | Press Office | X | LinkedIn | Instagram |

About Star Trek

In the nearly 60 years since the legendary creator Gene Roddenberry introduced the world to a Star Trek universe where “Infinite diversity in infinite combinations” remains its proud legacy, the series has continued to break barriers – inspiring generations of fans with a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion, scientific exploration, and the pursuit of uncharted frontiers. Today, the Star Trek canon continues to thrive through film, television, animation, games, publishing, podcasts, experiences and most recently children’s programming. Available in over 200 markets worldwide, the Star Trek franchise of 11 TV series, 13 films and over 900 episodes has been a mainstay in generating stories that are both exciting and thought-provoking, as well as vastly contributing to the pop culture lexicon throughout the years. StarTrek.com is the official home of the final frontier and fandom – sharing the latest news, celebrating fandom, and so much more. The Star Trek series on Paramount+ include STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, the highly anticipated original movie STAR TREK: SECTION 31 starring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and the upcoming new drama series STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY. Additionally STAR TREK: PRODIGY is on Netflix in the U.S., and all are produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Alex Kurtzman oversees the Star Trek universe across all platforms. For more information on where to watch Star Trek, visit StarTrek.com/Where-To-Watch.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming with development and production for broadcast, cable networks, streaming services, and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS and the ever-growing Star Trek universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the US for viewers around the world.