The BBC has struck a deal with its distributors to broadcast the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special around the world in 200 countries simultaneously!

“It’s always been our ambition to work with our broadcast partners so that international Doctor Who fans can enjoy the 50th Anniversary special at the same time as the UK,” said the BBC in a statement. “We’ll have more details soon about our very exciting global plans for November.”

The decision was made in order to avoid spoiling fans who’d have to wait until the later hours of the day after it premieres on the BBC in the United Kingdom.

Currently, new episodes of Doctor Who air on BBC and BBC America on the same day. This is the first time it will air simultaneously, and we hope to see other shows take this route in the future.

The event will air in 3D and is expected to be broadcast to over 100 million people worldwide.

The exact 50th Anniversary date of Doctor Who is November 23, but the specific air date and time for the special broadcast have not been set. As soon as we know it, we’ll share it with you to ensure you take the day off from work or school.

Thanks, Radio Times.