Doctor Who

Introduction

Doctor Who is a beloved British science fiction television franchise that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. First airing in 1963, the show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien known as a Time Lord, who explores the universe in a spaceship called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space), which appears as a blue British police box. Along with various companions, the Doctor combats evil, helps the helpless, and works to maintain the integrity of time itself.

What sets Doctor Who apart and has enabled it to endure as a cultural phenomenon for over half a century is its innovative storytelling, memorable characters, and exploration of universal themes:

• The show’s central concept of regeneration, where the Doctor transforms into a new physical form when near death, allows for a revolving cast of actors to portray the iconic role. This has kept the series fresh over the decades as each new actor brings their own unique take on the character.

• Doctor Who features a wide array of memorable companions who accompany the Doctor on adventures. From the very first companions, Barbara and Ian, to fan-favorites like Sarah Jane Smith, Rose Tyler, and Amy Pond, these characters provide an essential human perspective. The companions ask the questions the audience would ask and their wonder mirrors the viewer’s as they are introduced to the marvels of the universe.

• The show’s iconic villains like the Daleks and Cybermen and its vast mythology built over decades provide a rich tapestry for endless storytelling possibilities. Foes like the Master, another renegade Time Lord, serve as dark reflections of the Doctor.

• At its core, Doctor Who explores universal themes of good vs evil, the power of intellect and science, and the importance of courage and compassion. The Doctor serves as a moral center, using brains rather than brawn to resolve conflicts. An alien who loves humanity, the Doctor shows how one person can make a difference by standing up for what’s right.

Through its long history, Doctor Who has pushed the boundaries of the science fiction genre and embedded itself in popular culture. Its innovative concepts like the TARDIS and sonic screwdriver have become instantly recognizable icons. The show’s impact can be seen in everything from the “hiding behind the sofa” moments it has created to its pioneering use of electronic music and its influence on generations of scientists and creatives. With a flexible format that allows it to reinvent itself for new eras, Doctor Who has proven its enduring appeal by continuing to capture the imaginations of viewers young and old. As the franchise enters its seventh decade, it shows no signs of stopping its journey through space and time.

Origins and Early Years (1963-1969)

Doctor Who was created by Sydney Newman, the BBC’s Head of Drama in 1963. Newman wanted to develop a new science fiction drama series to air on Saturday evenings between the popular sports show Grandstand and the music program Juke Box Jury.

Newman came up with many of the core concepts of the show, including:

• A mysterious alien known only as “the Doctor” who travels through time and space in a machine called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) that is bigger on the inside and disguised as a police box
• The Doctor does not wish to discuss his past or real name
• The ability of the Doctor to “regenerate” and change his appearance when near death (introduced a few years later to enable cast changes)

To produce the new series, Newman brought over his former production assistant Verity Lambert from ABC Television. At the age of 28, Lambert became the youngest and only female drama producer at the BBC at the time. Together with other BBC staff like writer C.E. Webber and Head of Serials Donald Wilson, they fleshed out the format and characters of the series.

Key members of the original cast included:

• William Hartnell as the stern, mysterious first Doctor
• Carole Ann Ford as the Doctor’s granddaughter and first companion Susan Foreman
• Jacqueline Hill and William Russell as schoolteachers Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton who stumble into the TARDIS and become the Doctor’s reluctant companions

The first episode, titled “An Unearthly Child”, aired on November 23, 1963. It received a mixed initial reception, not helped by the fact that it premiered the day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, the show quickly gained popularity, especially after the introduction of the Doctor’s iconic foes the Daleks a few weeks later, which soon attracted over 10 million viewers.

Over the first few seasons, the show alternated between stories set in Earth’s history, intended to educate younger viewers, and far-future science fiction tales. The Daleks, created by writer Terry Nation and designed by Raymond Cusick, tapped into lingering fears of Nazi-like totalitarianism and nuclear war. Other notable early additions included the robot dog K-9 and the Doctor’s frequent nemeses the Cybermen.

Behind the scenes, Verity Lambert established a template for inventive, ambitious storytelling produced on a tight budget. She and her team overcame BBC management skepticism to make Doctor Who a hit. Lambert stayed on as producer through the first two seasons and part of the third, finally leaving in 1965 after 18 intense months launching the series.

William Hartnell’s health began declining by 1966, leading to the major decision to have the Doctor “regenerate” into a new form, enabling the series to recast its lead. Patrick Troughton took over as the Second Doctor, beginning the tradition that has allowed Doctor Who to continue reinventing itself for decades.

So in summary, Doctor Who began thanks to the vision of Sydney Newman and the drive of Verity Lambert, who established the mysterious Doctor, his time-space adventures, and his battles with memorable monsters like the Daleks. The first few years set the template for the show’s long-running success by introducing the core concepts that have enabled Doctor Who to evolve and endure as a cultural phenomenon for nearly 60 years.

The Second Doctor Era (1966-1969)

After William Hartnell’s departure due to declining health, Patrick Troughton took over the role of the Doctor in 1966. Troughton’s Second Doctor was a younger, more playful incarnation compared to Hartnell’s stern portrayal.

Some key developments and storylines during the Second Doctor’s tenure included:

• The introduction of the Cybermen as recurring enemies. The Cybermen first appeared in The Moonbase (1967) where they attempted to invade the Earth by affecting the weather. They returned in The Tomb of the Cybermen (1967), The Wheel in Space (1968), and The Invasion (1968). These early Cybermen stories established them as a major threat alongside the Daleks.

• Further development of the TARDIS and time travel mechanics. The Second Doctor era expanded on the TARDIS’ abilities and the complexities of time travel. For example, The Evil of the Daleks (1967) involved the TARDIS being stolen, leading to encounters in different time periods.

• The introduction of the Great Intelligence, another recurring foe, in The Abominable Snowmen (1967) and The Web of Fear (1968). The Web of Fear notably featured the Doctor’s first encounter with then-Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart in the London Underground.

• Memorable companions like Jamie McCrimmon, a Scottish Highlander who became the Second Doctor’s most loyal friend, first appearing in The Highlanders (1966-67). Victoria Waterfield and Zoe Heriot later joined the TARDIS crew as well.

• A faster-paced storytelling style with more “monster of the week” plots and a phasing out of purely historical adventures. The show also came under criticism during this time for being too scary for children.

• Many missing episodes, with a large portion of Troughton’s episodes being lost. Only two of his stories, The Tomb of the Cybermen and The Enemy of the World, still exist in their entirety.

The Second Doctor’s era came to an end in the epic 10-part story The War Games (1969). In it, the Doctor called on the Time Lords for help to return kidnapped human soldiers to their proper times. As punishment for stealing the TARDIS, the Time Lords forced the Doctor’s regeneration into the Third Doctor and exiled him to 20th century Earth.

So in summary, the Second Doctor era solidified Doctor Who’s formula with faster-paced sci-fi adventures, iconic monsters like the Cybermen, and a playful yet clever new incarnation of the Doctor. Despite many episodes being lost, it remains a pivotal and much-loved era in the show’s history that set the stage for the Third Doctor.

The Third Doctor and the UNIT Years (1970-1974)

Jon Pertwee took over the role of the Doctor in 1970, portraying the Third Doctor as a dashing man of action with a penchant for technology, fast cars, and martial arts. Pertwee’s Doctor was exiled to Earth by the Time Lords and forced to regenerate at the start of his tenure.

Key aspects of the Third Doctor era included:

• An Earth-bound format with the Doctor working as the scientific advisor to UNIT (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce). Budget constraints and a desire to tell more grounded stories led to this “exile” period where the Doctor helped protect Earth from alien threats.

• A close partnership with UNIT, especially Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. The Doctor and the Brigadier developed a bantering friendship despite their different approaches, with the Doctor as the maverick scientist and the Brigadier as the stiff military man. The “UNIT family” of characters provided a stable cast.

• The debut of iconic foes like the Autons and Silurians. The Autons, living plastic automatons, first appeared in Pertwee’s debut story Spearhead from Space. The Silurians, reptilian humanoids who ruled Earth before humans, debuted in Doctor Who and the Silurians. Other notable foes included the Sea Devils and the Sontarans.

• More action-oriented stories showcasing Pertwee’s enthusiasm for stunts and vehicles. The Doctor utilized gadgets, his souped-up vintage car “Bessie”, and the futuristic “Whomobile”. Pertwee also performed “Venusian aikido”.

• Longer tenures for companions, with the intelligent Liz Shaw followed by the loyal Jo Grant and intrepid journalist Sarah Jane Smith. This allowed for greater character development.

• The introduction of the Doctor’s arch-nemesis, the Master, a renegade Time Lord. Played by Roger Delgado, the Master became a recurring foe throughout the Third Doctor’s era.

• More overt themes of environmentalism and science vs authority, with the Doctor as a champion of reason over bureaucracy and unethical corporations.

The Third Doctor’s exile was finally lifted in the 10th anniversary story The Three Doctors, allowing him to resume traveling in time and space. But he maintained his UNIT role through the remainder of his incarnation. Pertwee’s final story, Planet of the Spiders, saw the Doctor sacrifice himself to radiation poisoning.

So in summary, the Third Doctor era marked a shift to Earth-bound, action-oriented stories with a focus on UNIT and a memorable rogue’s gallery of foes. Jon Pertwee’s dashing, technologically adept portrayal, the stability of the UNIT cast, and the Master’s introduction left an indelible mark on Doctor Who.

The Fourth Doctor’s Iconic Run (1974-1981)

Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981 is widely considered the most popular and defining depiction of the character. Baker brought a unique blend of wit, eccentricity, and alien otherness to the role that resonated with audiences.

Key aspects of the Fourth Doctor’s era included:

• Memorable companions like journalist Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen), savage warrior Leela (Louise Jameson), Time Lady Romana (Mary Tamm and Lalla Ward), and the robot dog K-9. Sarah Jane in particular became one of the most beloved companions, later headlining the spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures.

• Classic stories that rank among the greatest Doctor Who adventures of all time, such as:

  • Genesis of the Daleks (1975), an epic Time Lord mission to avert the creation of the Daleks
  • The Deadly Assassin (1976), a dark conspiracy thriller that delved into Time Lord society and mythology
  • City of Death (1979), a witty time-travel romp in Paris co-written by Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy author Douglas Adams

• Iconic foes like Davros, creator of the Daleks, who made his chilling debut in Genesis of the Daleks. The Doctor’s arch-nemesis the Master also returned in a decayed form.

• A focus on gothic horror and hard science fiction under producers Philip Hinchcliffe and Graham Williams. The show pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable for family viewing with violent and frightening content.

• Ambitious special effects and set design that brought alien worlds and monsters to life like never before. Stories made use of extensive location filming.

• Baker’s distinctive and eccentric costume with his long multi-colored scarf, frock coat, and floppy hat. His toothy grin, bug-eyes, and overbearing personality made the Fourth Doctor a larger-than-life figure.

The Fourth Doctor’s 7-year tenure, spanning 172 episodes, made him the longest-serving Doctor and cemented his place as the most iconic incarnation. His adventures continued in a series of audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, with Baker reprising the role decades later.

Tom Baker’s final story Logopolis saw the Fourth Doctor fall from a radio telescope while battling his old foe the Master. His dying words, “It’s the end… but the moment has been prepared for,” ushered in a new era as he regenerated into the Fifth Doctor, played by Peter Davison.

So in summary, the Fourth Doctor’s 1974-1981 run defined Doctor Who for a generation with Tom Baker’s iconic portrayal, beloved companions like Sarah Jane Smith, classic stories, and ambitious production values that pushed the boundaries of the series. The Fourth Doctor era solidified Doctor Who’s place in the pantheon of great science fiction and continues to be remembered as a golden age for the show.

The Fifth Doctor and the Crowded TARDIS (1981-1984)

Peter Davison took over the role of the Doctor in 1981 at the age of 29, becoming the youngest actor to play the part at the time. Davison portrayed the Fifth Doctor as a more vulnerable and indecisive incarnation, dressed in Edwardian cricketing attire to reflect his youthful, active persona.

Key aspects of the Fifth Doctor’s era included:

• A crowded TARDIS with a full crew of companions. The Fifth Doctor traveled with boy genius Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), alien aristocrat Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), and Australian flight attendant Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding), who had all first appeared alongside the Fourth Doctor. This made for a very full TARDIS and complex character dynamics.

• The struggle to give all the companions enough to do in the limited 4-part story format. While the writers tried to focus on different companions in each adventure, this often meant some characters got sidelined into the background in contrived ways. The TARDIS team could feel disjointed at times.

• Emotional companion departures and returns. Adric died dramatically in Earthshock (1982), while Tegan left suddenly in Time-Flight (1982) before rejoining the crew. Nyssa eventually left in Terminus (1983). The Fifth Doctor later gained new companions in alien schoolboy Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson) and American student Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant).

• A mix of lighthearted and emotionally heavy stories. Adventures like Black Orchid allowed the team to take a breather, while Earthshock and Resurrection of the Daleks had very dark moments. The Fifth Doctor era aimed for a balance of tones.

• The introduction of recurring foes like the Autons in Davison’s debut Castrovalva and the Silurians in Warriors of the Deep. But the Fifth Doctor also faced classic enemies like the Master, Daleks and Cybermen.

So in summary, the Fifth Doctor era was marked by a more fallible, youthful Doctor, an overcrowded TARDIS of companions jostling for space, and a mix of fun romps and emotionally weighty stories. While the full crew could be difficult to handle, it allowed for interesting character dynamics. Big Finish’s audio dramas have since fleshed out this TARDIS team greatly. Though short and at times uneven, the Fifth Doctor’s tenure remains a memorable and pivotal chapter in Doctor Who’s long history.

The Sixth Doctor’s Turbulent Tenure (1984-1986)

Colin Baker took over the role of the Doctor in 1984, portraying a more bombastic, arrogant and colorful incarnation than his predecessors. Baker’s Sixth Doctor was immediately controversial for his garish multicolored coat and abrasive personality.

Key aspects of the Sixth Doctor’s era included:

• Troubles behind the scenes, with the show put on an 18-month hiatus between seasons 22 and 23 by BBC controller Michael Grade. Grade felt the show had become too violent and farcical. Only one new story, Slipback, was made for radio during the hiatus.

• Baker being fired from the role after only 11 stories over 3 years, the shortest tenure for any Doctor at that point. This was at the insistence of BBC management who wanted to refresh the show. Baker declined to return for a regeneration story, leading to a messy transition to Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor in Time and the Rani.

• Some standout stories like Vengeance on Varos, a dark satire of reality TV and media violence, and Revelation of the Daleks, which featured Davros turning human corpses into food and Daleks. Both pushed the boundaries of acceptable content for the family-oriented show.

• The season-long story arc Trial of a Time Lord, where the Doctor is put on trial by his own people. This introduced the Valeyard, a possible evil future incarnation of the Doctor. The season was criticized for its confusing plot and behind-the-scenes drama.

• Problematic characterization and relationship with companion Peri Brown. The Sixth Doctor’s brash personality led to uncomfortable moments like him nearly strangling Peri post-regeneration. Their bickering dynamic was off-putting to many viewers.

Despite these troubles, Baker’s audio work as the Sixth Doctor for Big Finish Productions has been acclaimed and fleshed out the character greatly. But his brief, turbulent TV era marked a difficult period for Doctor Who that saw the show’s future in jeopardy. The Sixth Doctor’s bold outfit and brash attitude made him a controversial and polarizing figure at the time.

The Seventh Doctor and the Cartmel Masterplan (1987-1989)

Sylvester McCoy portrayed the Seventh Doctor from 1987 to 1989. His tenure marked a gradual shift in the character and tone of the show:

• McCoy’s portrayal evolved over his three seasons. He started as a more comedic, lighthearted Doctor with a tendency for pratfalls and playing the spoons. But he soon developed into a much darker, more manipulative figure, becoming known as “the dark Doctor” or “the arch-manipulator”.

• This shift was largely driven by script editor Andrew Cartmel. Cartmel wanted to restore mystery to the Doctor’s character after years of overexposure. He, along with writers Ben Aaronovitch and Marc Platt, began seeding hints about the Doctor’s origins and true nature, a loose story arc that fans dubbed the “Cartmel Masterplan”.

• The Masterplan was never fully realized on television due to the show’s cancellation in 1989. But it aimed to suggest that much of what was believed about the Doctor was wrong and that he was a far more powerful and mysterious figure than previously thought. Hints included the Doctor saying he was “more than just another Time Lord”.

• The Seventh Doctor era featured a darker tone and more complex storylines, moving away from the lighthearted approach of early seasons. Stories like Dragonfire and The Curse of Fenric explored darker themes and pushed the series in a more mature direction.

• This incarnation’s adventures continued in the Virgin New Adventures novels after the show’s cancellation. The novels took the Doctor’s characterization as a dark manipulator even further.

So in summary, the Seventh Doctor era marked a major shift in tone and the portrayal of the Doctor himself. Sylvester McCoy’s performance, guided by Andrew Cartmel’s “masterplan”, took the character down a darker path, hinting at a deeper mystery to the Doctor’s true nature that was sadly never fully explored before the classic series ended. But it remains an influential and pivotal era in Doctor Who history.

The Wilderness Years (1990-2004)

After Doctor Who was cancelled by the BBC in 1989, the franchise entered a period known as the “Wilderness Years” where it was no longer produced as a regular TV series. However, attempts were made to keep Doctor Who alive through other media:

• There were several attempts to revive the TV series in the 1990s. The most notable was a TV movie co-produced by the BBC and Universal in 1996, starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor. While the movie was successful in the UK, its ratings in the US were not high enough for a new series to be greenlit.

• The TV movie did establish McGann’s Eighth Doctor in the role. He would go on to star in many original novels and audio dramas during the Wilderness Years, becoming one of the most prolific Doctors despite his limited TV appearances.

• From 1991-2005, Virgin Publishing and later BBC Books published the New Adventures and Eighth Doctor Adventures novel series. These original stories featured the Seventh and Eighth Doctors and are considered a continuation of the TV series.

• Big Finish Productions began producing original Doctor Who audio dramas in 1999, starring previous Doctors like Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann. McGann’s Eighth Doctor audio adventures became especially popular and ran for many years.

• The franchise was also kept alive through regular comic strips in Doctor Who Magazine, original video productions by BBV, and a thriving fan community online and at conventions.

So while Doctor Who was no longer on TV, it remained very active throughout the 1990s and early 2000s in books, audios, comics and more. This allowed the series to retain a devoted following and kept it viable for a TV revival, which finally happened in 2005 under Russell T Davies. The Eighth Doctor’s Big Finish audios would even become part of the revived series’ continuity when McGann made his surprise return in the 2013 mini-episode “The Night of the Doctor”.

In summary, the Wilderness Years were a challenging but creatively fertile time for Doctor Who. Through the dedication of fans and licensees, the franchise survived and evolved despite no longer having a regular TV series. This period kept Doctor Who alive and laid the groundwork for its hugely successful 21st century revival.

The Revival and the Ninth Doctor (2005)

After being off the air since 1989 (except for a TV movie in 1996), Doctor Who was successfully relaunched in 2005 under the stewardship of head writer and executive producer Russell T Davies. Davies, best known for creating Queer as Folk, was tasked with updating the classic sci-fi series for a modern audience.

Key aspects of the revival and the Ninth Doctor included:

• Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of a stripped-down, less pompous Doctor. Eccleston brought a working-class sensibility and energy to the role, using his natural Northern accent. This was a major departure from the stereotype of the Doctor as posh and pretentious. Eccleston’s Doctor wore a leather jacket and was more relatable and grounded.

• Reintroducing the show for a new generation unfamiliar with the classic series. Davies aimed to make the revival accessible to new viewers while still respecting the show’s long history. The first episode “Rose” re-established the core concepts of the Doctor, the TARDIS, and the companion.

• A damaged, war-torn Doctor. It was hinted that the Ninth Doctor was the sole survivor of the Time War, a devastating conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks. This trauma informed Eccleston’s portrayal of a Doctor who covered his emotional scars with humor and bravado.

• Eccleston’s short but impactful single-season tenure. Despite the success of the revival, Eccleston chose to leave after just 13 episodes. His reasons remain somewhat murky, though he has criticized the BBC and the stressful production. Nevertheless, his brief era is highly regarded for re-establishing the show.

• The first season was a major ratings success, with Eccleston and Billie Piper’s companion Rose Tyler praised for their dynamic. The revival deftly mixed classic foes like the Daleks with new adversaries like the Slitheen.

• After Eccleston’s exit, Davies cast David Tennant, an admirer of the show, as the Tenth Doctor. This began a new era of the show’s popularity. But Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was the foundation that made this success possible.

So in summary, the revival of Doctor Who in 2005 was a major triumph, updating a classic series while honoring its roots. Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was crucial to this success, stripping away the character’s pretensions and reintroducing the show to a new generation. Though his tenure was short, Eccleston’s impact cannot be understated in re-establishing Doctor Who as a pop culture phenomenon.

The Tenth Doctor and the Height of Popularity (2005-2010)

David Tennant’s portrayal of the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010 was immensely popular and beloved by fans. Tennant brought a unique blend of wit, charm, energy and emotional depth to the role that resonated with audiences.

Key aspects of the Tenth Doctor’s era included:

• Iconic companions who became just as popular as the Doctor himself. These included:

  • Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), the Doctor’s first companion after the show’s revival. Their romantic tension and heartbreaking separation was a defining arc.
  • Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), a medical student who pined for the Doctor’s affection while proving her own resourcefulness.
  • Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), a brash temp worker who became the Doctor’s best friend. Their platonic bond was a highlight of the era.

• Ambitious, emotional stories that expanded the scope and depth of the series. Standout arcs included the Doctor and Rose’s separation due to the closure of parallel universes, the return of the Master, and Donna’s tragic memory wipe. The era deftly balanced fun adventure with heartbreaking drama.

• The height of Doctor Who’s mainstream popularity. Tennant’s Doctor attracted record viewership and made the show a genuine phenomenon in the UK and abroad. Critical acclaim and major awards followed.

• Tennant’s versatile, defining performance. He captured the Doctor’s alien nature, sharp intellect, and fierce morality while adding a human warmth and vulnerability. His Doctor could be funny, rude, ruthless, and lonely all in the same story. It’s considered one of the greatest interpretations of the role.

The Tenth Doctor’s era came to an end in the two-part special The End of Time, with the Doctor sacrificing himself to save Wilfred Mott, Donna’s grandfather. His final line, “I don’t want to go,” reflected the audience’s feelings about Tennant’s departure. He regenerated into the Eleventh Doctor, played by Matt Smith, after a farewell tour to all his companions.

In summary, the Tenth Doctor’s 2005-2010 tenure marked a creative and popular high point for Doctor Who. David Tennant’s iconic performance, a slate of beloved companions, and ambitious storytelling made this era a fan-favorite and a critical success that cemented Doctor Who as a global sci-fi institution. Tennant’s Doctor is still widely considered one of the best and most definitive takes on the character.

The Eleventh Doctor Era (2010-2013)

Matt Smith took over the role of the Doctor in 2010 at the young age of 26, portraying the Eleventh Doctor as a quirky, energetic, and eccentric character. Smith’s Doctor had a penchant for bow ties and fezzes, declaring “bow ties are cool!” His youthful appearance was a contrast to his ancient alien nature.

Key aspects of the Eleventh Doctor’s era included:

• The Ponds as long-running companions. Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) was the Eleventh Doctor’s first and primary companion. She was joined by her boyfriend (later husband) Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill). Together, they were known as “the Ponds” and had a familial relationship with the Doctor. Their story arc spanned over 2 seasons.

• A complex and non-linear storyline with River Song (Alex Kingston). River was Amy and Rory’s daughter, who had a romantic and tragic relationship with the Doctor. Their timelines were moving in opposite directions, with their first meeting from the Doctor’s perspective being River’s last. The Eleventh Doctor era explored River’s origins and ultimate fate.

• Exploration of the Doctor’s impending death. The Eleventh Doctor era introduced the Silence, a religious order determined to prevent the Doctor from reaching a place called Trenzalore where he was fated to die. Much of the overarching plot involved the Doctor trying to unravel this mystery and escape his destiny.

• High-concept, fairy tale-like stories under showrunner Steven Moffat. The Eleventh Doctor’s adventures were often complex puzzles filled with time paradoxes and metaphysical mysteries. Episodes like “The Big Bang” and “The Wedding of River Song” played with the fabric of time and space itself.

The Eleventh Doctor’s era came to an end in the 2013 Christmas special “The Time of the Doctor”. Prophesied to die on Trenzalore, the Doctor spent centuries defending the planet from his enemies. Clara pleaded to the Time Lords to grant the Doctor a new regeneration cycle. He ultimately regenerated into the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi.

In summary, the Eleventh Doctor era was marked by Matt Smith’s energetic performance, long-running story arcs with Amy, Rory and River, explorations of the Doctor’s mortality, and high-concept storytelling. It cemented Doctor Who’s global popularity while delving into the show’s complex mythology. The Eleventh Doctor’s quirky charm and heartfelt relationships made his tenure a fan-favorite chapter of the show’s history.

The Twelfth Doctor’s Character Study (2013-2017)

Peter Capaldi portrayed the Twelfth Doctor from 2013 to 2017, taking over the role from Matt Smith. Capaldi, at 55 years old when he began, was the oldest actor to be cast as the Doctor since the show’s revival in 2005. His portrayal was a notable departure from the younger, more energetic incarnations that preceded him.

Key aspects of the Twelfth Doctor’s era included:

• An older, more abrasive take on the Doctor. Capaldi’s Doctor was initially prickly, aloof, and less outwardly sympathetic than his predecessors. He was blunt, pragmatic, and occasionally callous. This was a deliberate shift to a more alien and morally ambiguous characterization.

• A focus on the Doctor’s morality and inner conflict. The Twelfth Doctor’s stories often explored the burden of his centuries of experience and the difficult choices he had to make. Episodes like “Kill the Moon” and “Hell Bent” delved into the Doctor’s moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

• Mature, complex storytelling. The Twelfth Doctor’s adventures tackled weighty themes like death, loss, and identity. The show took on a darker, more introspective tone befitting an older Doctor. Multi-part stories and extended character arcs became more common.

• The introduction of Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) as the first openly gay full-time companion. Bill’s inclusion was a milestone for LGBTQ representation on the show. Her dynamic with the Doctor was more of a teacher-student relationship than a romantic one.

• A gradual softening of the Doctor’s harsh exterior. Over time, Capaldi’s Doctor became warmer, more paternal, and more openly caring towards his companions. His gruff shell concealed a deep well of compassion. By the end of his tenure, kindness and empathy were his defining traits.

Critics praised Capaldi’s tenure for its emotional depth, strong performances, and bold storytelling choices. His final episode, “Twice Upon a Time”, was hailed as a poignant and fitting farewell that encapsulated his incarnation’s journey from a harsh, detached alien to a kind, selfless hero. Capaldi’s Doctor came to be seen as one of the most layered and compelling takes on the character.

In summary, the Twelfth Doctor’s 2013-2017 era was a complex character study that explored the Doctor’s morality, fallibility, and capacity for growth. Peter Capaldi’s older, more abrasive portrayal added new dimensions to the role, while the mature storytelling took the show in a weightier direction. Though initially divisive, the Twelfth Doctor’s tenure is now regarded as a high point of nuanced characterization and emotional resonance in Doctor Who’s long history.

The Thirteenth Doctor Breaking New Ground (2017-2022)

Jodie Whittaker made history in 2017 when she was announced as the Thirteenth Doctor, becoming the first woman to take on the iconic role in the show’s decades-long history. Whittaker’s casting was a bold and groundbreaking move that brought Doctor Who into a new era.

Key aspects of the Thirteenth Doctor’s tenure included:

• A diverse TARDIS team. Whittaker’s Doctor was joined by three new companions: Graham O’Brien (Bradley Walsh), Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), and Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill). This was the largest TARDIS crew in the revived series and featured a diverse mix of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Yaz in particular was hinted to have romantic feelings for the Doctor, a new dynamic for a same-gender pairing.

• New approaches to storytelling. Under showrunner Chris Chibnall, the Thirteenth Doctor era experimented with longer, serialized stories spread across multiple episodes. The season-long arcs “The Timeless Children” and “Flux” were more interconnected than previous seasons. There was also a focus on historicals highlighting marginalized figures and a larger ensemble cast.

• A retcon of the Doctor’s origins with the introduction of the “Timeless Child”. In a controversial move, the Thirteenth Doctor’s era rewrote the character’s backstory, revealing that the Doctor was actually the “Timeless Child”, a being from another universe who was the source of the Time Lords’ regeneration abilities. This made the Doctor far older and more mysterious than previously known.

• Tackling social issues. Episodes in the Thirteenth Doctor’s era directly addressed real-world issues like racism, climate change, and plastic pollution. This was part of a larger effort to modernize the show’s social and political commentary.

Whittaker’s portrayal of the Doctor emphasized the character’s warmth, empathy, and zest for life. Her Doctor was kind, energetic, and fiercely protective of her “fam” of companions. While some criticized the era for uneven writing and convoluted plot twists, others praised its ambition, representation, and fresh take on the mythos.

The Thirteenth Doctor’s time came to an end in the 2022 specials, with Whittaker’s Doctor sacrificing her life to save the universe one last time. In a full-circle moment, the Thirteenth Doctor regenerated into the Fourteenth - played by returning actor David Tennant, in a surprise twist.

In summary, the Thirteenth Doctor’s 2017-2022 era was a groundbreaking and sometimes divisive chapter in Doctor Who’s history. As the first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker brought a new energy and perspective to the role, while the show experimented with format and storytelling in bold ways. Though not universally beloved, the Thirteenth Doctor’s tenure opened doors and brought Doctor Who into the modern age.

Recurring Themes and Motifs

Change and regeneration are core concepts in Doctor Who. The Doctor’s ability to regenerate into a new physical form when near death has allowed the show to continue for decades with new actors in the lead role. This reflects the theme that change is constant and necessary for growth. Each new Doctor brings a fresh perspective while maintaining the essential character.

Pacifism, intellect and kindness are defining traits of the Doctor. Across all incarnations, the Doctor prefers non-violent solutions and uses their wits rather than weapons to resolve conflicts. As David Tennant explained, the Doctor is a hero celebrated for being “clever and kind”. The Doctor inspires others to make the universe better through knowledge, understanding and compassion.

The Doctor champions the value of every individual life, no matter how seemingly ordinary. From a bride and groom in 1980s London to a Hindu-Muslim couple on the day of the Partition of India, the Doctor affirms the importance of every person. The Doctor believes that the ability of humans to face their doubts and fears every day is a profound strength.

A critique of authority and oppression is another running theme. The Doctor is a rebel who stands up to unjust regimes and defends individual freedom. With a deep distrust of militarism and conformity, the Doctor inspires others to question the status quo and make their own moral choices. The character represents the triumph of an individual’s conscience over rigid dogma.

Ultimately, the Doctor exemplifies a universal ethic of kindness, applied across all times, places and cultures. For nearly 60 years, Doctor Who has shown the Doctor upholding these principles in the face of countless threats. As the Twelfth Doctor put it: “Never be cruel. Never be cowardly… Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind.” This consistency of compassion is the heart of the Doctor’s enduring appeal.

The Doctor’s Most Iconic Foes

The Daleks are often considered the ultimate evil in the Doctor Who universe. Created by the scientist Davros, these mutated creatures are housed in armored shells and driven by a hatred for all non-Dalek life. Their goal is to “exterminate” other races and establish themselves as the supreme beings. The Daleks have been the Doctor’s most persistent enemy, appearing in the second-ever Doctor Who serial in 1963 and returning to menace the Doctor in every era since.

The Master is the Doctor’s dark mirror, a renegade Time Lord who matches the Doctor in intelligence but uses it for evil. While the Doctor represents the best of their people, the Master embodies the worst. The Master has been portrayed by many actors over the years, but always serves as the Doctor’s arch-nemesis, an equal and opposite force. Their dynamic is often compared to that of Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty.

The Cybermen are cyborgs devoid of emotion, converted from humanoid races in a process that replaces most of their bodies with artificial parts. They represent a body horror of losing one’s humanity and individuality. The Cybermen seek to “upgrade” all life into emotionless machines like themselves. Along with the Daleks, they are one of the Doctor’s most iconic and persistent foes, symbolizing the dangers of unchecked technology and conformity.

The Weeping Angels are a more recent but highly memorable addition to the Doctor’s rogues gallery. Resembling stone statues, they can only move when no one is looking at them. They feed off time energy by sending their victims into the past. The Weeping Angels are a unique and terrifying foe, using the nature of time itself as a weapon. They represent a different kind of threat than the Doctor’s other enemies.

While the Doctor has faced countless aliens, monsters and villains over nearly 60 years of adventures, the Daleks, the Master, the Cybermen and the Weeping Angels stand out as some of the most iconic and integral to the series. Each represents a different kind of challenge for the Doctor, whether it’s the ultimate evil of the Daleks, the dark reflection of the Master, the body horror of the Cybermen, or the temporal manipulation of the Weeping Angels. These foes have helped define the Doctor through contrast and keep returning to test the hero’s wits, will and moral code.

The Companions and Their Significance

The role of the companion is crucial in Doctor Who. Companions serve as the audience surrogate, providing the human perspective through which viewers experience the Doctor’s adventures. They ask the questions the audience would ask and get into the trouble the audience would get into. This helps ground the fantastical elements of the show.

Different companions represent different things and appeal to different audience demographics. Some key types of companions include:

• The “everyman” or “everywoman” companion who stumbles into the Doctor’s world and reacts like a normal person would, like Rose Tyler or Donna Noble. They are relatable audience stand-ins.

• The more experienced, capable companions who can assist the Doctor and handle themselves in dangerous situations, like Sarah Jane Smith or Clara Oswald. They show how traveling with the Doctor can help someone grow.

• Non-human companions like the robot dog K9 or the alien Nyssa. They provide an outside perspective on both the Doctor and humanity.

• Child or teenage companions, like Adric or Ace. They appeal to the younger audience and go through coming-of-age arcs.

Some of the most influential and beloved companions over the decades include:

• Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen), an investigative journalist who exemplified the strong, intelligent female companion. She was so popular she got her own spin-off.

• Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), the first companion of the 2005 revival. Her emotional journey and romance with the Ninth and Tenth Doctors set the template for modern companions.

• Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), whose sharp wit, humor and tragic fate made her a fan-favorite. Her friendship with the Tenth Doctor showed a different dynamic than the romances.

• Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), whose personal arc was deeply intertwined with the Eleventh Doctor’s. Along with her husband Rory, she represented the idea of companions having their own lives.

Companions come and go in different ways - some choose to leave, some are left behind, and some even die. But they all leave their mark on the Doctor and the audience. Through them, Doctor Who explores the wonders of the universe and the value of human life and relationships. The companions are the human heart of the series.

The Expanded Universe of Doctor Who

Doctor Who’s expanded universe encompasses a vast array of original novels, comics, audio adventures, and spin-off series that enrich the show’s mythology and fill in gaps between episodes. These additional stories are licensed by the BBC but are not always considered strict canon.

Key elements of the Doctor Who expanded universe include:

• Original novels published by Target Books, Virgin Publishing, BBC Books, and others. These include the New Adventures, Missing Adventures, Eighth Doctor Adventures, and Past Doctor Adventures lines. The books have featured past and current Doctors, as well as new companions.

• Audio adventures, primarily produced by Big Finish Productions. These full-cast audio dramas star actors from the TV series reprising their roles, including past Doctors like Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, and Paul McGann. The audios have greatly expanded the backstories and adventures of these Doctors. Big Finish has also created audio spin-offs focused on characters like Sarah Jane Smith, Jago & Litefoot, and UNIT.

• Comics published in Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who Adventures, and other titles. The comics have been produced by companies like Marvel UK, IDW, and Titan Comics. They feature ongoing adventures of past and current Doctors.

• Spin-off series that focus on other characters and corners of the Doctor Who universe:

  • Torchwood (2006-2011), a more adult-oriented series following Captain Jack Harkness and the Torchwood Institute. It included darker themes and content.
  • The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007-2011), a children’s series starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, investigating alien activity.
  • Class (2016), a young adult series set at Coal Hill Academy, featuring students and teachers dealing with alien threats.
  • K9 (2009-2010), an Australian children’s series focused on the robotic dog K9.

These spin-offs allowed for further exploration of the world and mythology of Doctor Who, fleshing out side characters and providing new perspectives.

The expanded universe has introduced new concepts, characters, and threats that sometimes make their way into the main TV series. For example, the Eighth Doctor’s adventures were primarily told through novels and audios before his surprise appearance in the 2013 TV special “The Night of the Doctor”.

While not all fans consider the expanded universe stories to be “canon”, they provide a wealth of additional Doctor Who content for fans to enjoy between episodes and during hiatuses. The novels, audios, comics, and spin-offs have kept Doctor Who alive and thriving even in periods when the show was off-air, and have made important contributions to the series’ ever-growing mythology and lore.

The Fandom and Legacy of Doctor Who

Doctor Who has one of the most dedicated and creative fanbases in all of science fiction. Fans, known as “Whovians”, express their love for the show through art, cosplay, fan fiction, conventions, and lively online discussions. The show encourages this creativity with its imaginative premise and flexible format.

The fandom has been integral to Doctor Who’s longevity and success:

• Fans kept the show alive during its 16-year hiatus between 1989 and 2005 by consuming and creating new content in the form of novels, audio dramas, and fan productions. This continual interest helped make the case for the show’s revival.

• Fan campaigns and support have helped Doctor Who weather controversies and cancellation threats over the years. The “Save Doctor Who” campaign in the 1980s fought against the show’s impending hiatus.

• Fans have gone on to shape the franchise as professional writers, producers and actors. For example, former Doctor Who Magazine editor Gary Russell has written official novels and audio dramas. Superfan Ian Levine acted as a continuity advisor to the show in the 1980s.

Doctor Who’s impact on science fiction and British popular culture is immense:

• It pioneered the concept of a main character “regenerating” into a new body, allowing for multiple actors to play the same role over decades. This has been echoed in other long-running sci-fi franchises.

• The TARDIS and Daleks have become universally recognizable British icons, appearing in everything from political cartoons to the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

• The show has influenced countless sci-fi and fantasy creators. Authors like Neil Gaiman and Stephen King have professed their Doctor Who fandom.

Doctor Who’s enduring appeal and ability to reinvent itself stem from its core premise. The idea of an alien traveling through time and space, righting wrongs and fighting evil with intellect and compassion, is timeless and infinitely flexible. The show’s “wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey” approach to continuity allows it to constantly refresh and recontextualize itself for new generations.

As the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, put it: “The lovely thing about Doctor Who is that it tells children that the world is amazing and full of wonders. It’s also very scary, but that’s okay because if you’re clever and brave, you can make a difference.” This inspirational spirit is at the heart of Doctor Who’s legacy and the reason it has endured for nearly 60 years. It’s a show that has always been made with love, and that love is reflected and magnified by its passionate fans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Doctor Who has evolved through many eras and incarnations over its nearly 60-year history. From the classic series’ beginnings in 1963 to the 2005 revival and beyond, the show has constantly reinvented itself while staying true to its core premise of a time-traveling alien adventurer.

Key eras like the Third Doctor’s Earth-bound UNIT years, the Fourth Doctor’s iconic run, and the Seventh Doctor’s darker shift under the Cartmel Masterplan each brought new elements to the mythos. The 2005 revival under Russell T Davies updated the show for a modern audience, leading to a surge in popularity with David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor.

Throughout all these changes, Doctor Who has endured because of its infinitely flexible format and inspirational spirit. The idea of an ancient, lonely traveler who fights for justice with wit and compassion continues to resonate with audiences across generations. The show’s ability to reinvent itself with new actors, companions and creative teams has kept it fresh and relevant.

As Doctor Who approaches its 60th anniversary, it is poised for a new era of success under returning showrunner Russell T Davies. Davies’ mastery of balancing episodic stories with emotional character arcs was key to the revival’s popularity. His return promises a thrilling new chapter that honors the past while boldly moving forward.

With new Doctors like Ncuti Gatwa and the return of David Tennant, Doctor Who is set to capture the imaginations of longtime fans and new viewers alike. The show’s enduring message of hope, courage and the power of change will undoubtedly continue to inspire for years to come. As the Thirteenth Doctor said, “We’re all capable of the most incredible change. We can evolve while still staying true to who we are.” That sentiment is at the heart of Doctor Who’s legacy and ongoing appeal as it journeys towards new horizons.

Glossary of Terms

The Doctor - The main protagonist, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in the TARDIS.

Companion - A person who travels with and assists the Doctor on their adventures. Often female and attractive.

TARDIS - Time and Relative Dimension in Space, the Doctor’s time machine and spacecraft disguised as a 1960s British police box. Bigger on the inside than the outside.

Regeneration - The process by which Time Lords transform into a new physical form when near death, allowing for the recasting of the Doctor’s role.

Sonic Screwdriver - The Doctor’s versatile tool, used for a variety of functions like picking locks and scanning.

Daleks - The Doctor’s oldest and most frequent enemies, mutated Kaleds from the planet Skaro encased in tank-like armor. Known for shouting “Exterminate!”

Time Lords - The Doctor’s race, an ancient and powerful civilization from the planet Gallifrey that can travel through time.

Cybermen - Cybernetically augmented humanoids who have suppressed emotions and seek to convert others into Cybermen.

Gallifrey - The home planet of the Time Lords, located in the constellation of Kasterborous.

The Master - A renegade Time Lord and the Doctor’s archenemy, seeking to conquer the universe.

Classic Who - The original run of Doctor Who from 1963-1989.

New Who - The revived series of Doctor Who starting in 2005.

Whovian - A fan of Doctor Who.

Time War - An oft-mentioned conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks.

Whoniverse - The fictional universe in which Doctor Who takes place.

The Wilderness Years - The period between 1989-2005 when Doctor Who was off the air, except for the 1996 TV movie.

TV Movie - The 1996 Doctor Who television film starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor, an attempt to revive the series.

UNIT - The Unified Intelligence Taskforce, a military organization that the Doctor has worked with.

Torchwood - A Doctor Who spin-off series featuring Captain Jack Harkness and the Torchwood Institute.

Weeping Angels - Predatory creatures that resemble stone statues and can only move when not being observed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Doctor Who?

• Doctor Who is a long-running British science fiction television series featuring the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as “the Doctor”.

2. Who is the Doctor?

• The Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in a ship called the TARDIS, often with human companions.

3. Why is the show called “Doctor Who” if that’s not the character’s name?

• “Doctor Who” was originally intended as a question, playing on the mystery around the character’s identity. The Doctor’s real name has never been revealed.

4. What is the TARDIS?

• TARDIS stands for “Time and Relative Dimension in Space”. It is the Doctor’s time machine and spacecraft, which is bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside.

5. What is regeneration?

• Regeneration is the process by which the Doctor takes on a new physical appearance and personality when mortally wounded. This concept allows new actors to take over the role.

6. How many actors have played the Doctor?

• As of 2023, fourteen actors have officially portrayed the Doctor in the main television series.

7. Who is the current Doctor?

• As of 2023, the current Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is the Fifteenth Doctor.

8. Is Doctor Who still on the air?

• Yes, though the classic series ran from 1963-1989, the revived series has been ongoing since 2005 with a few gaps year to year.

9. What are the Doctor’s most famous enemies?

• The Doctor’s most iconic foes include the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Master.

10. What are the missing episodes?

• Many early episodes of Doctor Who from the 1960s were erased by the BBC. Some have been recovered but many remain lost.

11. What is Gallifrey?

• Gallifrey is the home planet of the Time Lords, the Doctor’s race. It was thought destroyed but has reappeared.

12. What are companions?

• Companions are the people who travel with the Doctor, usually humans from contemporary Earth. They act as audience surrogates.

13. Who are some of the most popular companions?

• Famous companions include Sarah Jane Smith, Rose Tyler, Donna Noble, Amy Pond, and Clara Oswald.

14. What is the sonic screwdriver?

• The sonic screwdriver is the Doctor’s multi-purpose tool, used for things like scanning and opening doors.

15. What are the spin-offs of Doctor Who?

• Major spin-offs include Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Class, featuring side characters.

16. Is there a Doctor Who movie?

• There are two non-canon films from the 1960s starring Peter Cushing, and a 1996 TV movie with Paul McGann. But no theatrical films as part of the main series.

17. What is “NuWho”?

• “NuWho” is a fan term for the revived series of Doctor Who from 2005 onwards, as opposed to the classic series.

18. What is canon in Doctor Who?

• Doctor Who has a loose canon, with TV generally trumping other media. But a lot is left to interpretation.

19. What is the Time War?

• The Time War is a great conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks that was frequently mentioned in the revived series.

20. Will there be a female Doctor?

• Yes, Jodie Whittaker portrayed the first female incarnation of the Doctor from 2017-2022 as the Thirteenth Doctor.

Important Characters

The Doctor - The main protagonist, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS. Portrayed by various actors over the years.

The Master - The Doctor’s arch-nemesis, a renegade Time Lord seeking to conquer the universe. Major recurring villain.

The Daleks - Mutated creatures in tank-like armor, the Doctor’s oldest and most frequent enemies. Known for shouting “Exterminate!”

The Cybermen - Cybernetically augmented humanoids who have suppressed emotions and seek to convert others.

Davros - The creator of the Daleks, a mad scientist who is one of the Doctor’s most dangerous foes.

Sarah Jane Smith - One of the Doctor’s most famous companions, an investigative journalist who later starred in her own spin-off.

Rose Tyler - The first companion of the revived series, whose romantic relationship with the Tenth Doctor was a major arc.

Donna Noble - A companion known for her wit and tragic fate, her friendship with the Tenth Doctor was a highlight.

Amy Pond - The first companion of the Eleventh Doctor, whose personal life was deeply intertwined with his.

River Song - A time traveler with a complex, non-linear relationship with the Doctor, eventually revealed to be Amy and Rory’s daughter.

Clara Oswald - A companion who appeared throughout the Doctor’s timeline, playing a key role in the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor’s lives.

Captain Jack Harkness - A former con man from the 51st century who becomes a companion and later leads Torchwood.

Missy - A female incarnation of the Master who has a complicated relationship with the Twelfth Doctor.

Weeping Angels - Predatory creatures that resemble stone statues and can only move when not being observed.

The Silence - A religious order that seeks to prevent the Doctor from reaching Trenzalore.

Rassilon - The founder of Time Lord society, who has a antagonistic relationship with the Doctor.

Ashildr/Me - A Viking girl made immortal by the Doctor, whose long life leads her to become a foil for him.

The Brigadier - The leader of UNIT, a longtime friend and ally of the Doctor’s.

Wilfred Mott - Donna Noble’s grandfather, an important recurring character in the Tenth Doctor’s final arc.

The Doctor’s TARDIS - Though not a traditional character, the Doctor’s sentient time machine is undoubtedly one of the most important fixtures of the series.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of the top 20 important events in the history of Doctor Who:

1963 - The first episode of Doctor Who, “An Unearthly Child”, airs on BBC television, introducing the First Doctor played by William Hartnell.

1966 - The concept of regeneration is introduced as the First Doctor regenerates into the Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton. This allows for the recasting of the main role.

1970 - The Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee, is exiled to Earth by the Time Lords. The show shifts to color production and introduces the Doctor’s iconic archenemy, the Master.

1974 - Tom Baker makes his debut as the Fourth Doctor, beginning a 7-year tenure that would make him the most iconic incarnation.

1983 - The show celebrates its 20th anniversary with the feature-length special “The Five Doctors”, featuring all the incarnations thus far.

1989 - The classic series ends with the Seventh Doctor story “Survival”. Doctor Who enters a period of dormancy.

1996 - An attempt to revive the series results in the TV movie featuring the Eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann. While a ratings success in the UK, it fails to lead to a new series.

2005 - Doctor Who returns to television under showrunner Russell T Davies with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as companion Rose Tyler.

2006 - The Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, makes his debut. His tenure sees a surge in the show’s popularity.

2007 - The first spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, premieres, starring Elisabeth Sladen reprising her role as classic companion Sarah Jane Smith.

2008 - The fourth season of the revived series features the return of Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate, as the Doctor’s companion.

2010 - Steven Moffat takes over as showrunner as the Eleventh Doctor, played by Matt Smith, makes his debut.

2013 - The show celebrates its 50th anniversary with the special “The Day of the Doctor”, featuring Matt Smith, David Tennant, and the introduction of John Hurt as the War Doctor.

2015 - The Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, faces his old enemy Davros and the Daleks in the season opener “The Magician’s Apprentice”/“The Witch’s Familiar”.

2017 - Jodie Whittaker is announced as the Thirteenth Doctor, the first woman to play the role.

2018 - The Thirteenth Doctor makes her debut in “The Woman Who Fell to Earth”.

2020 - The Thirteenth Doctor faces the Cybermen in the two-part finale “Ascension of the Cybermen”/“The Timeless Children”, which reveals new information about the Doctor’s origins.

2021 - The Thirteenth Doctor’s era concludes with the six-part story “Flux”.

2022 - The BBC centenary special “The Power of the Doctor” features the Thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration into the Fourteenth Doctor, played by David Tennant.

2023 - The 60th anniversary specials are set to air, with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and the debut of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. Showrunner Russell T Davies returns.