As Doctor Who approaches its incredible 60th anniversary, fans both new and old are diving into the vast universe of the Time Lord. From the black and white days of William Hartnell to the modern era with Ncuti Gatwa, the show has captivated audiences for generations. One question that often pops up, especially for those just discovering the series, is: just How Many Episodes Of Doctor Who Are There? Prepare yourself, because the answer is bigger than you might imagine!
In total, there are a staggering 871 episodes of Doctor Who as of late 2023, including all regular episodes and beloved Christmas and festive specials. This massive number spans six decades of television history, making Doctor Who one of the longest-running science fiction series of all time.
This impressive figure comes from two distinct eras of the show. The original series, which began on November 23rd, 1963, and ran for 26 seasons until 1989, accounts for just under 700 of these episodes. During this classic run, seven actors took on the mantle of the Doctor, each bringing their unique flavour to the iconic role and contributing to the ever-growing episode count. From battling Daleks in black and white to facing Cybermen in vibrant colour, this era laid the foundation for the global phenomenon Doctor Who is today.
Doctor Who was then triumphantly revived in 2005 by Russell T Davies, bringing the series into the 21st century. This modern era has continued for 13 seasons so far, introducing five new incarnations of the Doctor to audiences worldwide. This revival has not only honored the legacy of the original series but has also expanded the Doctor Who universe, adding hundreds more episodes to the overall count.
Adding to this already substantial number, anticipation is building for three special 60th-anniversary episodes starring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, followed by the eagerly awaited Christmas special. Once these are released, the total number of Doctor Who episodes will climb to an incredible 875, solidifying its place as a titan of television.
For fans in the UK eager to dive into this extensive back catalog, fantastic news arrived in November 2023. The BBC made all previous episodes of Doctor Who, including the very earliest seasons, available on BBC iPlayer. This means you can explore the entire history of the Doctor from the very beginning, all in one place.
Unfortunately, for viewers outside of the UK, accessing the complete classic episode library via streaming is currently more challenging. However, the upcoming 60th-anniversary specials will be globally accessible, streaming on both BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ internationally, ensuring fans worldwide can join in the anniversary celebrations.
With such a vast number of episodes, there’s always a new adventure to discover in the world of Doctor Who. Whether you’re a seasoned Whovian or a curious newcomer, the sheer volume of content guarantees countless hours of time-traveling fun.
