The universe is vast, time is wibbly-wobbly, and there’s a blue box that can take you anywhere. Welcome to the wonderful world of Doctor Who! With a thrilling new era of this iconic show captivating audiences, there’s never been a better time to jump aboard the TARDIS. If you’ve heard the buzz about this legendary series but felt lost about where to begin, or maybe you dipped your toes in and didn’t quite get it, you’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide is your friendly portal to start watching Doctor Who and unlock a universe of adventure.
What Exactly is Doctor Who?
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC. Debuting way back in 1963, it holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running science-fiction television show. That’s over six decades of time-traveling escapades! The show is broadly split into two main periods: Classic Who, which graced screens from 1963 to 1989, and New Who, the triumphant reboot that blasted back onto our screens in 2005 and continues to this day. Once a beloved cult classic, Doctor Who has surged into mainstream popularity, becoming a global phenomenon. Fueling this renewed excitement is the recent launch of a brand-new season starring a marvelous Fifteenth Doctor, injecting fresh energy into the timeless saga and making it an ideal moment for newcomers to start watching Doctor Who.
But Doctor Who is more than just longevity. It’s a cultural touchstone, a show that, at its heart, explores incredibly universal themes. It delves into the wonders of the cosmos and the inherent goodness within us, grapples with suffering and the weight of our choices, celebrates the bonds of friendship and love, and confronts the harsh realities of war and hate. Remarkably, these grand narratives frequently intersect with profound questions of spirituality and faith, woven seamlessly into compelling storytelling.
What Kind of Stories Will You Find When You Watch Doctor Who?
On the surface, Doctor Who chronicles the adventures of the Doctor and their companions as they journey through the vast expanse of time and space. Yes, there are thrilling encounters with alien civilizations and daring escapes from perilous planets. But beneath the sci-fi spectacle, the show beats with a deeply human heart. It’s fundamentally a story brimming with hope and unwavering goodness, honoring the sanctity of life and the power of our individual narratives. It champions doing what is right, even when it’s hard, taking a stand against injustice, and navigating the intricate tapestry of morality in an ever-shifting universe. And let’s not forget, it’s also just incredibly fun! Doctor Who masterfully blends tones, swinging from moments of intense terror and suspense to laugh-out-loud comedy, from the utterly bonkers (space babies, anyone?) to deeply profound and heart-wrenchingly beautiful scenes. Yes, heartbreaking – keep tissues handy!
The writing is consistently clever and layered, rewarding attentive viewers with intricate plots and soulful character development. One of the joys of Doctor Who is how seemingly minor details often become significant later on, creating a rich tapestry of slow-burn storylines, delightful Easter eggs, and running jokes that weave throughout the entire series. The longer you watch Doctor Who, the more you unlock and appreciate its depth.
Beyond the time-traveling romp, Doctor Who fearlessly confronts the deeper longings of the human spirit. It explores our eternal grapple with belief and faith, our responses to suffering and grief, and our capacity for joy and boundless curiosity. It contemplates the immensity of the universe and our place within it, examining how we are shaped by our choices, our experiences, and most profoundly, by the love we give and receive. At its core, the show champions a powerful theology: that every single life is of immeasurable worth (“In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important”) and that life, in all its myriad forms, is sacred. For many viewers, watching Doctor Who fosters a renewed sense of wonder and an insatiable curiosity about the world and beyond.
As the Doctor wisely states, “We’re all stories in the end. Let’s make it a good one, eh?”
Do You Need to Watch Classic Who Before You Start Watching Doctor Who?
The sheer volume of Doctor Who can feel daunting, especially when you realize it spans over six decades! But fear not, aspiring Whovian! You absolutely do not need to wade through the entirety of Classic Who to begin your journey. While dedicated fans often delve back into specific iconic stories from the classic era, it’s certainly not a prerequisite for enjoying the modern series. (And realistically, even if you wanted to watch everything from the very beginning, a significant number of early episodes are sadly lost to time, either destroyed or missing from the BBC archives.) So, rest easy; you don’t need to commit to 60 years of television to start watching Doctor Who and immerse yourself in its universe. Keep scrolling, and we’ll guide you through three fantastic starting points to kick off your fandom.
Who Exactly IS The Doctor When You Watch Doctor Who?
Let’s clear up a common misconception right away: the Doctor’s name isn’t actually “Doctor Who.” They are simply The Doctor. “Doctor” is a chosen title that has, over centuries, become their name.
And yes, they are an alien. But stick with us! The Doctor is a Time Lord hailing from the planet Gallifrey. Physiologically, they are quite different from humans; for starters, they possess two hearts. While they appear human (though they might argue humans are modeled after Time Lords!), they are far older than any human could ever be. The current incarnation of the Doctor is thousands of years old, depending on how you interpret the somewhat flexible timelines within the show’s canon.
Furthermore, the Doctor is the Last of the Time Lords. Time Lords have a unique relationship with time itself, perceiving it non-linearly, holding all of time and space in their awareness simultaneously. They once served as guardians of time, but now, the Doctor is the sole survivor of their kind. This profound isolation and loss profoundly shape their decisions, their empathy, and their unwavering respect for all life.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Time Lords is their ability to regenerate. When a Doctor faces a fatal injury or succumbs to old age, their entire body undergoes a radical renewal process, resulting in a completely new physical form and, often, a shift in personality. This is why we refer to different incarnations as the “Twelfth Doctor,” the “Ninth Doctor,” and so on. Each number denotes a distinct regeneration, portrayed by a different actor. This ingenious concept is a cornerstone of the show’s enduring freshness. Every few years, the actor playing the Doctor gracefully departs, paving the way for a new Doctor with a fresh face and a nuanced temperament.
Be warned: you will become deeply attached to each Doctor and likely experience a pang of grief with each regeneration. However, you’ll also find yourself falling in love with the new Doctor just as fiercely! Many fans develop a particularly strong connection to one Doctor, often referring to them as “My Doctor,” the definitive incarnation that sets their personal gold standard.
The Doctor’s true name remains shrouded in mystery. The name they have chosen, “The Doctor,” is itself a promise, a guiding principle: “Never cruel or cowardly, never give up and never give in.” Driven by this ethos, the Doctor often inspires those they encounter to become “better” versions of themselves, in every sense of the word. Subtle hints and later revelations suggest the Doctor has endured immense suffering and heartbreaking loss, with veiled references to having been a father, “but not anymore.” Their character is shaped equally by profound sorrow and loss, and by the wonder, glory, and joy they experience on their travels.
Steven Moffat, former Doctor Who showrunner and writer, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Doctor:
“When they made this particular hero, they didn’t give him a gun, they gave him a screwdriver to fix things. They didn’t give him a tank or a warship or an x-wing fighter, they gave him a call box from which you can call for help. And the didn’t give him a superpower or pointy ears or a heat ray, they gave him an extra heart. They gave him two hearts. And that’s an extraordinary thing; there will never come a time when we don’t need a hero like the Doctor.”
What’s the Deal with That Blue Police Box When You Watch Doctor Who?
That iconic blue police box is the TARDIS, an acronym for Time And Relative Dimension In Space. It’s the Doctor’s time machine and spaceship, enabling them to travel to any point in time and any corner of the universe. The Doctor’s story begins on Gallifrey with them stealing this very TARDIS and fleeing their home planet. The police box disguise is a quirky accident. The TARDIS has a chameleon circuit, designed to camouflage it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, no matter where it lands. However, when the Doctor’s TARDIS first landed in 1960s Britain, the chameleon circuit malfunctioned and got stuck, permanently fixing its appearance as a blue police box. Ironically, police boxes were a common sight in Britain at that time, making it effectively invisible. And so, the TARDIS remains a blue police box forevermore – a charmingly anachronistic disguise in the modern age.
The TARDIS itself is more than just a vehicle; it’s a dimension unto itself. It’s famously bigger on the inside. In fact, its internal dimensions are practically limitless. The TARDIS is also sentient, possessing a consciousness and a will of its own. As you watch Doctor Who, you’ll notice the TARDIS often plays a significant role in determining where and when the Doctor lands, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between them. The TARDIS boasts not only a constantly changing control room that reflects each Doctor’s personality, but also seemingly endless rooms, including libraries, swimming pools, and even some shadowy, unexplored corners and hidden secrets.
Who Are The Companions You See When You Watch Doctor Who?
The individuals who travel alongside the Doctor are known as companions. They are typically, but not always, human. Initially, companions served as audience surrogates, characters through whom viewers could experience the wonders and complexities of the Doctor Who universe and ask questions. However, over time, particularly in New Who, companions have evolved into fully realized characters with their own rich backstories, motivations, and moments of brilliance. They serve multifaceted roles: acting as the Doctor’s conscience, driving the plot forward, sometimes instigating trouble, and at other times providing a grounding presence.
The Doctor holds a special affection for Earth and humanity, often considering themselves a protector or defender of our planet. The relationships between the Doctor and their companions are intricate and emotionally resonant. Companion’s families back on Earth often develop equally complex relationships with the enigmatic Time Lord. Viewers often become as attached to the companions and their families as they are to the Doctor themselves. A significant strength of Doctor Who is the nuanced character development of its companions; they grow, evolve, and change profoundly throughout their adventures. In fact, in the rebooted series, many argue that the companion is effectively a co-lead, sharing equal narrative weight with the Doctor. The nature of the Doctor-companion relationship varies – some companions fall in love with the Doctor, others become their closest friends, while some are simply allies for a shorter period. It’s evident the Doctor has favorites, too, even while cherishing all those who journey with them. To delve deeper into companion dynamics would venture into spoiler territory!
Is Watching Doctor Who Just About Alien Battles?
Absolutely not! At its core, the Doctor is fundamentally pro-life and peace-driven. They are driven by an insatiable curiosity and a fascination with the new and the different, rather than fear or repulsion. When the Doctor encounters an enemy, it’s typically because that individual or species actively violates these core values. The Doctor approaches alien life with wonder and profound respect.
Consider the Daleks, one of the Doctor’s most iconic adversaries. They aren’t enemies simply because they are alien. In fact, the Doctor’s most intense conflicts with humanity often arise from our own tendency to react with fear and violence towards the unknown and the “other.” The Daleks are enemies because they are consumed by hatred for anything unlike themselves, relentlessly striving to eradicate diversity and assimilate the universe’s breathtaking wonder into a monotonous, homogenous whole.
Aliens are just one facet of Doctor Who. You might be surprised how quickly you accept the existence of alien life as you watch. Equally often, the Doctor’s adventures take them back in time to interact with historical figures and pivotal events, or pit them against sinister human antagonists or devastating natural disasters across various eras and locations. One of the show’s remarkable strengths is its ability to take commonplace objects or everyday scenarios and twist them just enough to become unsettling and ominous. Prepare to never look at earpieces or statues quite the same way again!
Is Doctor Who Really a Show for Kids?
Doctor Who began its life as a program intended for children. However, the rebooted series has evolved into more of a family show, often venturing into territory that can be genuinely too scary for younger children. Many parents find it suitable for children around the age of ten or eleven and older. To fully appreciate Doctor Who, you do need to embrace the elements that cater to a younger audience – a certain degree of silliness and lighthearted goofiness. This whimsicality is, in fact, a cherished aspect for many devoted “Whovians.” The show seamlessly transitions between moments of sheer terror and bursts of laughter, often within the same scene. However, conscious of its potential younger viewership, Doctor Who generally avoids overt violence, profanity, or explicit sexual content to convey its narratives, a quality many viewers appreciate.
Okay, I’m Ready to Watch Doctor Who! Where Do I Start?
Fantastic! Embarking on your Doctor Who adventure is exciting, and there are several excellent entry points. Here are three recommended methods to begin your love affair with the Doctor:
1. The Fifteenth Doctor Premiere: Start Watching Doctor Who with the Current Season
With a brand new era of Doctor Who just launched, the most straightforward approach is to simply dive in with the current season. You don’t need encyclopedic knowledge of past lore to enjoy it and determine if the show resonates with you. Anticipating a wave of new viewers, the current episodes are designed to be accessible, subtly explaining key concepts as you go. If you enjoy the show’s overall vibe, you can then explore methods 2 or 3 to delve deeper into its history.
Currently, three episodes of the new season are available: The Church on Ruby Road, Space Babies, and The Devil’s Chord, readily accessible on Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. We are introduced to a delightful and charming Fifteenth Doctor alongside a charismatic new companion, Ruby Sunday, who carries a captivating air of mystery. Furthermore, the infusion of Disney’s resources has resulted in significantly enhanced special effects, elevating the visual spectacle. You’ll quickly grasp the wonderfully bonkers nature of Doctor Who, even as the initial episodes subtly plant seeds for future storylines. Pay close attention to seemingly minor moments; Doctor Who is notorious for rewarding observant viewers with payoffs down the line.
2. The 2005 Reboot Rewind: Watch Doctor Who From the Beginning of New Who
A classic starting point is to begin at the very beginning of the rebooted series in 2005, with Series/Season 1, Episode 1, titled “Rose.” Simply watch straight through, episode by episode, in chronological order. This was the method many long-time fans, including myself, used, starting with the Ninth Doctor. It holds a certain sentimental appeal.
However, be aware that if you find yourself particularly sensitive to noticeably cheesy special effects and a generous dose of silliness, or if the prospect of catching up on over two decades of television feels overwhelming, this method might not be ideal initially. The 2005 reboot was produced on a relatively modest budget, especially by today’s standards. For viewers accustomed to contemporary, big-budget television, the early special effects can be… quaint.
Personally, I confess I nearly gave up early on during my first watch-through. I believe it was the infamous “farting aliens on Downing Street” scene that almost caused my eyes to roll right out of my head! However, around episodes eight and nine of Series 1, “The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances,” a masterful blend of love, fear, creepiness, and beauty, I completely fell head over heels for Doctor Who. Not everyone has the same turning point, so starting at the 2005 reboot is a slightly riskier approach, but it offers the reward of establishing a complete foundational understanding of everything that follows. And a significant bonus: you’ll be introduced to David Tennant’s universally beloved Tenth Doctor!
3. The Standalone Shortcut, then Eleventh Doctor Start: A Strategic Way to Watch Doctor Who
This method is particularly recommended for those who have previously attempted to watch Doctor Who but didn’t quite “get” it or connect with it. It’s also a great option for viewers who are hesitant to commit to a show with such a vast history and simply want to sample Doctor Who‘s essence.
Here’s the plan: First, watch the episode “Blink,” found in Series 3, Episode 10 (originally aired in 2007). While it features the Tenth Doctor and his companion Martha, it’s largely a standalone story and widely considered one of the strongest early episodes of the rebooted series. “Blink” brilliantly showcases the show’s imaginative concepts and the core mechanics of time travel, even though the Doctor himself has limited screen time in this particular episode. Next, watch “Vincent and the Doctor,” from Series 5, Episode 10 (2010), featuring the Eleventh Doctor. This episode is emotionally resonant and beautifully illustrates the show’s capacity for both historical storytelling and poignant character drama.
Feeling intrigued? Now, jump to Series 5, Episode 1, “The Eleventh Hour” (2010). This episode marks the introduction of the Eleventh Doctor and his companion Amy Pond, signaling another soft reboot and a deliberately more accessible entry point for new fans, much like the current Fifteenth Doctor’s debut. This is the very method I successfully used to convert my husband, who initially struggled to overcome the perceived “cheesiness” of the initial reboot seasons.
Anecdotally, I have yet to encounter anyone who followed this “standalone then Series 5” approach who didn’t become a dedicated Whovian and promptly backtrack to Series 1, Episode 1, to fully embrace the entire journey. (Classic Who as a starting point is certainly an option, but generally reserved for a very niche audience. If you are drawn to the classic era, my blessings upon your intrepid exploration!)
Where Can You Actually Watch Doctor Who?
If you are eager to start fresh with the new Fifteenth Doctor, you can catch new episodes on Disney Plus if you are in North America, or on BBC iPlayer for viewers in the UK.
Currently, older seasons of New Who are available on Amazon Prime and HBO Max. Classic Who can be found on the streaming service BritBox.
For those who prefer physical media (like myself!), I own all the seasons on Blu-ray—#Flex—because I’m a bit old-school and appreciate bonus features. However, when I first started watching Doctor Who, I simply requested the DVDs from my local library, one season after another. This is a fantastic, low-budget, and low-commitment way to begin your Doctor Who immersion.
Okay, that’s more than enough to get you started on your time-traveling adventure! I could easily write volumes more about Doctor Who, but this beginner’s guide should equip you with everything you need to confidently press play. Now, go forth, explore the universe, and start watching Doctor Who! I’d love to hear about your experiences and answer any further questions you might have. Join me in the comments section below, and let’s chat all things Doctor Who!
