Doctor Who (2005-2009): A Skip It/Watch It Guide for New Fans

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of Doctor Who? Fantastic choice! For years, this incredible series has captivated audiences, and it’s amazing to see more and more people, especially in America, discovering its charm. Thanks to a big push from BBC America and some exciting changes both in front of and behind the camera, Doctor Who‘s popularity has exploded.

But let’s be honest, jumping into a show that officially started in 1963 can feel a bit daunting. That’s a lot of history to catch up on! That’s why in 2005, Doctor Who was brilliantly relaunched. This wasn’t just a reboot; it was a fresh entry point, designed so new viewers could jump right in without needing to know decades of backstory about the Time Lord with his time-traveling box.

However, even 2005 is starting to feel like a long time ago now! If you’re a new Doctor Who fan wanting to stick to the modern era, you still have a bit of catching up to do. That’s where this guide comes in – created to help you navigate the first few seasons of the revived Doctor Who, from 2005 to 2009.

Because we’re covering four and a half seasons of television here, we’re going to do things a little differently. Below, you’ll find two tracks: the Must See track and the Watch It track.

• Must See Track: This is your express lane, perfect if you just want the essential episodes to understand the overall story and character arcs. Think of it as Cliff’s Notes for Doctor Who.
• Watch It Track: For those who want to really immerse themselves in the show, this track includes everything from the “Must See” list, plus episodes that are important for character development, recurring plot threads, or are just plain good. If you’re on this track, watch everything labeled “Watch It” or “Must See.”

Consider this your spoiler warning, especially regarding casting. Also, be aware that some of the following recommendations are based on personal opinion – but hopefully helpful ones!

A slightly blurry image shows a ginger cat looking inquisitively into a blue police box (the TARDIS) which is open, with the interior visible.

SEASON ONE

1. “Rose”: Must see. Pilots are usually important, but this one is especially crucial. It was written specifically to introduce Doctor Who to a brand new audience. Plus, it introduces Rose Tyler, and honestly, Rose is pretty fantastic. A perfect starting point for 2005 Doctor Who.

2. “The End of the World”: Watch it. When Doctor Who first aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in the US, “Rose” and “The End of the World” were shown together as a two-parter, and they really do work well as a combined introduction. This episode introduces characters who will reappear later and reveals more about the Doctor’s mysterious past. If you’re pressed for time, you could skip it, but it adds valuable context to the world of 2005 Doctor Who.

3. “The Unquiet Dead”: Skip it. Okay, maybe Maybe skip it is more accurate. This episode is actually quite enjoyable, with some genuinely charming moments, and it does have a small tie-in to the overarching season narrative. However, if you skip it, you really won’t miss much beyond a tiny joke in Season 4. And let’s be real, you’re reading this guide because you don’t want to watch every episode, right?

4/5. “Aliens of London”/”World War III”: Watch it. Look, the villains in this two-parter are… well, they’re ridiculous. No sugarcoating it. However, these episodes introduce Harriet Jones, MP Flydale North, who becomes a fantastic recurring character. More importantly, they give significant weight to Rose’s home life and personal journey alongside the global events. This focus on the companion’s personal life was a revolutionary and welcome change in 2005 Doctor Who compared to the classic series.

5. “Dalek”: Must see. This is where you meet the Daleks, the Doctor’s most iconic enemy! You’ll begin to understand why the Doctor carries so much emotional baggage. And, yes, you’ll see a lot of people get exterminated. It’s a fundamental episode for understanding the core of Doctor Who 2005.

6. “The Long Game”: Watch it. This episode isn’t a fan favorite (despite cameos from Simon Pegg and Tamsin Greig), but it lays important groundwork for the season’s final two episodes. Think of it as a necessary setup for the bigger picture of 2005 Doctor Who Season 1.

7. “Father’s Day”: Watch it. Primarily a standalone episode, but it’s one of the strongest of the season and a key episode for Rose’s character development. Get your tissues ready.

8/9. “The Empty Child”/”The Doctor Dances”: Watch it. This two-parter is very close to being “Must See” status, mainly because it introduces the legendary Captain Jack Harkness. You’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the future of Doctor Who. Beyond that, it’s just a phenomenal two-parter – genuinely creepy, deeply sad, and yet somehow uplifting.

9. “Boomtown”: Skip it. Okay, confession time: I kind of enjoy this episode. It’s essentially the My Dinner With Andre of Doctor Who (almost literally). It explores thematic elements that add emotional depth to the season. But… it is the Dinner With Andre of Doctor Who. Unless you’re deeply invested in Rose’s relationship with Mickey (or you’re desperate for more Captain Jack), you can probably skip this one and save time for more essential episodes of 2005 Doctor Who.

10. “Bad Wolf”: Watch it. Part one of the season finale. It’s largely a parody of British reality TV and, somewhat ironically, doesn’t actually explain the “Bad Wolf” mystery that’s been simmering all season, despite the episode title. However, it ends with a killer cliffhanger that leads directly into…

11. “The Parting of the Ways”: Must see. A grand, epic season finale that’s also incredibly emotionally resonant (farewell, Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor!). And it sets the stage for the next chapter of 2005 Doctor Who.

A promotional image shows the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) standing close together, smiling slightly. The background is blurred and brightly lit.

SEASON TWO

0. “The Christmas Invasion”: Must see. Christmas specials in Doctor Who have a unique numbering system. This is the only Christmas special I’d call a must-see, to be honest. While they often lean towards lighter, romp-y adventures, “The Christmas Invasion” is crucial because it introduces David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, brings back the wonderful Harriet Jones MP, and sets up key plot elements for Season 2 of 2005 Doctor Who.

1. “New Earth”: Watch it. On the surface, it might seem like a standalone adventure. But it’s actually a direct follow-up to “The End of the World” and features a body-swapping storyline! It’s a lot of fun (if a little heavy-handed with the moralizing).

2. “Tooth and Claw”: Watch it. It might sound goofy – werewolves and Queen Victoria? – but it’s actually got more depth than you might expect and expands the historical scope of 2005 Doctor Who.

3. “School Reunion”: Watch it. This episode is a love letter to classic Doctor Who. It brings back Sarah Jane Smith, a beloved companion from the pre-2005 era (and arguably the best companion ever). Plus, Anthony Stewart Head is the villain! There’s a lot to adore for both new and longtime fans of Doctor Who.

4. “The Girl in the Fireplace”: Watch it. Considered by many to be one of Steven Moffat’s finest Doctor Who episodes before he took over as showrunner in Season 5. It features a clever use of time travel and… the Doctor gets kissed!

5/6. “Rise of the Cybermen”/”Age of Steel”: Watch it. Features a very campy villain and the (arguably) less-than-thrilling Cybermen. However, this two-parter is essential to the season’s overall narrative arc and pretty difficult to skip if you want to follow the ongoing story of 2005 Doctor Who.

6. “The Idiot’s Lantern”: Maybe skip it? Technically, it’s a standalone episode that won’t impact your understanding of the larger plot. It also showcases the Doctor and Rose at peak adorableness. The decision is yours – weigh the cuteness factor against your desire to streamline your 2005 Doctor Who viewing.

7/8. “The Impossible Planet”/”The Satan Pit”: Must see. If you want to give someone a quick introduction to what makes Doctor Who so great, this two-parter is perfect. It’s an exciting, James Cameron-esque action adventure that truly captures the spirit of Doctor Who 2005.

8. “Love and Monsters”: Skip it. A standalone, “Doctor-lite” episode. Marc Warren gives a charming performance, but it’s not essential viewing and deviates significantly from the typical Doctor Who format.

9. “Fear Her”: Skip it. The first half is decent enough. The last half… not so much. It takes a turn into unbearably silly territory. You’re better off moving on to stronger episodes of 2005 Doctor Who.

10/11. “Army of Ghosts”/”Doomsday”: Must see. This is where we say goodbye to Rose Tyler. Given that she’s been the emotional heart of Doctor Who for the past two seasons, this two-parter is incredibly important. (It’s also a very strong and impactful finale).

A promotional image shows the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Rose Tyler standing back to back, looking in opposite directions with serious expressions. The background is a brightly lit corridor.

SEASON THREE

0. “The Runaway Bride”: Watch it. Not strictly essential, but it introduces Donna Noble, who will become a future companion. It’s also packed with action and features the Doctor moping over Rose, which some viewers might find cathartic.

1. “Smith and Jones”: Watch it. Meet Martha Jones! She’s the new companion for this season of 2005 Doctor Who. She might take a little while to grow on you, but she’s a valuable addition to the TARDIS crew. This episode is largely focused on introducing her, but there’s also some solid drama.

2. “The Shakespeare Code”: Watch it. If only to see Shakespeare as a “flirty bitch,” as the original article delightfully puts it. It’s a fun historical romp.

3. “Gridlock”: Watch it. A direct sequel to “End of the World” and “New Earth.” It’s a well-paced, intriguing episode with broader implications for the season’s story arc. Plus, it features this memorable scene:

A slightly blurry image shows a close-up of a blue cat-like alien face in the foreground, with the Doctor's face slightly out of focus in the background.

4/5. “Daleks in Manhattan”/”Evolution of the Daleks”: Skip it. Seriously, skip this one. The 1930s setting is somewhat entertaining, but the plot is poorly paced and, frankly, quite dumb. Definitely not essential 2005 Doctor Who viewing.

5. “The Lazarus Experiment”: Watch it. Mark Gatiss guest-stars and is wonderfully entertaining. Important technology is introduced, and the Doctor even “reverses the polarity of the neutron flow” – a classic Doctor Who trope!

6. “42”: Skip it. There’s a minor connection to the season-long storyline, but it’s ultimately disposable and not particularly engaging. Save your time for better episodes of 2005 Doctor Who.

7/8. “Human Nature”/”The Family of Blood”: Watch it. Season 3 has a few weaker episodes, but the strong ones are fantastic. This two-parter is a prime example. While mostly standalone, it presents a brilliant premise: the Doctor transforms himself into a human to hide from enemies and ends up falling in love. It’s beautifully executed.

8. “Blink”: Must see. Widely considered one of the best Doctor Who episodes of the modern era. Carey Mulligan is captivating as a guest star, the villains (the Weeping Angels) are genuinely terrifying, and the episode is incredibly clever. Arguably Steven Moffat’s best Doctor Who script. Absolutely essential viewing for 2005 Doctor Who.

9/10/11. “Utopia”/”The Sound of Drums”/”Last of the Time Lords”: Must see. An unexpected three-part season finale! It packs a season’s worth of drama into three episodes. Some elements are a bit over-the-top, but it’s undeniably epic. And… more Captain Jack!

A promotional image shows DVD covers for Doctor Who seasons 1-4, arranged in a collage.

SEASON FOUR

0. “Voyage of the Damned”: Skip it. The Doctor Who version of The Poseidon Adventure. It’s a decent disaster movie in space, but not essential unless you enjoy seeing the Doctor suffer and/or you’re a Kylie Minogue fan. Okay, there’s a nice scene where the Doctor declares Earth his adopted home, and Kylie’s boots are indeed cute, but still, skippable in the grand scheme of 2005 Doctor Who.

1. “Partners in Crime”: Watch it. Donna Noble is back! The villains are ridiculously cute (in a Doctor Who way). And the episode ends with a very exciting twist that sets up the season.

2. “The Fires of Pompeii”: Skip it. A decent episode with some clever moments, but ultimately inconsequential to the larger story.

3. “Planet of the Ood”: Watch it. Did you like the Ood from “The Impossible Planet”? Then you’ll enjoy this whole episode dedicated to them! It’s surprisingly compelling and delves into their culture and history within the 2005 Doctor Who universe.

4/5. “The Sontaran Stratagem”/”The Poison Sky”: Watch it. The best word to describe this two-parter is “solid.” Good character work, decent action, and it properly introduces UNIT, a significant organization that will become important in future Doctor Who stories.

5. “The Doctor’s Daughter”: Skip it. This episode is… not good. The logic is questionable (“CLONES ARE NOT KIDS”), the ethics are shaky, and the characters often behave out of character. One of the weaker entries in 2005 Doctor Who.

6. “The Unicorn and the Wasp”: Skip it. A fun, lighthearted romp – worth watching if you’re a big Agatha Christie fan. But it’s essentially a standard standalone murder mystery, not crucial to the overall 2005 Doctor Who experience.

7/8. “Silence in the Library”/”Forest of the Dead”: Must see. Initially, it might not seem essential, but a character introduced in this two-parter becomes a key figure in Season Six. Beyond that, it’s another strong Steven Moffat-penned story with genuinely spooky and thought-provoking moments.

8. “Midnight”: Watch it. Technically standalone, but one of the greats. A fantastic bottle episode that gets incredibly dark and unsettling, showcasing the Doctor’s vulnerability in 2005 Doctor Who.

9/10/11. “Turn Left”/”The Stolen Earth”/”Journey’s End”: Must see. First things first: “Turn Left,” an alternate universe story showing how much Earth relies on the Doctor, might be a highlight of the entire series. It leads directly into a massive, epic season finale two-parter. It’s ambitious, sometimes messy, and emotionally devastating in parts. But it’s the closest Doctor Who gets to grand space opera.

A promotional image shows the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) looking serious and slightly distressed against a dark, fiery background.

THE GAP YEAR (A.K.A. “LET’S GET ANOTHER YEAR OUT OF DAVID TENNANT WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT”)

“The Next Doctor”/”Planet of the Dead”/”The Waters of Mars”/”The End of Time”: Skip it. These specials are grand in scale, but the overarching narrative is essentially “The Doctor gets so incredibly emo that he’s either going to regenerate or start a band.” None of the individual adventures are strong enough to overcome this overly melancholic tone.

You might want to watch “The End of Time,” as it has some truly bonkers moments courtesy of John Simm as the Master, and it’s where Tennant regenerates into the Eleventh Doctor. However, a more efficient approach might be to skip to around 52 minutes into “End of Time, Part 2.” That will get you right to the TWENTY-MINUTE “so long, farewell” montage to the Russell T. Davies era of Doctor Who. It’s excessive and a little self-indulgent, but also kind of sweet if you’ve been invested in the show up to this point.

And then, these two guys take over!

A photo of Steven Moffat, Matt Smith, and Benedict Cumberbatch standing together. Moffat and Smith are in focus, while Cumberbatch on the left is slightly out of focus. The caption clarifies that Cumberbatch is not part of Doctor Who.

Opinions vary on how successful Steven Moffat and Matt Smith have been (ranging from “very successful” to “all right”). But while their era of Doctor Who is definitely a different kind of adventure, it’s still fundamentally a show about a brilliant person with a magic time-traveling box. And that’s still pretty wonderful, especially if you’re just beginning your journey with 2005 Doctor Who.

(Image above via Get Out Of There, Cat.)