With the Whoniverse ever-expanding and new adventures on the horizon like The War Between the Land and the Sea, now is the perfect time to dive into the iconic world of Doctor Who. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, figuring out the best way to watch this long-running series and its spin-offs can be a delightful challenge. Almost the entire Whoniverse is available on BBC iPlayer, with a few exceptions like the very first episode and some classic Tom Baker stories, making it easier than ever to embark on this journey.
So, how do you watch Doctor Who In Order? Whether you prefer to follow the release date timeline for the full, interwoven Whoniverse experience, or focus on each Doctor’s era individually, we’ve got you covered. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through space and time!
Exploring the Whoniverse: Watching Doctor Who in Release Date Order
For the ultimate immersive experience, watching Doctor Who and its spin-offs in release date order is highly recommended. This approach allows you to witness the Whoniverse unfold as it was originally presented, capturing the crossover events and narrative threads that weave through the main series and its companions like Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Class, K-9 and Company, and Tales of the TARDIS. While not strictly essential, release order enriches your viewing by revealing the interconnected nature of this vast fictional universe.
Keep in mind that some early Doctor Who episodes are unfortunately lost to time. However, many of these missing stories have been lovingly revived through animation, ensuring that you can still experience these classic adventures. Notably, the very first Doctor Who story, “An Unearthly Child,” was initially unavailable on BBC iPlayer due to rights issues, though it can be found on other platforms.
Here’s your guide to watching the Whoniverse in release order:
- Doctor Who season 1 (1963)
- Doctor Who season 2 (1964)
- Doctor Who season 3 (1965)
- Doctor Who season 4 (1966)
- Doctor Who season 5 (1967)
- Doctor Who season 6 (1968)
- Doctor Who season 7 (1970)
- Doctor Who season 8 (1971)
- Doctor Who season 9 (1972)
- Doctor Who season 10 (1972)
- Doctor Who season 11 (1973)
- Doctor Who season 12 (1974)
- Doctor Who season 13 (1975)
- Doctor Who season 14 (1976)
- Doctor Who season 15 (1977)
- Doctor Who season 16 (1978)
- Doctor Who season 17 (1979)
- Doctor Who season 18 (1980)
- K-9 and Company (1981)
- Doctor Who season 19 (1982)
- Doctor Who season 20 (1983)
- The Five Doctors (1983)
- Doctor Who season 21 (1984)
- Doctor Who season 22 (1985)
- Doctor Who season 23 (1986)
- Doctor Who season 24 (1987)
- Doctor Who season 25 (1988)
- Doctor Who season 26 (1989)
Doctor Who took a hiatus in 1989, returning in 1996 with a TV movie that bridged the gap to the revived series.
- Doctor Who TV movie (1996)
Paul McGann as the Doctor holding a candle in front of the TARDIS
Paul McGann’s portrayal of the Doctor in the 1996 TV movie offered a glimpse into the Time Lord’s future. BBC
The modern era of Doctor Who began in 2005, spearheaded by Russell T Davies, bringing with it a host of new spin-offs and beloved Christmas and New Year specials, alongside anniversary celebrations.
- Doctor Who season 1 (2005)
- Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 2 (2006)
- Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride (2006 Christmas special)
- Torchwood season 1 (2006)
- Doctor Who season 3 (2006 to 2007)
- Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned (2007 Christmas special)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1 (2007)
- Torchwood season 2 (2008)
- Doctor Who season 4 (2008)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2 (2008)
- Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009 Spring special)
- Torchwood season 3: Children of Earth (2009)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3 (2009)
- Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009 Autumn special)
- Doctor Who: The End of Time Part 1 and Part 2 (2009 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 5 (2010)
- Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas special)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4 (2010)
- Doctor Who season 6 (2011)
- Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011 Christmas special)
- Torchwood season 4: Miracle Day (2011)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5 (2011)
- Doctor Who season 7 part 1 (2012)
- Doctor Who: The Snowmen (2012 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 7 part 2 (2013)
- Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor (2013 mini-episode)
- Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013 – 50th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 8 (2014)
- Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 9 (2015)
- Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas special)
- Class (2016)
- Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 10 (2017)
- Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 11 (2018)
- Doctor Who: Resolution (2019 New Year special)
- Doctor Who season 12 (2020)
- Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021 New Year special)
- Doctor Who season 13: Flux (2021)
- Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (2022 New Year special)
- Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (2022 Spring special)
- Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022 Autumn special)
- Tales of the TARDIS (2023)
- Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 14 (coming in May 2024)
- Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special (coming in December 2024)
- Doctor Who season 15 (coming in May 2025)
- The War Between the Land and the Sea (release date TBC)
For a deeper dive into the origins of the series, consider watching An Adventure in Space and Time, a docudrama that beautifully portrays the creation of Doctor Who. Originally released for the 50th anniversary in 2013 and updated for the 60th, it’s a fascinating companion piece.
Watching Doctor Who by Doctor: A Time Lord-Centric Journey
If the extensive release order feels daunting, another fantastic approach is to watch Doctor Who by focusing on each incarnation of the Doctor. This method allows you to appreciate the unique interpretations each actor brought to the role and witness the evolution of the character and the series through different eras.
William Hartnell – The First Doctor (1963-1966): The Beginning of a Legend
William Hartnell during rehearsals for Doctor Who wearing a monocle and a suit
William Hartnell embodying the First Doctor during rehearsals, a stern yet grandfatherly figure who started it all. Sunday Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images
William Hartnell inaugurated the Doctor as a somewhat irascible yet ultimately benevolent grandfatherly figure. His era laid the foundation, introducing iconic elements like the TARDIS and the Daleks.
- Doctor Who season 1 (1963)
- Doctor Who season 2 (1964)
- Doctor Who season 3 (1965)
Patrick Troughton – The Second Doctor (1966-1969): The Cosmic Hobo
The Doctor (Patrick Troughton), Polly (Anneke Wills), Ben (Michael Craze), Jamie (Frazer Hines) gathered in the TARDISS looking upwards
Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor, often referred to as the “Cosmic Hobo”, with companions in the TARDIS. BBC
Patrick Troughton’s Doctor brought a playful, mischievous energy to the role. His era expanded the mythology and embraced a more science-fiction oriented approach.
- Doctor Who season 4 (1966)
- Doctor Who season 5 (1967)
- Doctor Who season 6 (1968)
Jon Pertwee – The Third Doctor (1970-1974): Action Hero in Exile
The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) shows Jo Grant (Katy Manning) the TARDIS dematerialisation circuit in his UNIT laboratory
Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, an action-oriented, scientific adventurer, often working with UNIT. Radio Times/Don Smith
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor was a dapper action hero, exiled to Earth and working with UNIT. This era introduced colour to Doctor Who and featured grounded, action-packed adventures.
- Doctor Who season 7 (1970)
- Doctor Who season 8 (1971)
- Doctor Who season 9 (1972)
- Doctor Who season 10 (1972)
- Doctor Who season 11 (1973)
Tom Baker – The Fourth Doctor (1974-1981): The Bohemian Adventurer
Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who staring into camera
Tom Baker, the iconic Fourth Doctor, known for his bohemian style and adventurous spirit. BBC One
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is arguably the most iconic, known for his bohemian style, wit, and adventurous spirit. His long tenure is filled with classic stories and memorable companions.
- Doctor Who season 12 (1974)
- Doctor Who season 13 (1975)
- Doctor Who season 14 (1977)
- Doctor Who season 15 (1977)
- Doctor Who season 16 (1978)
- Doctor Who season 17 (1979)
- Doctor Who season 18 (1980)
Peter Davison – The Fifth Doctor (1982-1984): The Boyish Hero
Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor throwing a cricket ball in the air in front of the TARDIS
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor, often seen as more vulnerable and boyish, yet heroic. Avalon/Getty Images
Peter Davison portrayed a more vulnerable and boyish Doctor, emphasizing intellect and diplomacy, while still facing formidable foes.
- Doctor Who season 19 (1982)
- Doctor Who season 20 (1983)
- The Five Doctors (1983)
- Doctor Who season 21 (1984)
Colin Baker – The Sixth Doctor (1984-1986): The Colourful and Bombastic One
Colin Baker wearing a colourful suit with his hand outstretched
Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor, known for his flamboyant personality and colourful attire.
Colin Baker’s Doctor was known for his bombastic personality and flamboyant attire, often portrayed as arrogant yet possessing a strong moral compass.
- Doctor Who season 22 (1985)
- Doctor Who season 23 (1986)
Sylvester McCoy – The Seventh Doctor (1987-1989): The Schemer
Doctor Who – Sylvester McCoy wearing a grey suit and beige hat, holding a staff
Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor, a master schemer with a darker, manipulative side. BBC
Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor evolved from a comedic figure to a manipulative schemer, often playing a long game against his adversaries.
- Doctor Who season 24 (1987)
- Doctor Who season 25 (1988)
- Doctor Who season 26 (1989)
Paul McGann – The Eighth Doctor (1996): Romantic and Tragic
Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor in Doctor Who standing in the doorway of the TARDIS
Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor, a romantic and tragic figure who only appeared in the TV movie but expanded in audio dramas. BBC
Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor, despite only appearing in the TV movie, is considered a romantic and tragic figure, with his era richly expanded in audio dramas and novels.
- Doctor Who TV movie (1996)
Christopher Eccleston – The Ninth Doctor (2005): The War-Torn Warrior
Christopher Eccleston wearing a leather jacket, arms folded, in front of the TARDIS
Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor, a war-torn and emotionally scarred Time Lord starting a new era. BBC
Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was a war-torn survivor, emotionally scarred by the Time War, marking a fresh and contemporary start for the series.
- Doctor Who season 1 (2005)
David Tennant – The Tenth Doctor (2005-2010): Charismatic and Heartbreaking
David Tennant standing in front of the TARDIS looking concerned
David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, beloved for his charisma, wit, and ultimately heartbreaking stories. BBC
David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor is immensely popular, known for his charm, wit, and emotional depth, making his departure one of the most heart-wrenching.
- Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 2 (2006)
- Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride (2006 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 3 (2006 to 2007)
- Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned (2007 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 4 (2008 to 2010)
- Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009 Spring special)
- Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009 Autumn special)
- Doctor Who: The End of Time Part 1 and Part 2 (2010 Christmas special)
Matt Smith – The Eleventh Doctor (2010-2013): The Quirky and Ancient Child
Matt Smith in Doctor Who as The Doctor, standing in front of the TARDIS.
Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor, portraying an old soul in a young body, with quirky and energetic adventures. BBC
Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor was the “Raggedy Doctor,” portraying an old soul in a young body, bringing a quirky, energetic, and often childlike wonder to his adventures.
- Doctor Who season 5 (2010)
- Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 6 (2011)
- Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 7 part 1 (2012)
- Doctor Who: The Snowmen (2012 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 7 part 2 (2013)
- Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor (2013 mini-episode)
- Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013 – 50th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas special)
Peter Capaldi – The Twelfth Doctor (2014-2017): Intense and Rebellious
Peter Capaldi wearing a tattered suit
Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, an intense and rebellious incarnation grappling with his identity.
Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor was intense, rebellious, and at times abrasive, grappling with questions of identity and morality, offering a more mature and complex portrayal.
- Doctor Who season 8 (2014)
- Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 9 (2015)
- Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 10 (2017)
- Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017 Christmas special)
Jodie Whittaker – The Thirteenth Doctor (2018-2022): Compassionate and Inclusive
Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor in Doctor Who wearing a purple jumper and blue-grey jacket, with a man and the TARDIS blurred in the background
Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, bringing compassion and inclusivity to the role. BBC Studios/James Pardon
Jodie Whittaker made history as the first female Doctor, bringing a compassionate, inclusive, and optimistic energy to the role, emphasizing teamwork and understanding.
- Doctor Who season 11 (2018)
- Doctor Who: Resolution (2019 New Year special)
- Doctor Who season 12 (2020)
- Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021 New Year special)
- Doctor Who season 13: Flux (2021)
- Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (2022 New Year special)
- Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (2022 Spring special)
- Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022 Autumn special)
David Tennant – The Fourteenth Doctor (2023): A Familiar Face Returns
The Doctor (David Tennant) in Doctor Who standing in the TARDIS using the control panel
David Tennant’s surprise return as the Fourteenth Doctor, a nostalgic twist for the 60th anniversary. BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon
David Tennant made a surprising return as the Fourteenth Doctor for the 60th anniversary, a nostalgic twist that bridged the gap to the newest era.
- Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
- Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
Ncuti Gatwa – The Fifteenth Doctor (2023-Present): The Dawn of a New Era
Ncuti Gatwa in Doctor Who – he is wearing a brown leather jacket and a turquoise shirt, he is smiling and clicking his fingers and is stood inside the TARDIS
Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, ushering in a fresh and exciting chapter for Doctor Who. BBC
Ncuti Gatwa is the current Fifteenth Doctor, bringing a vibrant, charismatic, and energetic presence, promising a thrilling new chapter for Doctor Who.
- Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas special)
- Doctor Who season 14 (2024)
- Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special (December 2024)
- Doctor Who season 15 (coming in 2025)
Exploring Spin-offs: Expanding the Whoniverse
Don’t forget the captivating spin-offs that enrich the Doctor Who universe:
Torchwood (2006-2011): Darker and More Mature Adventures
Torchwood characters stood together looking into camera
The Torchwood team, delving into darker and more mature themes within the Whoniverse. BBC
Torchwood offers a darker, more adult perspective on the Whoniverse, focusing on a team investigating alien threats in Cardiff.
- Torchwood season 1 (2006)
- Torchwood season 2 (2008)
- Torchwood season 3: Children of Earth (2009)
- Torchwood season 4: Miracle Day (2011)
The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007-2011): Adventures for Younger Audiences
The cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures gathered together looking past camera
The cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures, bringing Doctor Who excitement to a younger audience. BBC
The Sarah Jane Adventures brings the wonder of Doctor Who to a younger audience, following former companion Sarah Jane Smith on her own alien-fighting escapades.
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1 (2007)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2 (2008)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3 (2009)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4 (2010)
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5 (2011)
Tales of the TARDIS (2023): Revisiting Classic Adventures
Jamie (Frazer Hines) and Zoe (Wendy Padbury) in Tales of the Tardis holding hands inside the TARDIS
Jamie and Zoe returning in Tales of the TARDIS, revisiting classic Doctor Who stories. Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios
Tales of the TARDIS offers nostalgic revisits to classic Doctor Who stories, featuring returning companions reflecting on their past adventures.
- Earthshock
- The Mind Robber
- Vengeance on Varos
- The Three Doctors
- The Time Meddler
- The Curse of Fenric
Whether you choose to watch Doctor Who in release order or by Doctor, you’re in for a treat. With decades of stories to explore, the Whoniverse offers endless entertainment. Start your Doctor Who adventure today and discover why this series has captivated audiences for generations!
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