Doctor Who Series List: A Beginner’s Guide to New Who (2005-Present)

Doctor Who Series List: A Beginner’s Guide to New Who (2005-Present)

[Updated through Series 13]

Navigating the Whoniverse can be daunting. With nearly six decades of history, knowing where to start with Doctor Who can feel like a bigger challenge than facing the Daleks! If you’re keen to jump into this incredible series, you’re in the right place. This guide focuses on “New Who,” the revived series that began in 2005, making it the perfect entry point for modern audiences. Forget wading through classic episodes for now; we’re diving straight into the action of the 21st-century Time Lord.

For those curious about the classic era, a separate guide to the original Doctor Who series is available. And if you’re wondering why Doctor Who holds such a special place in television history, and why many consider it the greatest show ever, you can explore a deeper reflection on its enduring appeal.

Looking for a quick taste before committing? Standalone episodes like Blink (Series 3) – famously Doctor-lite and terrifying – and Midnight (Series 4) – a chilling companion-lite story – are excellent starting points. For something festive, A Christmas Carol featuring Matt Smith is a splendid choice. And for a taste of Peter Capaldi’s era, Mummy on the Orient Express from Series 8 is a solid, thrilling adventure.

Entry Points: Where to Begin Your Doctor Who Journey

Want to dive straight into the overarching story? These episodes are designed as ideal starting points, requiring no prior Doctor Who knowledge:

Series 1, Episode 1: Rose (The Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston)

This is ground zero for New Who and a fantastic introduction to the Doctor, his companion Rose Tyler, and the very essence of the show. While showing its 2005 origins, it remains a strong and essential start.

Series 2, Episode 1: The Christmas Invasion (The Tenth Doctor: David Tennant)

While technically the Christmas special preceding Series 2 is essential for introducing the Tenth Doctor, “New Earth” is a more standalone adventure at the beginning of the series itself. However, for a true series 2 entry, start with the Christmas Special to witness the regeneration and then move to episode 2.

Series 5, Episode 1: The Eleventh Hour (The Eleventh Doctor: Matt Smith)

Steven Moffat took the reins in Series 5, delivering a soft reboot with a fresh Doctor and companion. The Eleventh Hour is a brilliant, fast-paced episode that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Doctor Who for a new generation. (Note: For optimal viewing later, it’s recommended to watch Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead from Series 4 before encountering The Time of Angels in Series 5).

Series 10, Episode 1: The Pilot (The Twelfth Doctor: Peter Capaldi)

Series 10 serves as another excellent jumping-on point, re-introducing the show with stunning visuals and Peter Capaldi’s distinct Doctor. While the season itself is considered by some to be uneven, The Pilot is a strong standalone start.

Series 11, Episode 1: The Woman Who Fell to Earth (The Thirteenth Doctor: Jodie Whittaker)

For those wanting to start closest to the present day, Series 11 introduces Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. It’s a fresh start, though this era is often considered less favored by fans compared to others.

Choosing your entry point depends on your preferences. Starting with Series 1 provides a chronological journey, while Series 5 offers a more modern and arguably more consistently acclaimed beginning. Series 10 and 11 are also valid options, each offering a unique flavor of Doctor Who. Once you’ve chosen your starting point and watched an introductory episode, you’ll grasp the core premise and can then utilize the comprehensive skip/watch list below to guide your binge-watching experience.

Choosing Your Doctor Who Starting Point: Series Breakdown

Let’s delve deeper into each era to help you decide where to begin your Doctor Who adventure:

Series 1 (2005): The Russell T. Davies Era Begins

Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose Tyler marked the triumphant return of Doctor Who. Eccleston’s portrayal is intense and charismatic, while Piper’s Rose provides a relatable human perspective.

Series 1-4, spearheaded by writer Russell T. Davies, introduce Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant as the Doctor. These seasons are a blend of highs and lows, sometimes showing their age, but they contain some of the most iconic and emotionally resonant moments in Doctor Who history. While you could technically start with Series 2, 3, or 4 (Tennant’s era), beginning with Series 1, Episode 1, “Rose,” is highly recommended to establish the foundational storyline.

Series 5 (2010): Steven Moffat’s Modern Take

Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor brought youthful energy and quirky charm to the role, alongside Karen Gillan as Amy Pond.

When Steven Moffat (known for Sherlock) took over as showrunner for Series 5, Doctor Who underwent a stylistic and narrative refresh. Starting with Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor and introducing a new companion, Amy Pond, Series 5 is designed as a fresh start. While generally more consistently praised than the earlier Davies era, starting here means missing out on the beloved Ninth and Tenth Doctors. For context, after “The Eleventh Hour,” consider watching the Series 4 two-parter Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead, but otherwise, Series 5 is a self-contained entry point.

Series 10 (2017): A Welcoming Return for Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor, in his final season, is introduced alongside Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts in Series 10.

Series 10, Peter Capaldi’s last season, is crafted to be accessible to newcomers. It boasts high production values and introduces Bill Potts as a fresh companion, seeing the universe through her eyes. While not considered the strongest season overall, if you’re drawn to Capaldi’s Doctor, Series 10 provides a gentle introduction.

Series 11 (2018): Jodie Whittaker’s Era Begins

Jodie Whittaker made history as the Thirteenth Doctor, ushering in a new era with companions Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill.

Series 11 marks another significant reboot, introducing Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. If you want to start with the most recent Doctor prior to the current era, this is your entry point. However, be aware that Series 11 and subsequent Whittaker seasons have a more divided fan reception. Starting elsewhere is generally recommended for the strongest initial Doctor Who experience.

The Ultimate Doctor Who Skip/Watch Episode Guide

Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating New Who, episode by episode. Use this list after choosing your entry point to maximize your enjoyment and minimize filler.

Key:

  • Essential – Crucial for plot and character development.
  • Watch – Highly recommended, excellent episodes, enriching the experience.
  • Maybe – Optional, enjoyable but not vital, watch if time permits.
  • Skip – Skippable, low quality or irrelevant to the overarching story.
  • 🌟 – Special episode, often bundled separately.
  • 🎅🌟 – Christmas special episode, also often bundled separately.

Series 1 – Christopher Eccleston (2005)

Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor, a charismatic and complex Time Lord, in the revived Doctor Who Series 1.

  • Rose – Essential – The episode that started it all! Introduces the Doctor, Rose, and the fundamental concepts of the show. Dated but foundational.
  • The End of the World – Watch – Rose’s first off-world adventure, featuring intriguing aliens and exploring themes of time and fate. The Earth-observing scene is iconic.
  • The Unquiet Dead – Maybe – A fun historical with Charles Dickens, not essential but enjoyable for its supernatural elements and Simon Callow’s performance.
  • Aliens of London / World War Three – Skip – Introduces Harriet Jones and has some Jackie and Mickey moments, but suffers from weak villains (the Slitheen). Read summaries for context.
  • Dalek – Essential – Reintroduces the iconic Daleks and delves into the Doctor’s Time War trauma. Based on the audio drama Jubilee.
  • The Long Game – Maybe – Interesting world-building and a Simon Pegg guest appearance. Enjoyable but not crucial.
  • Father’s Day – Watch – A deeply emotional and heart-wrenching story centered on Rose and her family.
  • The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances – Watch – Steven Moffat’s debut episodes are creepy, funny, and introduce Captain Jack Harkness. Highly recommended and nearly essential.
  • Boom Town – Skip – Some Jack and Mickey moments, but also the return of the Slitheen.
  • Bad Wolf / The Parting of the Ways – Essential – The Series 1 finale, emotional and pivotal for Rose’s arc.

Series 2 – David Tennant (2006)

David Tennant as the energetic and beloved Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who Series 2.

  • 🎅🌟The Christmas Invasion – Essential – Introduces David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor and the concept of regeneration as Rose adjusts to a new Doctor.
  • New Earth – Maybe – Return of the Face of Boe, some humor, but somewhat cheesy.
  • Tooth and Claw – Skip – Explains Torchwood’s origin, but many find it too silly.
  • School Reunion – Watch – Features classic companion Sarah Jane Smith, important for later New Who developments. Consider watching The Time Warrior or Pyramids of Mars for classic Sarah Jane.

    Rose Tyler and the Tenth Doctor share a moment in “School Reunion,” Doctor Who Series 2, highlighting the return of Sarah Jane Smith.
  • The Girl in the Fireplace – Watch – A beautiful and popular episode with a great premise and villains, often appearing on “best of” lists. Another Moffat episode.
  • The Rise of the Cybermen / The Age of Steel – Essential – Reintroduces the Cybermen with a new design and explores anti-transhumanism themes. Important for seasonal plot.
  • The Idiot’s Lantern – Skip – Clunky and forgettable, Tennant overacting.
  • The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit – Watch – Examines the Doctor’s character and faith, a strong episode despite not being essential to the overall plot.
  • Love & Monsters – Skip – Good first two-thirds, but a weak ending and minimal Doctor/Rose screen time.
  • Fear Her – Skip – Widely considered one of the worst New Who episodes.
  • Army of Ghosts / Doomsday – Essential – Rose Tyler’s departure, a major emotional event and season finale.

Series 3 – David Tennant (2007)

The Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones in Doctor Who Series 3, a season with strong standalone episodes.

  • 🎅🌟The Runaway Bride – Watch – Introduces Donna Noble, who becomes a full-time companion in Series 4. Also shows Ten dealing with the Series 2 finale.
  • Smith and Jones – Essential – Introduces Martha Jones as the new companion. A decent introduction episode.
  • The Shakespeare Code – Maybe – William Shakespeare’s flirtatious nature makes this episode amusing.
  • Gridlock – Maybe – Return of the Face of Boe and the Doctor discusses Gallifrey. Watch the Gallifrey scene if skipping the episode.
  • Daleks in Manhattan / Evolution of the Daleks – Skip – Pig men and Daleks are a poor combination. Andrew Garfield cameo is a minor highlight.

    The Tenth Doctor faces the Daleks in 1930s New York in “Daleks in Manhattan,” Doctor Who Series 3.
  • The Lazarus Experiment – Skip – Nothing significant, though Mark Gatiss appears.
  • 42 – Skip – Generic and unremarkable.
  • Human Nature / The Family of Blood – Watch – A standout two-parter showcasing David Tennant’s acting and introducing a concept relevant to the finale.
  • Blink – Watch – Widely hailed as a perfect Doctor Who episode, a masterclass in sci-fi storytelling, featuring the Weeping Angels.
  • Utopia / The Sound of Drums / Last of the Time Lords – Essential – Plot-essential trilogy, but the finale (Last of the Time Lords) is considered weak. Wiki summary recommended for the finale. For a better encounter with the Master, consider classic episodes like Terror of the Autons or The Daemons.

Series 4 – David Tennant (2008)

The Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble, a dynamic duo, in Doctor Who Series 4, a season of consistent quality.

  • 🎅🌟Voyage of the Damned – Skip – Okay but inessential Christmas special, with cheesy scenes. Introduces a character who becomes an important companion in the Davies era (watch the intro scene online).
  • Partners in Crime – Essential – Donna Noble returns as a full-time companion! Corny villain but the chemistry between Tennant and Catherine Tate is fantastic.
  • The Fires of Pompeii – Watch – Solid historical episode introducing the concept of fixed points in time, and featuring cameos from actors who later play major roles. Ties into a Series 9 plot point.
  • Planet of the Ood – Watch – Connects to Tennant’s final episode, explores the Ood, and features a memorable song. Not essential but strong.
  • The Sontaran Stratagem / The Poison Sky – Maybe – Return of the Sontarans and UNIT. Decent but not essential. For better Sontarans, see The Time Warrior (Classic Who).

    The Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble face the Sontarans in “The Sontaran Stratagem,” Doctor Who Series 4.
  • The Doctor’s Daughter – Skip – Misleading title, underrated but not essential. Reveals something about the Doctor’s past (watch the scene online).
  • The Unicorn and the Wasp – Skip – Agatha Christie murder mystery theme. Fun but not special.
  • Silence in the Library / Forest of the Dead – Essential – Stellar two-parter introducing River Song, crucial for understanding Series 6.
  • Midnight – Watch – Creepy and intense, a horror-lite episode. For similar Classic Who horror, try The Caves of Androzani.
  • Turn Left – Essential – Doctor-lite episode but vital for setup and a strong Donna showcase.
  • The Stolen Earth / Journey’s End – Essential – Concludes major arcs from the Russell T. Davies era, a grand and epic finale.

Specials “Series 4.5” – David Tennant (2008-2010)

The Tenth Doctor in “The Waters of Mars,” one of the Series 4 specials, exploring a darker side of the Doctor.

  • 🌟The Next Doctor – Watch – Fun and entertaining, though not essential. David Morrissey is excellent.
  • 🌟Planet of the Dead – Skip – Forgettable. A prophecy near the end is important for The End of Time (watch the clip online).
  • 🌟The Waters of Mars – Watch – Important for understanding the Doctor’s emotional state leading into his regeneration. A tense and scary episode.
  • 🎅🌟The End of Time Part 1 and 2 – Essential – David Tennant’s regeneration story, a bit messy but emotionally resonant, particularly Bernard Cribbins’ performance.

Series 5 – Matt Smith (2010)

Matt Smith’s energetic and quirky Eleventh Doctor makes a memorable entrance in Doctor Who Series 5.

  • The Eleventh Hour – Essential – A fantastic introductory episode for Matt Smith’s Doctor and the new era. Visually stunning and fast-paced.
  • The Beast Below – Maybe – Sweet story showcasing the new budget and Doctor/Amy dynamic.
  • Victory of the Daleks – Skip – Weak Dalek reboot episode with Winston Churchill. Matt Smith still finding his footing.
  • The Time of Angels / Flesh and Stone – Essential – Brilliant two-parter, return of River Song, introduces key season arc concepts.
  • The Vampires of Venice – Watch – Introduces Rory and has important character development, but skippable in terms of plot.

    The Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond investigate “The Vampires of Venice,” Doctor Who Series 5.
  • Amy’s Choice – Watch – Significant character development and a strong episode overall.
  • The Hungry Earth / Cold Blood – Maybe – Decent two-parter, but watch the last five minutes of Cold Blood online if skipping.
  • Vincent and the Doctor – Watch – Moving and poetic episode about depression, featuring Vincent van Gogh.
  • The Lodger – Watch – Funny standalone episode with James Corden. Ties into a later episode.
  • The Pandorica Opens / The Big Bang – Essential – Crazy and twisty Moffat finale, answers some questions and sets up future storylines.

Series 6 – Matt Smith (2011)

The Eleventh Doctor in Series 6, a mythology-heavy season focused on River Song and Amy Pond’s storylines.

  • 🎅🌟A Christmas Carol – Watch – Delightful standalone Christmas episode, highly recommended.
  • The Impossible Astronaut / Day of the Moon – Essential – Two-part opener, sets up the season’s mysteries. Set in the USA.
  • The Curse of the Black Spot – Skip – Pirates, mediocre story, Hugh Bonneville guest stars.
  • The Doctor’s Wife – Watch – Neil Gaiman-penned episode, a fan favorite and potentially top 5 episode.
  • The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People – Essential – Technically only the ending is crucial, but the story is decent and makes the ending revelation clearer.
  • A Good Man Goes to War – Essential – Mid-season finale, reveals River Song’s identity.

    River Song and the Eleventh Doctor in “A Good Man Goes to War,” a pivotal episode of Doctor Who Series 6.
  • Let’s Kill Hitler – Essential – Don’t take it too seriously, important for River Song’s storyline.
  • Night Terrors – Skip – Basic but well-constructed, inessential.
  • The Girl Who Waited – Watch – Amy and Rory-centric episode, emotionally impactful.
  • The God Complex – Maybe – Character development, last five minutes somewhat important (watch online if skipping).
  • Closing Time – Watch – Hilarious and sets up the finale. Requires watching The Lodger first. James Corden returns.
  • The Wedding of River Song – Essential – Season finale, complex and twisty as expected from Moffat.

Series 7 Part 1 – Matt Smith (2012)

The Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory in Series 7 Part 1, leading up to Amy and Rory’s departure.

  • 🎅🌟The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe – Watch – Lovely Christmas episode, recommended but not essential.
  • Asylum of the Daleks – Essential – Plot and character introductions are important, despite some issues with the episode itself.
  • Dinosaurs on a Spaceship – Watch – Introduces Brian (Rory’s dad) and is generally fun, though not plot-critical.
  • A Town Called Mercy – Maybe – Solid western-themed episode, no major seasonal impact.
  • The Power of Three – Skip – Meh, skippable despite Brian’s return.
  • The Angels Take Manhattan – Essential – Amy and Rory’s exit episode, emotionally significant.

Series 7 Part 2 – Matt Smith (2013)

The Eleventh Doctor and Clara Oswald in Series 7 Part 2, introducing the mystery of the “impossible girl.”

  • 🎅🌟The Snowmen – Essential – Introduces Clara Oswald and brings back a Classic Who villain (the Great Intelligence). Connects to The Web of Fear (Classic Who).
  • The Bells of Saint John – Essential – Proper introduction of Clara as the companion, a strong episode.
  • The Rings of Akhaten – Maybe – Divisive, but some find it enjoyable. Matt Smith’s acting is a highlight.
  • Cold War – Skip – Generic ice-trapped alien story, nothing special.
  • Hide – Watch – Fun and scary ghost story, good but not essential.
  • Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS – Skip – Pointless overall, but read the summary as one plot point is finale-relevant.
  • The Crimson Horror – Skip – Melodramatic and poorly written.
  • Nightmare in Silver – Maybe – Neil Gaiman’s second episode, overstuffed but decent.
  • The Name of the Doctor – Essential – Clara’s “impossible girl” arc concludes, sets up the 50th anniversary special and Trenzalore.

50th Anniversary Specials (2013)

The War Doctor, the Tenth Doctor, and the Eleventh Doctor unite in “The Day of the Doctor,” the 50th Anniversary Special.

  • Minisode: The Night of the Doctor – Essential – Transition from Eighth Doctor to War Doctor (watch online). Consider listening to Eighth Doctor audio dramas (e.g., The Chimes of Midnight) for context.
  • 🌟The Day of the Doctor – Essential – The 50th Anniversary special, a must-watch for any Doctor Who fan, important for the ongoing storyline.
  • 🎅🌟The Time of the Doctor – Essential – Matt Smith’s regeneration episode, concluding his era.

Series 8 – Peter Capaldi (2014)

Peter Capaldi’s intense and complex Twelfth Doctor in his first season, Doctor Who Series 8.

  • Deep Breath – Essential – Peter Capaldi’s introduction as the Twelfth Doctor. Solid but not the best intro.
  • Into the Dalek – Maybe – Half-baked, but introduces a recurring character (watch the intro scene online). Ties into Capaldi’s regeneration episode surprisingly.
  • Robot of Sherwood – Watch – Cheesy but fun Robin Hood episode, showcases Capaldi’s humor. Divisive but enjoyable for many.
  • Listen – Watch – Scary and clever episode focusing on the recurring character from Into the Dalek. Great Clara scenes.
  • Time Heist – Skip – Middling bank robbery episode.
  • The Caretaker – Watch – Character development focused, likely essential for Clara and the Doctor’s relationship.

    The Twelfth Doctor and Clara in “The Caretaker,” exploring their complex relationship in Doctor Who Series 8.
  • Kill the Moon – Skip – Pro-life themes and cheesy sci-fi elements make it skippable despite character drama.
  • Mummy on the Orient Express – Watch – Excellent murder mystery on a train. Know that Clara and the Doctor had a fight prior (watch the scene online).
  • Flatline – Watch – Clara-centric episode, funny and scary, really good.
  • In the Forest of the Night – Skip – Weak episode, Danny and Clara reveal a secret, but nothing major happens.
  • Dark Water / Death in Heaven – Essential – Missy’s plan revealed, the Doctor’s identity is explored, season finale setup.

Series 9 – Peter Capaldi (2015)

The Twelfth Doctor and Clara in Series 9, a season with a stronger overarching narrative.

  • 🎅🌟Last Christmas – Watch – Fun Christmas/Alien adventure, reverses lies from the previous finale. Skippable if needed.
  • The Magician’s Apprentice / The Witch’s Familiar – Essential – Sets up the season arc, consider watching Genesis of the Daleks (Classic Who) for context and the clip online.
  • Under the Lake / Before the Flood – Maybe – Fun and intense, but not crucial to the season.
  • The Girl Who Died / The Woman Who Lived – Essential – Watch The Fires of Pompeii (Series 4) before The Girl Who Died.

    The Twelfth Doctor and Clara face the Zygons in “The Zygon Inversion,” Doctor Who Series 9, featuring a powerful speech by Capaldi.
  • The Zygon Invasion / The Zygon Inversion – Watch – First episode slow, but the second half picks up significantly. Peter Capaldi’s performance is worth it.
  • Sleep No More – Skip – Widely disliked and forgettable.
  • Face the Raven – Essential – Crucial for understanding the following two episodes, Clara’s departure.
  • Heaven Sent / Hell Bent – Essential – Heaven Sent is a unique puzzle-box episode, leading into the series finale Hell Bent.
  • 🎅🌟The Husbands of River Song – Watch – Lightweight but enjoyable River Song episode, closes her storyline in a bittersweet way.

Series 10 – Peter Capaldi (2017)

The Twelfth Doctor and Bill Potts in Series 10, a soft reboot season introducing a fresh companion.

  • 🎅🌟The Return of Doctor Mysterio – Maybe – Slight but fun Christmas special. Introduces Nardole more palatably.
  • The Pilot – Essential – Introduces Bill Potts as the new companion, a warm and naive perspective that revitalizes the show.
  • Smile – Maybe – Decent but half-baked, explores Doctor and Bill’s dynamic.
  • Thin Ice – Watch – Great episode, Bill confronts the darker aspects of the Doctor’s past. Features a powerful speech.
  • Knock Knock – Maybe – Good haunted house mystery, inessential but enjoyable. David Suchet guest stars.
  • Oxygen – Essential – Scary and preachy, sets up a three-episode arc (skippable if you’re okay with skipping that arc).

    The Twelfth Doctor and Bill Potts in “Oxygen,” a tense episode from Doctor Who Series 10.
  • Extremis – Essential – Begins the Monk trilogy and reveals vault contents, introducing a key phrase for the finale.
  • The Pyramid at the End of the World / The Lie of the Land – Maybe – Monk trilogy is ultimately inconsequential, skippable.
  • Empress of Mars – Skip – Traditional Mark Gatiss episode, throwback to The Curse of Peladon (Third Doctor). Watch the clip online about Nardole piloting the TARDIS.
  • The Eaters of Light – Maybe – Enjoyable historical episode, Vault-related character development. Watch the clip online if skipping.
  • World Enough and Time / The Doctor Falls – Essential – Capaldi’s finest work, should have been his regeneration story.
  • 🎅Twice Upon a Time – Watch – Essential-ish, regeneration scene is necessary. Rest is Steven Moffat treading water.

Series 11 – Jodie Whittaker (2018)

Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, bringing a friendlier tone to Doctor Who Series 11.

  • The Woman Who Fell to Earth – Essential – Introduces the Thirteenth Doctor and her companions. Not great but necessary.
  • The Ghost Monument – Essential – First adventure, key scene delayed from episode one.
  • Rosa – Maybe – Historical episode about Rosa Parks, well-liked but not essential to plot.
  • Arachnids in the UK – Skip – Gang returns home, nothing notable happens.
  • The Tsuranga Conundrum – Skip – Weak and forgettable.
  • Demons of the Punjab – Watch – Stronger character-driven episode, quite touching.
  • Kerblam! – Skip – Meh, factory evil plan episode.
  • The Witchfinders – Maybe – Some good moments for Thirteen, Alan Cummings guest stars.
  • It Takes You Away – Watch – Best episode of the season, by far.
  • The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos – Skip – Nothing important happens, skippable finale.
  • 🌟Resolution – Watch – Return of the Daleks, fun episode.

Series 12 – Jodie Whittaker (2020)

The Thirteenth Doctor in Series 12, a season that dramatically changes the Doctor Who premise.

  • Spyfall Part 1 and 2 – Essential – Bond-esque opener, introduces a significant new antagonist.
  • Orphan 55 – Skip – Dull and rambling.
  • Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror – Maybe – Period costumes and guest stars, but lacks a strong central idea.
  • Fugitive of the Judoon – Essential – Introduces major new mythology elements and a shocking twist.
  • Praxeus – Skip – Generic and forgettable.
  • Can You Hear Me? – Watch – Two-thirds great, rushed ending, but overall strange and batty in a good way. Consider Enlightenment (Fifth Doctor) for similar Classic Who vibes.
  • The Haunting of Villa Diodati – Watch – Spooky, gothic, and edgy, a season highlight for many.
  • Ascension of the Cybermen / The Timeless Child – Essential – Finale reveals Chibnall’s big twist, essential depending on future seasons’ handling of it.
  • 🌟Revolution of the Daleks – Skip – Depends on your interest in Jack Harkness’s return. Otherwise, not particularly special.

Series 13 – Jodie Whittaker (2021) – Flux

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The Thirteenth Doctor in Series 13: Flux, a miniseries format attempting a grand epic.

  • Series 13 (Flux) – Overall Grade: Watch – Miniseries format works well, ambitious and witty, generally worth watching in full.
    • The Halloween Apocalypse – Introduces new companion Dan Lewis and new alien species.
    • War of the Sontarans – Historical episode, enjoyable despite a simple plot.
    • Once, Upon Time – Stalling episode, less impactful.
    • Village of the Angels – Series highlight, ambitious, well-realized mystery, introduces Professor Jericho (a standout semi-companion).
    • Survivors of the Flux – Kevin McNally (Professor Jericho) elevates the episode.
    • The Vanquishers – High-concept ending, fun ride but doesn’t fully cohere.

Specials (2022)

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The Thirteenth Doctor’s final specials, concluding Jodie Whittaker’s era.

  • 🌟Eve of the Daleks – Skip – Tightly plotted time loop puzzle, but characters are tedious.
  • 🌟Legend of the Sea Devils – Skip – Thin plot and characters, insulting to intelligence. Watch the scene online for character emotional context.
  • 🌟The Power of the Doctor – Essential – Jodie Whittaker’s regeneration episode, her farewell.

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of the New Who journey! For more in-depth thoughts on why Doctor Who is so enduring, explore the longer reflection on its legacy.

Stay updated on reviews and thoughts on the latest series by following on Twitter. And fellow fans, share your disagreements and opinions on this skip/watch list in the comments!

– Longish

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