As the iconic British science fiction show, Doctor Who, marks its 60th anniversary, the debate about who embodies the Doctor Best amongst the many talented actors who have taken on the role intensifies more than ever. For six decades, this time-traveling hero has captivated audiences, undergoing numerous regenerations and personality shifts, each leaving an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. Now, as we celebrate this milestone, we delve into the opinions of Doctor Who aficionados to explore the age-old question: who is the greatest Doctor of them all?
To commemorate this momentous occasion, we consulted a panel of Doctor Who experts and posed them a challenging question: In the vast history of Doctor Who, who truly stands out as the doctor best? Their insightful responses provide compelling arguments, fueling the ongoing conversation amongst fans worldwide.
Tom Baker: The Fourth Doctor (1974-1981) – The Bohemian Best Doctor
Imagine a Saturday evening in April 1975. A figure with a cascade of curls and an impossibly long, multicolored scarf holds two wires, poised to make a universe-altering decision. Connecting them could erase the Daleks, the universe’s most formidable evil, from existence. Yet, the man’s face reflects inner turmoil. “Simply touch one wire against the other, and that’s it, the Daleks cease to exist,” the Fourth Doctor whispers, grappling with the weight of his potential action. “Do I have that right?”
This electrifying scene from episode five of Genesis Of The Daleks remains etched in the memories of all who witnessed it. It’s more than just a pivotal moment in a time-travel narrative; it’s the quintessential time-travel dilemma, echoing the profound moral question: could you eliminate Hitler as an infant? The scene’s power is amplified by Tom Baker, whose immense charisma and profound moral intensity – juxtaposed with moments of delightful absurdity – completely redefined the Doctor’s essence. For years after his tenure, Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, with his iconic scarf, hat, Jelly Babies, and robotic companion K-9, became the quintessential image spoofed by comedians and cartoonists. Baker, who held the role for seven years of in-universe time, solidified himself as the definitive doctor best for many.
From his past as a novice monk in Liverpool to his pre-Doctor days working on a construction site, Baker’s journey was unconventional. He stepped into Jon Pertwee’s shoes and transformed the suave Time Lord into a cosmic bohemian, reminiscent of Toulouse Lautrec, an unpredictable wanderer with eccentric attire and a dazzling grin. The Fourth Doctor could be warm and whimsical, occasionally surprisingly detached – famously advising Antarctic explorers facing alien plant monsters to “help yourselves” – yet ultimately, he was a champion of justice.
Perhaps his greatest appeal was to the children who adored the show, and to the adults who secretly loved it too. Baker embodied a childlike wonder himself. In his debut story, Robot, the Fourth Doctor shared his life philosophy with companion Sarah Jane Smith: “There’s no point in being grown-up if you can’t be childish sometimes.” Isn’t this sentiment at the heart of Doctor Who? Time, space, the eternal struggle between good and evil… and, of course, Jelly Babies. For many, Baker captured the doctor best spirit of adventure and whimsical morality.
Sylvester McCoy: The Seventh Doctor (1987-1989) – The Darkly Playful Best Doctor
Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor experienced arguably the most dramatic character development of any incarnation. Initially portrayed as an absent-minded professor type, complete with an umbrella and a penchant for rambling speeches that eventually revealed clever solutions, his persona gradually became darker and more calculating. By the end of his run, he had evolved into perhaps the most ruthless Doctor ever seen.
This transformation, while partly a response to initial fan dissatisfaction with his whimsical portrayal, has, in retrospect, created a fascinating dimension to the character. McCoy’s comedic talents, evident in his magic tricks and spoon-playing, initially brought a lightness and much-needed fun after the more serious Fifth Doctor. His easygoing chemistry with returning companion Mel (Bonnie Langford) was also a highlight. However, McCoy truly shone when the character deepened, particularly in his complex relationship with the punky teenager Ace (Sophie Aldred). Ace endured considerable trials, especially as the Doctor became increasingly detached and manipulative, treating her and others like pawns. Yet, Ace’s indomitable optimism somehow persevered.
Despite his aversion to firearms and violence in general, the Seventh Doctor proved to be a formidable and sometimes terrifying adversary to evil. His primary weapon was his voice. McCoy’s natural Scottish accent and melodic tones were used to devastating effect, often verbally driving opponents to despair, as seen in episodes like Ghost Light and the acclaimed Remembrance of the Daleks. This made him a uniquely cerebral doctor best in his own way.
The Seventh Doctor’s tenure was cut short after just 12 stories, followed by the show’s lengthy hiatus. However, rather than diminishing the show’s legacy, he now appears to have laid the groundwork for its eventual resurgence. The blend of ruthlessness and levity he embodied became a defining characteristic of the Doctor, and the development of more complex companions became standard. While it might not have seemed so at the time, seven proved to be a lucky number, contributing to the enduring appeal of the Doctor.
David Tennant: The Tenth Doctor (2005-2010) – The Romantic Best Doctor for a New Generation
In the spring of 2005, a season of rebirth, showrunner Russell T Davies breathed new life into Doctor Who, reviving the series after a 16-year absence. However, it wasn’t until a year later, when Christopher Eccleston regenerated into the relatively unknown David Tennant, that the revival truly soared. Many consider Tennant’s era a golden age, making him the doctor best for the modern era.
Tennant was an unlikely choice at first glance: a self-proclaimed “skinny, gawky freak boy” who became a sex symbol; a Scottish actor adopting a Cockney-esque accent and pairing Converse sneakers with a suit. Yet, these charming contradictions amplified Tennant’s charisma, enhancing the Tenth Doctor’s captivating mystique. He was the enigmatic alien who felt more relatable than ever before; a figure described as “fire and ice and rage,” the legendary Time Lord who was capable of falling in love.
It was precisely the Tenth Doctor’s passionate romanticism that distinguished him from his predecessors. Prior to the modern era, Doctor Who unofficially avoided romantic entanglements. However, the Tenth Doctor shattered this convention. Consider The Girl in the Fireplace, a poignant love story between the Doctor and Madame de Pompadour, unfolding like a fairy tale. Or the protracted, will-they-won’t-they dynamic with Billie Piper’s companion Rose, injecting an unprecedented emotional depth into the show.
Audiences embraced this charismatic, younger, more vulnerable Doctor. His creative partnership with Russell T Davies yielded some of Doctor Who’s most celebrated episodes, including Blink, Midnight, Human Nature and The Family of Blood, Silence in the Library, Forest of the Dead, and Turn Left. While fans often debate the merits of different eras, the viewership figures speak volumes.
By series four in 2008, episodes averaged eight million viewers weekly in the UK. At its peak – the Christmas special Voyage of the Damned, featuring Kylie Minogue – it drew over 13 million viewers. In comparison, despite changes in British viewing habits, the 2022 series averaged 4.84 million consolidated viewers.
Is it surprising that Russell T Davies has returned to lead the show once again? Or that, in an unprecedented move, David Tennant’s Doctor has returned from regeneration to star in 60th-anniversary specials? When facing potential stagnation, Doctor Who has wisely revisited its golden era to revitalize the series, proving that for many, Tennant is the definitive doctor best.
Matt Smith: The Eleventh Doctor (2010-2013) – The Quirky Best Doctor Who Leapt into the Future
Could any Time Lord face a more daunting debut than Matt Smith? In 2010, David Tennant was a national treasure, arguably the definitive Doctor for millions since Tom Baker. During Tennant’s final episodes and Smith’s introduction, Tennant even graced the BBC’s Christmas idents.
While previous Doctors had faced the challenge of filling big shoes – Patrick Troughton essentially invented the concept of regeneration after William Hartnell, and Peter Davison followed Tom Baker’s seven-year reign – Smith arguably faced the steepest climb. Many initially reacted with hostility to his casting, deeming him too young, too unknown, and too unconventional-looking to succeed the handsome, heroic Tennant.
Despite this pressure and being only in his mid-20s, Smith delivered a remarkably nuanced interpretation of the Doctor. The Eleventh Doctor appeared simultaneously young and ancient, intelligent yet eccentric, handsome yet strangely alien, hopeful yet world-weary, cool yet somewhat awkward. He embodied the inherent contradictions of the Time Lord, capturing them all from his triumphant debut episode, The Eleventh Hour. For many, this complexity solidified him as a strong contender for doctor best.
Over four years, three series, and a 50th-anniversary special, Smith made the role his own, propelling the series to new heights. While the Tenth Doctor will always represent the revival era for many, to truly find the doctor best, you have to consider Eleven.
Jodie Whittaker: The Thirteenth Doctor (2017-2022) – The Empathetic Best Doctor for Inclusivity
Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor not only revolutionized Doctor Who by being the first female incarnation but also embodied the character’s core values with her infectious enthusiasm and deeply empathetic, caring nature. She proved decisively that a woman could be the doctor best, broadening the definition for a new generation.
The defining trait of her portrayal was her sense of wonder and passion in every moment. She embraced new friendships, experiences, and beliefs, consistently championing what was right in the universe. She maintained an inspiring hopefulness and kindness, despite the pain she endured throughout her tenure. She was a comforting and uplifting presence, always prioritizing the well-being of those around her, and by extension, the audience.
Her passion for science was a highlight, from constructing her own sonic screwdriver to her excitement at meeting Ada Lovelace and Nikola Tesla. Through her, viewers could learn more about themselves and the world, with numerous teachable moments and heartfelt speeches.
There was something uniquely special about the Thirteenth Doctor’s ability to be both alien and relatable. She could casually mention Elvis Presley or Amelia Earhart, taste grass for location identification, or humorously forget her current “gender,” yet always feel grounded and dependable, someone to rely on.
She fearlessly challenged injustice. She confronted King James I in The Witchfinders for his misogynistic views and expressed profound disgust at the Gallifreyan explorer Tecteun’s imperialistic attitude in Flux.
Her unwavering advocacy for those in need solidified her position as one of the doctor best to grace the TARDIS, proving that the Doctor’s gender is irrelevant to the character’s essence. Sometimes, significant changes to a long-standing franchise like Doctor Who can be a true blessing, and Whittaker’s Doctor was undoubtedly such a blessing for inclusivity and representation.
Ultimately, the question of who is the doctor best remains delightfully subjective. Each actor has brought their unique talents and interpretations to the role, enriching the Doctor Who universe in their own way. As we celebrate 60 years of this extraordinary show, it’s clear that the true greatness of Doctor Who lies not in crowning a single “best” Doctor, but in appreciating the rich tapestry of characters and stories woven by each incredible incarnation of this timeless hero.
