The very first episode of Doctor Who, titled “An Unearthly Child”, marked its debut on British television screens on November 23, 1963. That week, the Radio Times magazine captured the anticipation, heralding “a new Saturday-afternoon television series of adventures in time and space”. From the outset, viewers were immersed in the show’s unique atmosphere, signaled by Ron Grainer’s iconic theme music, realized by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and the innovative arrangement of Delia Derbyshire, coupled with Bernard Lodge’s captivating title sequence.
“An Unearthly Child” episode 1 introduced audiences to school teachers Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton, portrayed by Jacqueline Hill and William Russell. Their curiosity is piqued by their enigmatic student, Susan Foreman, played by Carole Anne Ford. Following Susan back to her supposed home in a junkyard, the teachers stumble upon an extraordinary revelation. The seemingly ordinary police box they find there is, in fact, the entrance to something far more fantastical. Stepping inside, they are astounded to discover the TARDIS, its interior a sprawling, futuristic space that defies its compact exterior – a concept that immediately propelled viewers into the captivating realm of science fiction.
This initial episode, penned by Anthony Coburn, not only unveiled the TARDIS in all its paradoxical glory but also introduced the central figure of the series: Susan’s grandfather, the Doctor, played by William Hartnell. Fearing exposure of his and Susan’s secret as time travelers, the Doctor takes Barbara and Ian aboard the TARDIS against their will. The episode concludes with the TARDIS materializing in a stark, alien landscape, as a shadow ominously falls across the ship, setting the stage for countless adventures across time and space that would follow.
Doctor Who initially graced television screens until 1989, followed by a television movie in 1996. However, its enduring appeal ensured a triumphant return in 2005, playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of Saturday evening family entertainment. The first episode, “An Unearthly Child”, remains a cornerstone of television history, marking the inception of a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
