Ncuti Gatwa bursts onto the scene in Doctor Who Season 1 2024, immediately injecting a fresh and vibrant energy into the iconic role. Alongside Millie Gibson, the duo’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable, creating a dynamic partnership that anchors this new era of the beloved series. While Gatwa’s Doctor shines and Gibson’s companion embraces adventure with infectious enthusiasm, the season as a whole presents a mixed bag of exceptional highs and some pacing inconsistencies.
This season marks Russell T Davies’ (RTD2) and Bad Wolf’s first full swing at an eight-episode Doctor Who season. Drawing parallels to RTD’s previous era, much like series two with David Tennant built upon the foundation of series one with Christopher Eccleston, this season feels like a learning curve, setting the stage for future improvements and refinements in the production formula. The potential is clearly there, especially considering the stellar moments scattered throughout.
The season undeniably delivered a trio of episodes that stand out as modern classics: “73 Yards,” “Dot and Bubble,” and “Rogue.” These episodes are not just highlights of Doctor Who Season 1 2024, but arguably some of the best Doctor Who in recent memory. “73 Yards” offered a chilling and experimental blend of folk horror and political intrigue. “Dot and Bubble” served as a sharp and unsettling social commentary that resonated deeply. “Rogue” provided a delightful period romp, showcasing the series’ versatility. The strength of Doctor Who lies in its ability to traverse genres and tones, and these three episodes exemplify this perfectly, each feeling distinct yet undeniably part of the same universe.
However, with only eight episodes to work with, the pacing across Doctor Who Season 1 2024 felt somewhat uneven. Outside of “Space Babies” and “Rogue,” which offered more traditional “TARDIS arrives, adventure ensues, save the day” scenarios, the season leaned heavily into series arc development and format experimentation, particularly with the recurring Susan Twist mystery. This emphasis, while intriguing, sometimes came at the expense of standalone adventures, leaving a slight feeling of imbalance in the overall season structure.
Watching Doctor Who in 2024: A Unique Perspective
Being a long-time fan and now a reviewer for the Guardian, watching Doctor Who Season 1 2024 is a layered experience. It’s a far cry from watching classic episodes like “Pyramids of Mars” decades ago. The act of reviewing adds a professional lens, shifting the viewing experience from pure enjoyment to analytical observation.
The review process involves a first viewing focused on capturing details, continuity nods, and quotable lines, all while under the pressure of deadlines. The subsequent rewatch, done after the review is written, allows for a more relaxed and appreciative engagement with the episode. This dual approach provides a comprehensive understanding, both critically and as a fan.
Viewing episodes with children before their broadcast on BBC One offers another valuable perspective. Their unfiltered reactions and observations provide a grounded viewpoint, contrasting with the often hyper-analytical approach of adult fans. This helps to gauge whether certain elements, like on-the-nose dialogue or obvious references, land effectively with a younger audience, mirroring how original serials were perceived by younger viewers at the time. It’s a useful reminder that not every nuance is intended for deep, analytical scrutiny.
This unique position provides a healthy dose of perspective when navigating online fan discussions, especially concerning criticisms that might seem overly harsh or nitpicky. It’s a privilege to preview episodes and share thoughts in a national publication, a position many fans would aspire to. Balancing enthusiasm with critical observation is key, navigating the line between personal enjoyment and public commentary.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media Fandom
Social media’s influence on fan culture is particularly evident, and at times, overwhelming within the Doctor Who fandom surrounding Doctor Who Season 1 2024. In the past, post-episode discussions were often limited to close circles of friends, offering a manageable range of opinions and perspectives.
Now, social media platforms amplify discussions exponentially. Engaging online after an episode can feel like entering a room with thousands of “friends,” each eager to point out perceived flaws or “janky” elements. The sheer volume of nitpicking, often well-intentioned but collectively exhausting, can detract from the overall enjoyment of the show. To mitigate this, intentionally avoiding online discourse until after publishing a review helps maintain a clearer, less influenced perspective.
It remains remarkable how deeply Doctor Who is analyzed, down to the minutiae of VFX shots that receive only seconds of screen time. The immediate reaction of some viewers to label such details as “lazy CGI” highlights a disconnect between the effort invested and the instant online critique.
Furthermore, the polarized nature of online discourse is evident in the opposing demands of “show, don’t tell” versus accusations of “plot holes” for anything not explicitly explained. Similarly, deliberate callbacks or pastiches are often misconstrued as unoriginal rip-offs. This constant push and pull creates a challenging environment for nuanced discussion.
And then there’s the predictable wave of negativity, the “go woke go broke” rhetoric that surfaces with every iteration of Doctor Who, regardless of the actual content. These comments, often proclaiming the death of Doctor Who and vows to abandon the show, rarely reflect actual viewership trends and often disappear by the following week.
Navigating Ratings and Shifting Viewing Habits
TV ratings have always been a point of intense scrutiny within the Doctor Who fandom and anti-fandom alike. Doctor Who Season 1 2024 has faced scrutiny for its viewing figures in the UK, particularly when compared to historical data. However, direct comparisons are misleading in the current media landscape.
While episodes like “Dot and Bubble” and “Rogue” achieved historically low overnight ratings for Doctor Who, they also topped the charts as the most-viewed television programs in Britain on their respective Saturdays. This highlights the fragmented nature of modern TV consumption.
The decline in traditional linear TV viewing is a broader trend. Large-scale, communal viewing experiences are now largely reserved for live events like Eurovision, major sports tournaments, or significant national events. The metrics that truly matter now include streaming numbers, particularly for platforms like Disney+, and for the BBC, the show’s ability to attract younger demographics and maintain cultural relevance. Ultimately, success in 2024 is measured differently than in previous decades.
Final Thoughts on Doctor Who Season 1 2024
Despite some pacing issues across the season, Doctor Who Season 1 2024, spearheaded by the captivating performances of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, delivers a promising and exciting new chapter for the enduring series. The season’s high points, particularly the standout episodes, showcase the creative potential and enduring appeal of Doctor Who.
For fans and newcomers alike, Doctor Who Season 1 2024 offers a blend of fresh perspectives and classic Doctor Who charm, setting a vibrant stage for future adventures in time and space.
Doctor Who Season 1 Recaps: One-Line Reviews
Here’s a quick look back at each episode of Doctor Who Season 1 2024 with a one-line review:
