The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.
The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.

The Ultimate Doctor Who Show List: A Beginner’s Guide to New Who Episodes

Embarking on a journey through time and space with Doctor Who is an exhilarating experience, but with a legacy spanning over six decades, knowing where to begin can feel like facing a Weeping Angel – incredibly daunting. Fear not, intrepid traveler! This comprehensive Doctor Who Show List is your perfect starting point, specifically tailored for newcomers eager to dive into the revived series, often called “New Who” or “NuWho,” which brilliantly resurrected the Time Lord’s adventures in 2005. Forget the intimidation of 59 years of history; we’re focusing on the modern era, series 1 through 13 and beyond, to give you the ultimate guide to enjoying this iconic show. For those curious about the classic era, a separate guide exists, but here, we’re all about the thrilling revival that captured hearts anew. If you’re wondering what makes Doctor Who such a phenomenon, captivating audiences for generations, it’s a tale for another time (though reflections on its enduring appeal are readily available for the curious!).

For a taste of what awaits, standalone episodes like the chilling Blink (Series 3) and the suspenseful Midnight (Series 4) offer fantastic introductions. Blink, notably, is a “Doctor-lite” episode, focusing on the terrifying Weeping Angels, while Midnight is “companion-lite,” throwing the Doctor into a terrifying isolation. For festive cheer, A Christmas Carol, featuring Matt Smith’s Doctor, is a splendid choice. Or, for a dose of Peter Capaldi’s era, Mummy on the Orient Express from Series 8 delivers a thrilling mystery.

Entry Points: Where to Begin Your Doctor Who Journey

To jump directly into the overarching narrative without needing prior Doctor Who knowledge, these episodes are ideal entry points into this incredible doctor who show list:

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

The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.

Series 2, Episode 1: The Christmas Invasion (The Tenth Doctor: David Tennant) – While technically a Christmas Special and episode 0, it serves as a first episode introducing a new Doctor. Alternatively, Series 2, Episode 2: New Earth (The Tenth Doctor: David Tennant) offers a more typical season opener experience (but consider watching a standalone episode first for initial grounding).

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

Matt Smith as the energetic Eleventh Doctor in The Eleventh Hour episode, a great starting point in any Doctor Who show list.Matt Smith as the energetic Eleventh Doctor in The Eleventh Hour episode, a great starting point in any Doctor Who show list.

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

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

Jodie Whittaker as the groundbreaking Thirteenth Doctor in The Woman Who Fell to Earth, a modern entry for a Doctor Who show list.Jodie Whittaker as the groundbreaking Thirteenth Doctor in The Woman Who Fell to Earth, a modern entry for a Doctor Who show list.

Choosing your starting point depends on your preference. Each of these episodes effectively establishes the show’s premise, introducing a new Doctor and companion dynamic. Once you’ve watched one, you’ll grasp the core concept of Doctor Who. Then, you can confidently navigate the detailed doctor who show list below, designed to guide you through the best episodes and seasons.

Choosing Your Entry Point: Doctor by Doctor

  • Series 1: The Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston): This is where the revival begins. Russell T. Davies spearheaded series 1-4, laying the foundation for New Who with Christopher Eccleston’s compelling portrayal of the Ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose Tyler. While these early seasons may show their age in production value, they contain some of the most emotionally resonant and iconic moments in the show’s history. Starting with Series 1, Episode 1, “Rose,” is highly recommended to fully appreciate the narrative development from the ground up.

  • Series 5: The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith): When Steven Moffat took the reins for Series 5, Doctor Who underwent a stylistic and narrative refresh. Matt Smith’s energetic Eleventh Doctor and a new companion ushered in a new era. Starting here offers a more consistently modern feel and some of the show’s most intricate and acclaimed storylines. However, beginning with Series 5 means missing out on the beloved Tenth Doctor and the foundational seasons. It’s worth noting that watching the Series 4 two-parter “Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead” after “The Eleventh Hour” provides crucial context for later Moffat-era narratives.

  • Series 10: The Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi): Peter Capaldi’s final season, Series 10, serves as another potential entry point, designed to be accessible to new viewers with excellent production quality. While Series 10 itself may be considered somewhat uneven in overall quality, it provides a clean slate introduction to Capaldi’s Doctor and his dynamic with new companion Bill Potts.

  • Series 11: The Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker): For those wanting to jump into Doctor Who closest to the present day, Series 11 introduces Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. While opinions on Series 11 are divided, it offers a fresh, contemporary starting point, though for the richest Doctor Who experience, starting with earlier Doctors is generally recommended.

The Complete Doctor Who Show List: Skip/Watch Guide (New Who – Series 1-13)

This comprehensive doctor who show list categorizes each episode to help you optimize your viewing experience:

Key:

  • Essential: Crucial for overarching plot and character development. Must-watch episodes.
  • Watch: Highly recommended for excellent storytelling, character moments, or significant themes.
  • Maybe: Enjoyable and worthwhile if you are invested, but skippable without missing major plot points.
  • Skip: Generally considered weaker episodes, skippable unless you are a completionist.
  • 🌟 – Special episode, often standalone or bundled separately.
  • 🎅**🌟**** – Christmas special episode, also often bundled separately.

Series 1 – Christopher Eccleston (2005)

The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.The Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Rose Tyler Billie Piper in the episode Rose, a perfect entry point for the Doctor Who show list.

Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor is a powerful and often underrated start to New Who. His portrayal is charismatic and nuanced, and Billie Piper shines as Rose Tyler, offering a relatable human perspective.

  • Rose – Essential – The absolute beginning. Introduces the Doctor, Rose, and the fundamental premise. Slightly dated but sets the stage.
  • The End of the World – Watch – Rose’s first off-world adventure, introducing recurring aliens and exploring themes of time and fate. Features a visually stunning scene of Earth’s destruction.
  • The Unquiet Dead – Maybe – A fun historical episode with Simon Callow as Charles Dickens, offering supernatural intrigue.
  • Aliens of London / World War Three – Skip – Introduces Harriet Jones and has moments for Jackie and Mickey, but features the less-loved Slitheen villains. Wikipedia summaries recommended for context.
  • Dalek – Essential – Reintroduces the iconic Daleks and delves into the Doctor’s Time War trauma. Based on the Sixth Doctor audio story Jubilee.
  • The Long Game – Maybe – Interesting world-building, connects to the finale, and features Simon Pegg. Enjoyable but not top-tier.
  • Father’s Day – Watch – A deeply emotional story focused on Rose and her past, a true classic.
  • The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances – Watch – Steven Moffat’s debut, these episodes are fan-favorites. Creepy, funny, and introducing Captain Jack Harkness, a significant character.
  • Boom Town – Skip – Some Jack and Mickey moments, but the Slitheen return.
  • Bad Wolf / The Parting of the Ways – Essential – The series finale, emotionally impactful and pivotal for the Ninth Doctor’s arc.

Series 2 – David Tennant (2006)

David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor in Series 2 of Doctor Who, a fan-favorite era in any Doctor Who show list.David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor in Series 2 of Doctor Who, a fan-favorite era in any Doctor Who show list.

David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor era is widely beloved. While Series 2 is considered by some to be less consistent, it features essential episodes and character development, especially for Rose.

  • 🎅🌟The Christmas Invasion – Essential – Introduces David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor and the concept of regeneration.
  • New Earth – Maybe – Return of the Face of Boe, some humor, but somewhat cheesy.
  • Tooth and Claw – Skip – Explains the origin of Torchwood, but considered silly by some.
  • School Reunion – Watch – Features classic companion Sarah Jane Smith, important for later New Who storylines. Consider watching Classic Who’s The Time Warrior or Pyramids of Mars for Sarah Jane context.
  • The Girl in the Fireplace – Watch – Steven Moffat episode, often on “best of” lists. Great premise and villains.
  • The Rise of the Cybermen / The Age of Steel – Essential – Reintroduces the Cybermen, explores anti-transhumanism themes, and significant character development. Redesign of Cybermen is debated among fans.
  • The Idiot’s Lantern – Skip – Inoffensive but clunky, Tennant overacting, generally skippable.
  • The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit – Watch – Examines the Doctor’s character and themes of faith. Strong but not essential for plot.
  • Love & Monsters – Skip – Strong first two-thirds, weak ending. Doctor and Rose are barely in it.
  • Fear Her – Skip – Widely considered one of the worst New Who episodes.
  • Army of Ghosts / Doomsday – Essential – Rose Tyler’s departure, emotionally charged and impactful finale.

Series 3 – David Tennant (2007)

David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones in Series 3 of Doctor Who, featuring standalone classics in the Doctor Who show list.David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones in Series 3 of Doctor Who, featuring standalone classics in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 3 is considered a high point for Tennant’s era, delivering some of the show’s best standalone episodes and an eventful season arc, despite a debated finale.

  • 🎅🌟The Runaway Bride – Watch – Introduces Donna Noble, who becomes a full-time companion in Series 4. Important for Donna’s character arc and Tennant dealing with the previous finale.
  • Smith and Jones – Essential – Introduces Martha Jones as the new companion. Decent episode for Martha’s introduction.
  • The Shakespeare Code – Maybe – William Shakespeare episode, humorously flirty.
  • Gridlock – Maybe – Return of the Face of Boe, Doctor talks about Gallifrey. Gallifrey scene recommended even if skipping.
  • Daleks in Manhattan / Evolution of the Daleks – Skip – Pig men and Daleks, generally disliked. Andrew Garfield cameo is a minor highlight.
  • The Lazarus Experiment – Skip – Mark Gatiss appearance, but little of substance.
  • 42 – Skip – Generic and unremarkable.
  • Human Nature / The Family of Blood – Watch – Highly acclaimed two-parter, Tennant’s performance is a highlight. Introduces a concept that becomes important in the finale.
  • Blink – Watch – Fan-favorite and critically acclaimed episode, perfect standalone sci-fi. Introduces the Weeping Angels.
  • Utopia / The Sound of Drums / Last of the Time Lords – Essential – Essential plot developments, but Last of the Time Lords finale is considered weak by some. Classic Who’s Terror of the Autons or The Daemons recommended for comparison to a villain introduced.

Series 4 – David Tennant (2008)

David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with Catherine Tate as Donna Noble in Series 4 of Doctor Who, a consistently excellent season in the Doctor Who show list.David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with Catherine Tate as Donna Noble in Series 4 of Doctor Who, a consistently excellent season in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 4 is often considered the peak of the Davies era, delivering consistently excellent episodes with strong character work and emotional depth.

  • 🎅🌟Voyage of the Damned – Skip – Okay but inessential special, marred by cheesy scenes. Introduces a character who becomes important later in the Davies era (scene linked).
  • Partners in Crime – Essential – Donna Noble returns as a full companion! Corny villains but Tennant and Tate’s comedic chemistry is great.
  • The Fires of Pompeii – Watch – Solid historical episode, introduces “fixed points in time” concept. Cameos from actors who later play major roles. Ties into Series 9 plot.
  • Planet of the Ood – Watch – Good and ties into Tennant’s final episode. Features a memorable song.
  • The Sontaran Stratagem / The Poison Sky – Maybe – Return of Sontarans and UNIT, cheesy but fun. Not essential. Classic Who’s The Time Warrior recommended for better Sontarans.
  • The Doctor’s Daughter – Skip – Underrated by some, but not essential. Misleading title. Scene linked reveals Doctor’s past.
  • 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, introduces River Song, crucial for understanding Series 6 arc.
  • Midnight – Watch – Creepy and claustrophobic, horror-lite. Classic Who’s The Caves of Androzani recommended for similar feel.
  • Turn Left – Essential – Doctor-lite episode, character-focused for Donna, important setup for finale.
  • The Stolen Earth / Journey’s End – Essential – Concludes major arcs of Davies era, epic scale finale.

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

David Tennant in The Specials, often considered series 4.5, a transitional period in the Doctor Who show list.David Tennant in The Specials, often considered series 4.5, a transitional period in the Doctor Who show list.

These specials bridge Series 4 and 5, serving as a mini-season for Tennant’s Doctor before regeneration.

  • 🌟The Next Doctor – Watch – Fun, not essential, David Morrissey guest stars.
  • 🌟Planet of the Dead – Skip – Forgettable, prophecy near the end is relevant to The End of Time (clip linked).
  • 🌟The Waters of Mars – Watch – Important for understanding Doctor’s emotional state in The End of Time, good and scary.
  • 🎅🌟The End of Time Part 1 and 2 – Essential – Tennant’s regeneration story, messy but necessary. Bernard Cribbins is a highlight, emotionally resonant performance.

Series 5 – Matt Smith (2010)

Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor in Series 5 of Doctor Who, a fresh start and essential viewing in the Doctor Who show list.Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor in Series 5 of Doctor Who, a fresh start and essential viewing in the Doctor Who show list.

Matt Smith’s arrival revitalized Doctor Who. Series 5 is a near-perfect season, introducing a new era with excellent production and storytelling.

  • The Eleventh Hour – Essential – Best New Who Doctor introduction episode. Show’s production value significantly improves here.
  • The Beast Below – Maybe – Sweet story, showcases new budget and Doctor/Amy dynamic.
  • Victory of the Daleks – Skip – Not great, Smith still finding his footing, Dalek reboot, Winston Churchill.
  • The Time of Angels / Flesh and Stone – Essential – Brilliant two-parter, return of Captain Jack, introduces River Song to Amy, key season arc concepts.
  • The Vampires of Venice – Watch – Not top-tier, but introduces Rory, who becomes a major character, and has character development. Skippable for plot, but good for character arcs.
  • Amy’s Choice – Watch – Character development focused episode, good episode overall.
  • The Hungry Earth / Cold Blood – Maybe – Decent two-parter, but lackluster. Last 5 minutes of Cold Blood are essential (clip linked).
  • Vincent and the Doctor – Watch – Meditation on depression and despair, poetic and moving. Not essential for plot but emotionally resonant.
  • The Lodger – Watch – Standalone, James Corden is surprisingly funny. Ties into a later episode.
  • The Pandorica Opens / The Big Bang – Essential – Series 5 finale, introduces Moffat’s twisty finale style, answers and cliffhangers.

Series 6 – Matt Smith (2011)

Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in Series 6 of Doctor Who, a mythology-heavy season in the Doctor Who show list.Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in Series 6 of Doctor Who, a mythology-heavy season in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 6 delves deep into mythology, particularly the River Song storyline, and features a complex narrative arc with Amy Pond.

  • 🎅🌟A Christmas Carol – Watch – Delightful standalone Christmas episode, wonderful and recommended.
  • The Impossible Astronaut / Day of the Moon – Essential – Two-part opener, sets up season arc, 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, top-tier Doctor Who.
  • The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People – Essential – Technically only the ending is crucial (clip linked), but decent story.
  • A Good Man Goes to War – Essential – Mid-season finale, River Song’s identity revealed.
  • Let’s Kill Hitler – Essential – Don’t take it too seriously, plot twists.
  • Night Terrors – Skip – Inessential but well-constructed, basic episode.
  • The Girl Who Waited – Watch – Amy and Rory focused episode, emotionally impactful.
  • The God Complex – Maybe – Character development, last 5 minutes are important (clip linked).
  • Closing Time – Watch – Hilarious, setup for next episode, James Corden returns, requires watching The Lodger.
  • The Wedding of River Song – Essential – Series 6 finale, complex and twisty.

Series 7 Part 1 – Matt Smith (2012)

Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill as Amy and Rory in Series 7 Part 1 of Doctor Who, a transitional period in the Doctor Who show list.Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill as Amy and Rory in Series 7 Part 1 of Doctor Who, a transitional period in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 7 is split into two parts. Part 1 is considered somewhat uneven but still has good episodes, leading to the departure of Amy and Rory.

  • 🎅🌟The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe – Watch – Lovely Christmas episode, recommended.
  • Asylum of the Daleks – Essential – Plot and character introduction reasons, some fan issues with the plot.
  • Dinosaurs on a Spaceship – Watch – Introduces Brian Williams, Rory’s father, fun episode.
  • A Town Called Mercy – Maybe – Solid episode, standalone, Magnificent Seven reference.
  • The Power of Three – Skip – Brian returns, generally skippable.
  • The Angels Take Manhattan – Essential – Amy and Rory’s exit episode, emotionally significant.

Series 7 Part 2 – Matt Smith (2013)

Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald in Series 7 Part 2 of Doctor Who, introducing a new companion in the Doctor Who show list.Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor with Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald in Series 7 Part 2 of Doctor Who, introducing a new companion in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 7 Part 2 introduces Clara Oswald and sets up the 50th Anniversary special.

  • 🎅🌟The Snowmen – Essential – Introduces Clara Oswald and provides context for her character. Features Classic Who villain from The Web of Fear.
  • The Bells of Saint John – Essential – Proper introduction for Clara as companion, smashing episode.
  • The Rings of Akhaten – Maybe – Divisive among fans, but some appreciate it. Matt Smith’s acting in one scene is a highlight.
  • Cold War – Skip – David Warner appearance, trapped-in-ice plot, but unremarkable.
  • Hide – Watch – Fun and scary yarn, good but not essential.
  • Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS – Skip – Pointless overall, but Wikipedia summary recommended for a plot point relevant to the finale.
  • The Crimson Horror – Skip – Generally considered bad, melodramatic.
  • Nightmare in Silver – Maybe – Neil Gaiman’s second episode, good but overstuffed.
  • The Name of the Doctor – Essential – Clara’s “Impossible Girl” arc concludes, sets up 50th Anniversary special and Trenzalore.

50th Anniversary Specials (2013)

The Doctors in the 50th Anniversary Special The Day of the Doctor, an essential part of any Doctor Who show list.The Doctors in the 50th Anniversary Special The Day of the Doctor, an essential part of any Doctor Who show list.

These specials are essential viewing, celebrating 50 years of Doctor Who and bridging the gap between the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors.

  • 🌟The Day of the Doctor – Essential – Absolutely essential, Doctor Who nerd’s dream, crucial for storyline going forward. Overrated by some, but undeniably fun and important. Watch the minisode The Night of the Doctor beforehand (linked). Consider listening to Eighth Doctor audio dramas like The Chimes of Midnight for Eighth Doctor context.
  • 🎅🌟The Time of the Doctor – Essential – Matt Smith’s regeneration episode, farewell to the Eleventh Doctor.

Series 8 – Peter Capaldi (2014)

Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor in Series 8 of Doctor Who, a season with scattered greatness in the Doctor Who show list.Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor in Series 8 of Doctor Who, a season with scattered greatness in the Doctor Who show list.

Peter Capaldi’s debut season is considered somewhat aimless but features moments of brilliance and establishes his distinctive Doctor.

  • Deep Breath – Essential – Capaldi’s introduction, solid but not the best Doctor intro.
  • Into the Dalek – Maybe – Half-baked, introduces a recurring character (scene linked). Tie-in to Capaldi’s regeneration episode.
  • Robot of Sherwood – Watch – Cheesy but fun, Capaldi’s comedic side. Divisive among fans, but charming and enjoyable for some.
  • Listen – Watch – Good, scary episode, focuses on recurring character introduced in Into the Dalek. Clara’s screwball comedy.
  • Time Heist – Skip – Middling bank robbery episode.
  • The Caretaker – Watch – Character development, probably essential.
  • Kill the Moon – Skip – Pro-life themes and character drama, but corny sci-fi elements.
  • Mummy on the Orient Express – Watch – Murder mystery on the Orient Express, excellent and not essential. Clip linked explains Doctor/Clara conflict from previous episode.
  • Flatline – Watch – Funny, scary, Clara takes the lead, really good but not essential.
  • In the Forest of the Night – Skip – Not very good, Danny and Clara secret revealed, nothing significant happens.
  • Dark Water / Death in Heaven – Essential – Missy’s reveal, Doctor defining himself, season finale.

Series 9 – Peter Capaldi (2015)

Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor with Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald in Series 9 of Doctor Who, a season with a driving story arc in the Doctor Who show list.Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor with Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald in Series 9 of Doctor Who, a season with a driving story arc in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 9 is considered a strong season for Capaldi, with a more cohesive season arc and Capaldi lightening up his portrayal.

  • 🎅🌟Last Christmas – Watch – Alien meets Christmas, fun and intense. Reverses lies from previous finale, but skippable if needed.
  • The Magician’s Apprentice / The Witch’s Familiar – Essential – Classic Dalek story elements. Watch Genesis of the Daleks (Classic Who, clip linked) for context.
  • Under the Lake / Before the Flood – Maybe – Fun and intense two-parter, but limited impact on season arc.
  • The Girl Who Died / The Woman Who Lived – Essential – Watch The Fires of Pompeii (Series 4) before The Girl Who Died.
  • The Zygon Invasion / The Zygon Inversion – Watch – Zygon-heavy first episode is slow for some, but second part is excellent, Capaldi’s performance is a highlight.
  • Sleep No More – Skip – Widely disliked, forgettable.
  • Face the Raven – Essential – Crucial setup for the next two episodes, emotionally impactful.
  • Heaven Sent / Hell Bent – Essential – Heaven Sent is highly acclaimed, unique puzzle-box episode, leading into the series finale Hell Bent.
  • 🎅🌟The Husbands of River Song – Watch – River Song episode, screwball comedy, closes her storyline bittersweetly, with a “Moffaty” twist.

Series 10 – Peter Capaldi (2017)

Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor with Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts in Series 10 of Doctor Who, a soft reboot and standalone season in the Doctor Who show list.Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor with Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts in Series 10 of Doctor Who, a soft reboot and standalone season in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 10 is a soft reboot, focusing on standalone stories and introducing new companion Bill Potts, while serving as Moffat’s final season.

  • 🎅🌟The Return of Doctor Mysterio – Maybe – Slight but fun superhero-themed special. Nardole is more palatable here.
  • The Pilot – Essential – Introduces Bill Potts, refreshing companion dynamic.
  • Smile – Maybe – Good, but half-baked, Doctor/Bill dynamic development.
  • Thin Ice – Watch – Great episode, Bill learns about Doctor’s darker past, powerful speech.
  • Knock Knock – Maybe – Good haunted house mystery, David Suchet guest stars.
  • Oxygen – Essential – Scary, preachy, but sets up a multi-episode arc.
  • Extremis – Essential – Begins Monk trilogy, reveals Vault contents and introduces a key phrase for the finale.
  • The Pyramid at the End of the World / The Lie of the Land – Maybe – Monk trilogy, skippable, Doctor wins.
  • Empress of Mars – Skip – Mark Gatiss episode, mediocre, but has a Third Doctor Curse of Peladon throwback. Clip linked for important Nardole scene.
  • The Eaters of Light – Maybe – Enjoyable historical jaunt, Vault-related character development. Clip linked for essential scene.
  • 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, Moffat “treading water” special.

Series 11 – Jodie Whittaker (2018)

Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 11 of Doctor Who, a new era and reboot in the Doctor Who show list.Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 11 of Doctor Who, a new era and reboot in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 11 marks another reboot with Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, aiming for a friendlier, more accessible tone.

  • The Woman Who Fell to Earth – Essential – Introduces Thirteen and companions, not great but necessary.
  • The Ghost Monument – Essential – First adventure, key scene delayed from episode one.
  • Rosa – Maybe – Pure historical episode, nice moments, generally well-liked (though divisive).
  • Arachnids in the UK – Skip – Gang returns home, inconsequential plot.
  • The Tsuranga Conundrum – Skip – “Dumb as dirt,” skippable.
  • Demons of the Punjab – Watch – Episode with real human characters, touching and well-received.
  • Kerblam! – Skip – “Meh,” factory evil plan, unspecial.
  • The Witchfinders – Maybe – Nice moments for Thirteen, Alan Cummings guest stars.
  • It Takes You Away – Watch – Best episode of Series 11, by far.
  • The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos – Skip – Controversial skip, but arguably nothing important happens.
  • 🌟Resolution – Watch – Return of Daleks, fun story.

Series 12 – Jodie Whittaker (2020)

Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 12 of Doctor Who, a season that flips the show's premise in the Doctor Who show list.Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 12 of Doctor Who, a season that flips the show's premise in the Doctor Who show list.

Series 12 responds to criticisms by dramatically altering the show’s established mythology.

  • Spyfall Part 1 and 2 – Essential – Bond-esque, introduces a compelling antagonist.
  • Orphan 55 – Skip – Dull and rambling.
  • Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror – Maybe – Period costumes, fun guest stars, but weak plot idea.
  • Fugitive of the Judoon – Essential – “Rollercoaster” episode, introduces major new mythology elements.
  • Praxeus – Skip – Generic and forgettable.
  • Can You Hear Me? – Watch – Two-thirds great, rushed ending, but brilliantly strange. Classic Who’s Enlightenment recommended for similar themes.
  • The Haunting of Villa Diodati – Watch – Spooky, gothic, edgy, fan-favorite of the season.
  • Ascension of the Cybermen / The Timeless Child – Essential – Finale, essential for Chibnall’s “Timeless Child” twist, impact depends on future seasons.
  • 🌟Revolution of the Daleks – Skip – Depends on interest in Jack Harkness’s return. Otherwise, unremarkable.

Series 13 – Jodie Whittaker (2021)

Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 13 of Doctor Who, a miniseries format and ambitious storytelling in the Doctor Who show list.Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor in Series 13 of Doctor Who, a miniseries format and ambitious storytelling in the Doctor Who show list..png)

Series 13 adopts a miniseries format, attempting a more epic and serialized narrative.

  • The Halloween Apocalypse – Watch – Introduces new companion Dan Lewis and new alien species.
  • War of the Sontarans – Watch – Solid historical episode, enjoyable despite simple plot.
  • Once, Upon Time – Maybe – Stalling episode, less impactful.
  • Village of the Angels – Watch – Series highlight, ambitious, well-realized setting, introduces Professor Jericho (fan-favorite semi-companion).
  • Survivors of the Flux – Watch – Kevin McNally’s addition is a highlight.
  • The Vanquishers – Watch – High-concept ending, somewhat disjointed but fun.

Specials (2022)

Jodie Whittaker in the Specials leading to her regeneration, essential finales in the Doctor Who show list.Jodie Whittaker in the Specials leading to her regeneration, essential finales in the Doctor Who show list..png)

Specials concluding Jodie Whittaker’s era, leading to the Fourteenth Doctor.

  • 🌟Eve of the Daleks – Skip – Tightly plotted puzzle, but characters are tedious. Time loop concept is interesting but character actions are contrived.
  • 🌟Legend of the Sea Devils – Skip – Thin plot, characters lack depth. Scene linked is emotionally important for understanding next episode.
  • 🌟The Power of the Doctor – Essential – Jodie Whittaker’s regeneration episode, farewell to the Thirteenth Doctor.

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of this extensive doctor who show list! This guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of New Who. For deeper reflections on why Doctor Who is such an enduring and brilliant television concept, explore further essays and analyses.

Stay updated with reviews and thoughts on new Doctor Who series by following online communities and content creators dedicated to the show. And for fellow Whovians, share your thoughts and alternative episode recommendations in the comments – let the Doctor Who conversation continue!

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