Embarking on the journey of Doctor Who can feel like stepping into a TARDIS for the first time – exciting, a little daunting, and full of endless possibilities. With decades of history, countless episodes, and a universe richer than almost any other in science fiction, knowing where to start can be tricky. If you’ve ever wondered “What Is Doctor Who?” or felt lost trying to jump into this beloved series, you’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide will demystify the Time Lord, the TARDIS, and the wonders of space and time, making your entry into the Whoniverse as smooth as possible.
Beginner's Guide to Doctor Who
Doctor Who: Unpacking the Basics
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC. Premiering in 1963, it holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running science-fiction television show. Its longevity isn’t just about age; it’s about constant reinvention and a core concept that’s both timeless and incredibly adaptable.
The series is broadly divided into two eras:
- Classic Who (1963-1989): The original run of the show, known for its pioneering spirit, imaginative stories, and often, its charmingly low-budget special effects.
- New Who (2005-Present): A revival of the series for the 21st century, bringing modern production values, expanded storytelling, and a renewed global fanbase.
While Doctor Who was once considered a niche interest, it has exploded into mainstream popularity, especially with the recent seasons. The arrival of a new Doctor always brings a fresh wave of interest, making it the perfect time to jump on board.
What’s the Premise of Doctor Who?
At its heart, Doctor Who is an adventure series about a mysterious being known only as “The Doctor.” The Doctor travels through time and space in their ship, the TARDIS, which famously looks like a blue police box. Accompanied by companions, often from Earth, the Doctor explores the universe, encountering alien civilizations, historical events, and facing threats to all of existence.
Doctor Who GIF
But Doctor Who is more than just sci-fi action. It delves into profound themes:
- Hope and Goodness: Despite facing darkness, the show consistently emphasizes the power of hope, compassion, and the inherent goodness in individuals and the universe.
- The Value of Stories: The series celebrates the importance of personal narratives and the impact of our choices in shaping the future.
- Moral Complexity: Doctor Who often presents nuanced ethical dilemmas, forcing characters and viewers to consider difficult questions about right and wrong in a vast, ever-changing cosmos.
- Wonder and Curiosity: The show ignites a sense of wonder about the universe and encourages curiosity about science, history, and different cultures – both real and imagined.
It’s a show that can be thrilling, funny, scary, and deeply moving, often all within a single episode. Its blend of escapism and emotional depth is a key part of its enduring appeal.
Do You Need to Start from the Very Beginning of Doctor Who?
Absolutely not! The vast history of Doctor Who can be intimidating, but one of its greatest strengths is its accessibility for new viewers at any point in its run. While some long-term storylines weave through multiple seasons, most episodes and seasons are self-contained enough for newcomers to enjoy without extensive prior knowledge.
Moreover, starting from the very beginning of Classic Who is practically impossible for most new viewers due to the sheer volume of episodes and the fact that many early episodes are lost forever. Fortunately, the reboot in 2005 provides a perfect entry point, designed to welcome both longtime fans and complete novices.
Who Exactly Is The Doctor?
The central figure of the series is “The Doctor,” not “Doctor Who.” “Doctor Who” is often playfully used as a question when the Doctor is introduced, becoming a running gag for fans. The Doctor is a Time Lord, an alien from the planet Gallifrey. Time Lords are a highly advanced species with a unique biology and perspective on time.
Key facts about the Doctor:
- Time Lord Physiology: They have two hearts and a non-linear perception of time, seeing past, present, and future in a different way than humans.
- The Last of the Time Lords (Mostly): For a large portion of the revived series, the Doctor believed themselves to be the sole survivor of the Time War, a devastating conflict that destroyed Gallifrey. This backstory deeply informs their character.
- Regeneration: This is the most crucial aspect of the Doctor’s identity and the show’s longevity. When mortally wounded, a Time Lord can regenerate, transforming their body and personality into a new incarnation. This allows for the seamless recasting of the lead role, keeping the show fresh and dynamic. Each “Doctor” is numbered (e.g., Ninth Doctor, Tenth Doctor) to reflect this sequence of regenerations.
David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor
Despite these changes, the core values of the Doctor remain consistent: a commitment to compassion, a fierce opposition to cruelty and cowardice, and an unwavering determination to help those in need. As Steven Moffat, a former showrunner, eloquently stated, the Doctor is a hero who uses a screwdriver instead of a gun, a call box for help, and possesses two hearts – a hero for all times.
The Iconic Blue Police Box: What is the TARDIS?
The TARDIS is the Doctor’s time and space machine. It stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space. Famously stuck in the shape of a 1960s London police box due to a malfunctioning chameleon circuit, the TARDIS is much more than just a vehicle.
Key features of the TARDIS:
- Time Travel and Space Travel: It can travel to any point in time and any location in the universe.
- Bigger on the Inside: This is a classic Doctor Who trope. The interior of the TARDIS is a vast, ever-changing dimension, far larger than its exterior suggests. It contains countless rooms, including libraries, swimming pools, and more.
- Sentient: The TARDIS is often portrayed as having a personality and a degree of sentience. It has a symbiotic relationship with the Doctor and often plays a role in where they travel.
Who are the Doctor’s Companions?
Companions are the people who travel with the Doctor in the TARDIS. Often human, they serve various roles in the narrative:
- Audience Surrogate: Initially, companions were designed to ask questions and provide a human perspective on the alien worlds and concepts encountered.
- Character Development: In the revived series, companions have become fully realized characters with their own arcs, motivations, and backstories. They are integral to the story, often driving plots and challenging the Doctor.
- Emotional Core: Companions provide the emotional grounding for the Doctor, reminding them of humanity and offering different perspectives. The relationships between the Doctor and their companions are often complex and emotionally resonant.
Drawing of Doctor Who characters
The companions are just as beloved as the Doctor, and their journeys alongside the Time Lord are a crucial part of what makes Doctor Who so compelling.
Is Doctor Who Just About Fighting Aliens?
While aliens are a prominent feature of Doctor Who, the show is far from just an alien-fighting series. The Doctor is fundamentally a pacifist and a problem-solver, preferring intellect and compassion over violence.
The show’s scope is incredibly diverse:
- Historical Adventures: Many episodes are set in Earth’s past, with the Doctor and companions interacting with historical figures and events.
- Human Villains: Threats often come from humans or human institutions, exploring societal issues and moral failings.
- Natural Disasters and Sci-Fi Concepts: The show tackles a wide range of science fiction themes, from environmental issues to philosophical paradoxes, using imaginative scenarios.
- Psychological Horror: Doctor Who excels at creating suspense and fear from everyday objects and situations, twisting the familiar into something unsettling.
Enemies like the Daleks are not simply villains because they are aliens, but because of their ideology of hatred and domination. Doctor Who promotes understanding and respect for all life, challenging viewers to think beyond fear and prejudice.
Is Doctor Who a Children’s Show?
Originally conceived as educational programming for children, Doctor Who has evolved into a family show with appeal across age groups.
- Family Entertainment: While accessible to children, especially older kids, New Who often tackles complex themes and can be genuinely scary, particularly for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised for younger children.
- Humor and Silliness: The show embraces a sense of humor and whimsy, which is part of its charm. It can transition quickly from lighthearted moments to intense drama.
- No Gratuitous Content: Despite dealing with intense themes, Doctor Who avoids overt violence, strong language, and sexual content, making it generally suitable for family viewing while still engaging adult audiences.
Ready to Start Watching Doctor Who? Here’s How:
Excited to jump in? Here are three recommended starting points:
1. The Fifteenth Doctor (Current Season) Method
The newest era of Doctor Who, starring the Fifteenth Doctor, is designed to be incredibly accessible to new viewers. Starting with the current season is a fantastic option because:
- New Viewer Focus: The show anticipates new audiences and explains core concepts naturally within the episodes.
- Modern Production: With increased budgets and cutting-edge special effects, the current seasons offer a visually stunning introduction to the Whoniverse.
- Fresh Start: You can enjoy the adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday without needing prior knowledge, and decide if you want to explore more of the show’s history later.
Episodes are currently available on Disney+ in North America and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
2. The 2005 Reboot (Series 1, Episode 1 “Rose”) Method
Starting from the 2005 reboot is a classic approach and offers a comprehensive introduction to New Who:
- Complete Backstory: You’ll witness the beginning of the revived series and gain the full context for ongoing storylines and recurring characters.
- Ninth Doctor Introduction: You’ll start with the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), a fantastic and underrated incarnation, and progress through the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant), a fan favorite.
- Initial Investment Required: Be aware that the early seasons of the reboot had lower budgets, resulting in some cheesy special effects. If you can look past this, you’ll be rewarded with excellent storytelling and character development.
3. The “Blink” and Eleventh Doctor Start Method
For those hesitant or who have tried Doctor Who before and didn’t connect, this method is ideal:
- “Blink” Episode First (Series 3, Episode 10): Watch “Blink” first. This standalone episode is widely acclaimed and showcases the show’s clever writing and time travel elements, even with limited Doctor involvement.
- “Vincent and the Doctor” Episode Second (Series 5, Episode 10): Follow up with “Vincent and the Doctor,” a beautiful and emotionally resonant episode that demonstrates the show’s depth and heart.
- Eleventh Doctor Start (Series 5, Episode 1 “The Eleventh Hour”): Then, begin watching from Series 5, Episode 1, which introduces the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and a new era, again designed to be accessible for new fans.
Eleventh Doctor GIF
This method provides a taste of the show’s best qualities before committing to a full series, often converting skeptics into devoted Whovians.
Where to Watch Doctor Who?
- Current Episodes (Fifteenth Doctor): Disney+ (North America), BBC iPlayer (UK).
- Older Seasons (New Who): Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max (availability may vary by region).
- Classic Who: BritBox (specialized streaming service for British television).
- Physical Media: DVDs and Blu-rays are available for purchase.
- Libraries: Many libraries offer Doctor Who DVDs, a budget-friendly way to start.
With so many ways to begin and access Doctor Who, there’s no excuse not to start your adventure in time and space! Prepare to be captivated by the Doctor, the TARDIS, and the infinite wonders of the Whoniverse. Allons-y!
