For newcomers and the uninitiated, diving into the world of Doctor Who can feel like stepping into a time machine without instructions. With over six decades of history, countless episodes, and a universe richer than almost any other in science fiction, it’s understandable to ask: what exactly is Doctor Who about? If you’ve been curious about this enduring British television phenomenon, or perhaps tried to watch an episode and felt completely lost, you’ve come to the right place. This beginner’s guide will break down the core concepts of Doctor Who, making it easy to understand and, hopefully, sparking a new obsession.
David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor with his sonic screwdriver, a central figure in the rebooted era of Doctor Who.
Unpacking the Core Concept of Doctor Who
At its most fundamental level, Doctor Who is a science fiction television show produced by the BBC. It first premiered in 1963 and has captivated audiences across generations, marking it as a truly unique and long-lasting series. The show is broadly divided into two main eras: Classic Who, which spanned from 1963 to 1989, and New Who, the successful reboot that began in 2005 and continues to this day. Once considered a niche interest, Doctor Who has surged into mainstream popularity, especially with the recent launch of a new season featuring a fresh Doctor, reigniting global interest.
But beyond its history, what is Doctor Who really about? Yes, it features a time-traveling alien, fantastical adventures across the cosmos, and encounters with strange creatures. However, at its heart, Doctor Who explores profoundly human themes. It’s a show deeply invested in wonder, goodness, the complexities of suffering and choice, the strength of friendship and love, and the eternal struggles of war and hate. These grand, universal themes are frequently interwoven with questions of spirituality and faith, presented through engaging and thought-provoking storytelling.
Animated GIF of the TARDIS materializing, a visual representation of the Doctor's time-traveling adventures.
While the narrative arc follows the Doctor and their companions on thrilling escapades through time and space, the true essence of Doctor Who lies in its exploration of hope and inherent goodness within the universe, celebrating life and the significance of personal stories. It champions the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when faced with morally ambiguous situations in an ever-changing universe. Of course, it’s also pure, unadulterated fun, offering viewers an escape into the imaginative and the extraordinary.
Doctor Who masterfully blends tones, shifting from moments of intense terror to laugh-out-loud comedy, from wildly imaginative scenarios (like, indeed, Space Babies!) to deeply philosophical reflections. It can be exhilarating, funny, utterly bizarre, profoundly thoughtful, beautiful, and yes, often heartbreaking. This emotional depth is a key component of its enduring appeal.
The series is known for its clever writing, intricate plots, and soulful exploration of character. One of its most rewarding aspects is the show’s intricate weaving of details; seemingly minor hints, slow-burning storylines, hidden Easter eggs, and recurring jokes accumulate and enrich the viewing experience over time. The more you watch Doctor Who, the more layers you uncover and appreciate.
Fundamentally, Doctor Who is an exhilarating journey through time and space, filled with irreverence and wit. It’s undeniably quirky and often hilarious, underpinned by a core of brilliance. But it also delves into the deepest human questions: our grapple with belief and faith, our experiences of suffering and joy, our wonder at the vastness of the cosmos, and how we are shaped by our choices, experiences, and most importantly, by love given and received. The underlying philosophy often echoes that every life is precious (“In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important”) and that life in all its forms is sacred. For many fans, Doctor Who cultivates a sense of wonder and boundless curiosity about the world and beyond. Ultimately, as the Doctor reminds us, “we’re all stories in the end,” and the show encourages us to make ours a good one.
Key Elements of Doctor Who Explained
To truly understand “What Is Doctor Who About,” it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its core components: The Doctor, the TARDIS, and the Companions.
The Doctor: More Than Just a Name
Firstly, it’s crucial to clarify a common misconception: the Doctor’s name isn’t actually “Doctor Who.” “Doctor Who” is the title of the show itself. The character is simply known as The Doctor. “Doctor” is a title they’ve adopted, which has essentially become their name.
And yes, the Doctor is an alien. Specifically, they are a Time Lord hailing from the planet Gallifrey. Physiologically, Time Lords are similar to humans, though they possess two hearts (the Doctor might jokingly argue that humans resemble Time Lords, as Time Lords existed first). The Doctor is exceptionally old, their age stretching into thousands of years, depending on how time is measured across various storylines.
Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, known for his quirky and energetic portrayal.
Adding to their mystique, the Doctor is the Last of the Time Lords. Time Lords have a unique relationship with time, perceiving it non-linearly, holding all of time and space in their awareness. They were once guardians of time, but now the Doctor is the sole survivor of their kind. This status profoundly influences their decisions, instills a sense of pathos, and fuels their deep respect for all forms of life.
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Time Lords is their ability to regenerate. When faced with fatal injury or extreme old age, a Time Lord’s body undergoes a complete renewal, resulting in a new physical form and, often, a shifted personality. This is why we speak of “the Twelfth Doctor,” “the Ninth Doctor,” and so on – each number denotes a distinct incarnation of the Doctor, portrayed by a different actor. This regeneration mechanic is ingenious, allowing Doctor Who to refresh itself periodically with a new lead, keeping the show dynamic and eternally relevant.
Be warned: becoming attached to a particular Doctor and then experiencing their regeneration is a bittersweet rite of passage for fans. Grief over a departing Doctor is quickly followed by enthusiastic embrace of the new one. Many fans develop a special fondness for one particular Doctor, often referring to them as “My Doctor,” the definitive incarnation against which all others are measured.
The Doctor’s true, given name remains unknown. The name they’ve chosen represents a promise: “Never cruel or cowardly, never give up and never give in.” This self-chosen identity shapes their actions and often inspires those around them to become “better.” Subtly revealed through the series, and later confirmed, is the Doctor’s history of immense suffering and loss, hinting at past roles as a father, now no longer. They are a character sculpted by both profound joy and devastating loss.
Steven Moffat, former showrunner and writer, eloquently summarized the essence of the Doctor:
“When they made this particular hero, they didn’t give him a gun, they gave him a screwdriver to fix things. They didn’t give him a tank or a warship or an x-wing fighter, they gave him a call box from which you can call for help. And the didn’t give him a superpower or pointy ears or a heat ray, they gave him an extra heart. They gave him two hearts. And that’s an extraordinary thing; there will never come a time when we don’t need a hero like the Doctor.“
The TARDIS: The Blue Box Mystery
The iconic blue police box is the Doctor’s time and space travel machine, known as the TARDIS, an acronym for Time And Relative Dimension In Space. The Doctor’s adventures began when they stole this TARDIS from Gallifrey and fled. The TARDIS’s police box exterior is a quirky accident: its chameleon circuit, designed to disguise it to blend into any environment, malfunctioned upon landing in 1960s Britain. Police boxes were then commonplace, and the TARDIS has been stuck in that form ever since, a charming anachronism wherever it goes.
Intriguingly, the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. It’s dimensionally transcendental, meaning its interior space is far larger than its exterior suggests. The exact extent of its interior is unknown and possibly limitless. The TARDIS is also more than a machine; it’s sentient. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that the TARDIS actively participates in the Doctor’s journeys, often influencing where and when they land. It shares a symbiotic relationship with the Doctor. The TARDIS interior is constantly changing, featuring not just a central control room (which regenerates with each new Doctor), but also rumored to contain swimming pools, libraries, and even darker, more mysterious sections.
Companions: Traveling Partners
The individuals who travel with the Doctor are called companions. Typically, though not exclusively, they are human. Initially, companions served as audience surrogates, characters through whom viewers could experience and question the Doctor’s world. However, especially in the rebooted series, companions have evolved into fully developed characters with their own motivations, backstories, and agency. They act as the Doctor’s conscience, drive the plot forward, sometimes create chaos, and at other times, provide a much-needed anchor to humanity.
The Doctor holds a particular fondness for Earth and often considers themselves a protector of humanity. The relationships between the Doctor and their companions are complex and varied. Families left behind on Earth often have equally complex relationships with the Doctor’s sudden and often disruptive presence. Viewers frequently become as invested in the companions and their families as in the Doctor themselves. A significant strength of Doctor Who is the character development afforded to companions; they grow, change, and evolve throughout their travels. Since the 2005 reboot, it’s arguable that the companion is elevated to an equal main character. Relationships between companions and the Doctor can range from romantic love to deep friendship, or even brief but impactful partnerships. The Doctor clearly has favorites, though they value all their companions. To delve further into companion dynamics would venture into spoiler territory, best discovered by watching.
Beyond Aliens: Themes and Stories
Is Doctor Who solely about battling aliens? Decidedly no. The Doctor is fundamentally pro-life and peace-oriented, driven by curiosity and wonder rather than aggression. When the Doctor encounters enemies, it’s usually because those entities violate these core values. The Doctor is innately fascinated by alien life and holds a deep respect for its diversity.
Major antagonists, like the Daleks, are not enemies simply because they are alien. In fact, the Doctor often clashes with humans over our tendency to react with fear and violence towards the unknown. The Daleks are antagonists because of their inherent hatred for anything different from themselves and their desire to impose uniformity on the universe, extinguishing its wonder and diversity.
Aliens are just one facet of Doctor Who. The show’s narrative scope is vast, encompassing historical adventures with real figures and events, encounters with sinister human adversaries, and explorations of natural disasters across time and space. One of the series’ strengths is its ability to take ordinary objects or everyday scenarios and subtly twist them into something unsettling and ominous. You’ll never look at statues or earpieces the same way again!
Is it for Kids?
Doctor Who straddles the line between children’s and family entertainment. Originally conceived as a children’s program, the rebooted series broadened its appeal to a wider family audience, often venturing into territory quite frightening for younger viewers. Many parents wait until their children are around ten or eleven before introducing them to the show. Embracing the elements intended for children – the silliness, the goofiness – is part of the Doctor Who experience that many fans cherish. The show’s ability to transition from terrifying suspense to lighthearted humor within moments is a hallmark. However, mindful of its potential young audience, Doctor Who generally avoids overt violence, explicit language, or sexual content to convey its narratives, a feature many viewers appreciate.
Drawing of the TARDIS by a child, representing the show's appeal across generations.
Getting Started with Doctor Who: Entry Points for New Viewers
Convinced to give it a try? Excellent! But with so much Doctor Who available, where should a beginner begin? Here are three recommended starting points:
1. The Fifteenth Doctor Method: Jump into the New Era
The most straightforward approach is to start with the current season, featuring the Fifteenth Doctor. This is an ideal entry point as it’s designed to welcome new viewers. You don’t need prior knowledge to enjoy it. Anticipating a fresh wave of audience members, the current series is crafted to explain essential elements of the Doctor Who universe as you go. If you connect with the show’s vibe, you can then explore other starting methods.
Currently, several episodes of the latest season are available on streaming platforms like Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. This new era introduces a delightful new Doctor and a compelling companion, Ruby Sunday, shrouded in mystery. With increased production budgets, the visual effects are more impressive than ever. Starting here offers a taste of the show’s characteristic blend of whimsy and intrigue, while laying groundwork for future storylines. Pay attention to details; Doctor Who is known for rewarding observant viewers with later payoffs.
2. The 2005 Reboot Method: The Modern Beginning
Alternatively, you can begin at the very start of the 2005 reboot, with Series 1, Episode 1, titled “Rose.” Watch chronologically from there. This is how many modern fans, including myself, began their Doctor Who journey, starting with the Ninth Doctor. It provides a comprehensive foundation, building from the ground up.
However, be aware that the 2005 reboot’s initial seasons had significantly lower budgets. For viewers accustomed to contemporary high-production-value television, the early special effects and sometimes overt silliness might be initially jarring. If you’re easily deterred by early-installment weirdness, this path might be challenging.
Personal anecdote: I almost gave up early on, particularly during an episode featuring, shall we say, flatulent aliens in Downing Street. However, around episodes eight and nine of Series 1 (“The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances”), a captivating blend of romance, fear, creepiness, and beauty, I became irrevocably hooked. Not everyone has this immediate conversion experience. It’s a slightly riskier starting point, but it ultimately provides the most complete backstory for everything that follows and introduces you to the immensely popular Tenth Doctor, David Tennant.
3. The Episode Gateway Start and then Eleventh Doctor Method: A Curated Introduction
This method is particularly recommended for those who have previously tried Doctor Who and “didn’t get it” or for those hesitant to commit to a long-running series with extensive history. It’s designed to provide a solid initial impression and a taste of what Doctor Who offers.
Your plan of attack: First, watch “Blink,” Series 3, Episode 10 (2007), featuring the Tenth Doctor and companion Martha. “Blink” is widely considered one of the strongest standalone episodes of the rebooted era, brilliantly showcasing the show’s time-travel mechanics, even though the Doctor is not heavily featured. Next, watch “Vincent and the Doctor,” Series 5, Episode 10 (2010), with the Eleventh Doctor.
Enjoyed those? Now, jump to Series 5, Episode 1, “The Eleventh Hour” (2010). This episode marks the beginning of a new era with the Eleventh Doctor and introduces companion Amy Pond. Similar to the current Fifteenth Doctor’s debut, Series 5 was designed to be more accessible to new viewers. This was the method I successfully used to convert my husband, who initially struggled with the perceived “cheesiness” of the early reboot.
Anecdotally, everyone I’ve recommended this curated starting path to has become a Doctor Who convert, often then circling back to Series 1, Episode 1 to experience the entire journey from the beginning. (Starting with Classic Who is possible, but generally for dedicated fans already intrigued by the concept).
Animated GIF of the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, offering a quirky and inviting expression.
Where to Watch Doctor Who
For the newest episodes featuring the Fifteenth Doctor, you can watch on Disney Plus in North America and on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Older seasons are currently available on various streaming services, including Amazon Prime and HBO Max. (Classic Who is also available on BritBox).
For those who prefer physical media, DVD and Blu-ray box sets are readily available for purchase, often including bonus features. A budget-friendly, low-commitment option to start is requesting DVDs from your local library.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has demystified “what is Doctor Who about” and provided you with a clear pathway to begin your own adventure in time and space. Doctor Who is more than just a science fiction show; it’s a celebration of humanity, hope, and the endless possibilities of the universe. With multiple entry points, there’s no better time to start watching than now. Dive in, explore, and get ready to become part of a global phenomenon.
