As the iconic British sci-fi series Doctor Who on BBC celebrates its remarkable 60th anniversary in 2023, navigating the vast expanse of its time-traveling narrative can feel as daunting as encountering a Dalek. Doctor Who stands as the longest-running TV series in its genre, spanning six decades of timey-wimey adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned Whovian or a newcomer ready to explore the depths of the TARDIS, the prospect of watching the entirety of Doctor Who can be as thrilling as it is vast. So, as we celebrate this momentous anniversary, let’s delve into a comprehensive guide, ensuring you experience Doctor Who in chronological order.
Where can you watch Doctor Who?
Doctor Who, the iconic BBC series that has spanned generations and captivated audiences worldwide, continues to be a timeless favorite. For those eager to embark on this thrilling journey or revisit their favourite episodes, the series is conveniently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer provides a free trial to its new users which allows them to watch the show for free and after the trial period it has the following subscription price plan. Furthermore, BBC iPlayer has multiple device compatibility for the feasibility of the users and allows you to cancel the subscription plan if you do not wish to continue.
Classic Who and company (1963-1989)
Doctor Who, a venerable sci-fi institution, materialized on our screens on November 23, 1963, one day after JFK’s assassination, introducing William Hartnell as the First Doctor. Over its illustrious quarter-century run, the series embraced subsequent iterations, featuring Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor, Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor, Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor, and Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor. Following the 1989 hiatus, Paul McGann portrayed the Eighth Doctor in a TV movie co-produced by BBC and Fox in 1996. Though classic Doctor Who lacked a full-fledged spinoff, the 1981 Christmas special “K-9 and Company” attempted a pilot, pairing the Doctor’s robot dog with fan-favorite companion Sarah Jane Smith.
The Whoniverse (2005-2008)
In 2005, Doctor Who experienced a triumphant return after 16 years, with Christopher Eccleston portraying the Ninth Doctor before regenerating into David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. Under showrunner Russell T. Davies, the series ventured into an interconnected TV universe. The adult-oriented spinoff Torchwood followed Captain Jack Harkness, an immortal time agent, investigating extra-terrestrial incidents in Cardiff. Simultaneously, the children’s series The Sarah Jane Adventures featured Elisabeth Sladen reprising her role as Sarah Jane, solving mysteries with teenage neighbours in Ealing, London. Here’s how you can watch the first phase of Whoniverse in order:
- Doctor Who seasons 1-2
- Torchwood season 1*
- The Sarah Jane Adventures: “Invasion of the Bane”
- Doctor Who season 3*
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1
- Torchwood season 2
Check this out: Time-Traveling Through The Ages: A List Of Doctor Who Actors
The Children of Time assemble (2008-2010)
The Children of Time assemble in Doctor Who‘s narrative between 2008 and 2010, showcasing an epic crossover event in the Season 4 two-part finale, “The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End.” Under Russell T. Davies’ adept world-building, the series unites the heroes of the main show with the casts of Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures to Dalek invasion of Earth, earning the moniker “The Children of Time.” Building on this crossover potential, David Tennant‘s Doctor makes an appearance in a Season 3 episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures, titled “The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith,” seamlessly fitting into the arc of the Doctor’s impending death. Here’s how you can watch next phase of Whoniverse in order:
- Doctor Who season 4
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2
- Doctor Who: “The Next Doctor” and “Planet of the Dead”
- Torchwood: Children of Earth
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3
- Doctor Who “The Waters of Mars” and “The End of Time: Parts 1 and 2”
Class Dismissed (2010-2017)
From 2010 to 2017, Doctor Who underwent transformative changes, bidding farewell to David Tennant and Russell T. Davies. Steven Moffat assumed the role of showrunner, overseeing Matt Smith’s tenure as the Eleventh Doctor for three seasons and Peter Capaldi’s portrayal as the Twelfth Doctor for an additional three seasons. Torchwood experienced a revival with the 10-part miniseries “Miracle Day,” marking its final season to date. Moffat’s era also introduced the original spinoff “Class” in 2016, aimed at a YA/teen audience and set in Coal Hill School. Despite a guest appearance by Peter Capaldi, the series was cancelled after one season due to low engagement. Here’s how you can watch this phase in order:
- Doctor Who season 5
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4
- Doctor Who season 6 part 1
- Torchwood: Miracle Day
- Doctor Who season 6 part 2
- The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5
- Doctor Who seasons 7-9
- Class
- Doctor Who season 10
Everything’s in flux (2018-22)
In 2017, Doctor Who experienced a significant shake-up with the departure of Steven Moffat and Peter Capaldi. Chris Chibnall took over as showrunner, introducing Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, the first female lead in the show’s history. The era featured two regular series and a shortened six-part miniseries titled Doctor Who: Flux due to the pandemic. Whittaker’s final year included a series of specials. Although no live-action spinoffs were created, a six-part animated miniseries, Daleks!, was released exclusively on YouTube in fall 2020 as part of the Time Lord Victorious initiative. Let’s have a look at how you can watch this phase in order:
- Doctor Who seasons 11-12
- Daleks!
- Doctor Who: Flux
- Doctor Who: “Eve of the Daleks,” “Legend of the Sea Devils,” and “The Power of the Doctor.”
The future (2023- Ongoing)
In 2022, Doctor Who welcomed back Russell T. Davies as showrunner for its Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special, with David Tennant returning as the Fourteenth Doctor in a trilogy of specials, along with other Doctor Who 2023 cast. Tennant will pass the sonic screwdriver to Ncuti Gatwa, set to become the Fifteenth Doctor for at least two seasons. While spinoffs are hinted at with the BBC’s partnership with Disney Plus, none have been officially announced as of now. Stay tuned for updates in the Doctor Who universe. You can watch the latest era in following order:
- Doctor Who 2023 specials
- Doctor Who seasons 14-15
What’s the wrap?
As the TARDIS travels through time and space, so does the legacy of Doctor Who, spanning six glorious decades of adventure, mystery, and regeneration. From the classic eras to the modern marvels, each Doctor brings their own flair to this timeless tale. With the rich tapestry of spinoffs and crossovers, Doctor Who has become a universe unto itself. Now, as the 60th-anniversary specials loom on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to embark on this extraordinary journey. As you now have Doctor Who in chronological order, gear up for unforgettable adventure and fall in love with the magic of the Doctor all over again!
