Add Doctor Who to Your Watchlist

With the return of Doctor Who on the horizon for the 2026 Christmas special, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the vast and captivating Whoniverse. From its classic beginnings in 1963 to the modern era and encompassing a range of spin-offs, there’s a wealth of content for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Here’s a guide to navigating the world of the Doctor.

A Brief History of Doctor Who

Doctor Who premiered on November 23, 1963, and has undergone several revivals and regenerations over the decades. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, often accompanied by companions. The series initially ran from 1963 to 1989, with a television film in 1996, before being revived in 2005 and continuing to the present day.

How to Watch Doctor Who in Order

For those wanting a comprehensive viewing experience, watching Doctor Who and its spin-offs in release order is recommended. This allows for appreciation of crossovers and a fuller understanding of the Whoniverse’s evolving narrative. Almost the entire Whoniverse is currently available on BBC iPlayer ¹, with a few exceptions including the incredibly first serial and some Tom Baker classics.

The following is a list of the main series and spin-offs in release order:

• Doctor Who (1963-1989)
• Doctor Who (1996 film)
• Doctor Who (2005-present)
• Torchwood (four seasons)
• The Sarah Jane Adventures (five seasons)
• Class (one season)
• K-9 and Company (one pilot episode)
• Tales of the TARDIS (one season)

Doctor Who Seasons and Eras

The series is divided into eras, each marked by a different Doctor. Here’s a breakdown of the early seasons and their corresponding Doctors:

• Season 1 (1963-1964): First Doctor (42 episodes, 28 stories)
• Season 2 (1964-1965): First Doctor (39 episodes, 31 stories)
• Season 3 (1965-1966): First Doctor (45 episodes, 10 stories)
• Season 4 (1966-1967): Second Doctor (43 episodes, 9 stories)
• Season 5 (1967-1968): Second Doctor (40 episodes, 2 stories)
• Season 6 (1968-1969): Second Doctor (44 episodes, 7 stories)
• Season 7 (1970): Third Doctor (25 episodes, 3 stories)
• Season 8 (1971): Third Doctor (25 episodes, 2 stories)
• Season 9 (1972): Third Doctor (26 episodes, 1 story)
• Season 10 (1973): Third Doctor (26 episodes, 3 stories)
• Season 11 (1974): Third Doctor (26 episodes, 1 story)
• Season 12 (1975): Fourth Doctor (20 episodes, 2 stories)
• Season 13 (1976): Fourth Doctor (26 episodes, 3 stories)
• Season 14 (1977): Fourth Doctor (26 episodes, 4 stories)

Further season details can be found on Wikipedia.

The Future of Doctor Who

As fans eagerly await the 2026 Christmas special, the Whoniverse continues to expand. With Russell T Davies at the helm, and the intriguing cliffhanger involving Billie Piper’s character, the future of Doctor Who promises more exciting adventures through time and space. ¹

References:

¹ Lists of Doctor Who episodes – Wikipedia

² How to watch Doctor Who in order – Radio Times

³ COMPLETE Doctor Who watch order 1963-2025 – Reddit

⁴ List of Doctor Who television stories – Tardis Fandom