Currently the longest-running science fiction TV series in the world, “Doctor Who” is a cultural phenomenon and one of the most recognizable British intellectual properties ever. Created by Sydney Newman and first aired in 1963, the show has since created an ever-expanding franchise and fictional universe, spawning a whole host of spin-offs across multimedia such as comics, audio dramas, books, films, and other TV shows.
Over the decades since its debut, Doctor Who has collected a massive fan base from around the world, maintaining cultural relevance and mainstream popularity with each successive season.
The central premise of the show revolves around the adventures of the Doctor, a mysterious humanoid alien from the planet Gallifrey. Departing from their home world, the Doctor traverses time and space in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space), a living and sentient time machine.
Exploration of the unknown
Encountering foes ranging from armoured robots to eldritch abominations, the Doctor’s journey unfolds as a captivating exploration of the unknown. The show is famous, or infamous, for its charmingly bad special effects, which are at times unconvincing at best. However, instead of this being a fault, it has become a feature of the show, as this limitation has led to some of the series’ most iconic designs, such as the Daleks.
‘Doctor Who’s’ greatest conceit and the main draw is the concept of “regeneration”, an in-universe explanation to allow different actors to play the Doctor over the years, with each new incarnation changing up how the character is portrayed, like a soft rebooting of the series. This has allowed the show to stay fresh throughout the years, keeping it dynamic and ever-evolving.
To date, there have been thirteen official incarnations of the Doctor, portrayed by popular actors such as William Hartnell, Tom Baker, David Tennant, and Jodie Whittaker, with each bringing their own unique flavor to the character. The Doctor’s companions also change, meaning the entire supporting cast is refreshed every few seasons, breathing new life into the status quo.
Two eras
Fans consider the show to be divided into two eras: the Classic era, spanning from 1963 to 1989, and the Modern era, which has been ongoing since 2005. The Classic era covered the First to Eighth Doctors and introduced audiences to the Doctor’s early adventures, including iconic villains like the Daleks and Cybermen.
These early episodes were more serialized, with self-contained stories that had little shared continuity. They were also more educational, trying to cover real history with certain storylines, though that would later be phased out.
Due to the early policies of the BBC to reuse tapes instead of storing them to save costs, a lot of these early episodes have been lost to time and are unviewable today. To resolve this, the BBC has its own freelance team dedicated to restoring and remastering these early episodes, trying to recover some of the lost episodes and touching up existing episodes for a better viewing experience.
“Revival Series”
A made-for-TV movie in 1996 served as a pilot for an American-led revival but failed to materialize into a full series. The subsequent decade saw attempts to relaunch the show, culminating in the BBC’s successful regeneration of “Doctor Who” in 2005. This marked the beginning of the “Revival Series,” maintaining a direct continuity with the “Classic Series” rather than opting for a Continuity Reboot.
The Revival Series, characterized by enhanced production values, shorter story arcs, and deeper character development, garnered widespread acclaim. The Ninth Doctor, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston, ushered in a new era, setting the stage for a fresh exploration of time and space.
Today, Doctor Who has transcended the confines of television, giving rise to an expansive Expanded Universe. The series’ impact extends to behind-the-scenes companion shows like “Doctor Who Confidential” and “Totally Doctor Who,” offering audiences a glimpse into the creative process. The show’s legacy persists, with the Doctor continuing to captivate audiences through time and space.
