Doctor Who is a long-running British science fiction series about a humanoid alien called "The Doctor" who travels through space and time in a ship called the TARDIS, disguised as a British police box. The Doctor combats evil, protects the innocent, and liberates the oppressed throughout their adventures, often accompanied by companions.
July 1963: The Daleks Are Created
In July 1963, Terry Nation created the Daleks, initially conceived as victims of a neutron bomb attack, but later becoming the iconic villains of Doctor Who.
November 1963: Doctor Who's Debut Broadcast
Despite a delay due to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Doctor Who premiered on November 1963, marking the beginning of its journey as a television phenomenon.
November 1963: Doctor Who's Debut and Serialized Format
Doctor Who premiered on BBC One on November 23, 1963. The show's initial format was serialized, with each weekly episode contributing to a larger story or "serial." These serials typically spanned four to six parts in the early years and later shifted to three to four parts. This approach created ongoing narratives that kept viewers engaged over extended periods.
November 1963: Doctor Who's Debut and Broadcast Delay
The first episode of Doctor Who premiered in November 1963. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't delayed by 10 minutes due to President Kennedy's assassination; it was only delayed by 80 seconds. However, due to widespread coverage of the assassination and power blackouts, the BBC re-aired the episode on November 30th before the second episode aired.
1963: Sampling of the Original Theme
Murray Gold's 2005 arrangement of the Doctor Who theme sampled the original 1963 version, blending old and new elements.
1963: Doctor Who First Televised
The first televised installment of Doctor Who aired in 1963, marking the beginning of the show's long history.
1963: Doctor Who Begins its Original Run
Doctor Who's original run began in 1963, captivating audiences with its unique blend of science fiction, history, and adventure.
1963: First Appearance of the Daleks
The Daleks made their first appearance on the show in 1963. They are mutated Kaleds from the planet Skaro, encased in mechanical armor. Their creator, Davros, designed them to "exterminate" all non-Dalek life.
1963: Doctor Who Classic Series Begins
In 1963, the original run of Doctor Who, known as the classic series, began, marking the start of the Doctor's long and complex history.
1963: The Classic Series Runs
Doctor Who's original run, known as the classic series, ran from 1963 to 1989, establishing the foundations of the show's universe and enduring popularity.
1963: Doctor Who Premieres
The first episode of Doctor Who aired in 1963, introducing audiences to the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS.
1963: Doctor Who Premieres
The companion figure has been a constant presence in Doctor Who since its start in 1963. One of the companion's roles is to act as a reminder of the Doctor's "moral duty.".
1963: The Daleks' Debut
The Daleks, envisioned as an allegory of the Nazis by their creator, Terry Nation, debuted in the Doctor Who serial "The Daleks" in 1963.
1963: The Daleks
The Daleks were first introduced to Doctor Who in 1963 in the serial "The Daleks". They would go on to be recurring antagonists in the classic and revived series.
September 1964: Doctor Who's New Zealand Premiere
New Zealand made history in September 1964, becoming the first country outside the United Kingdom to broadcast Doctor Who, establishing its long-standing relationship with the show.
1964: Popularity Surge
"The Daleks" serial, spanning 1963 and 1964, propelled both the Daleks and Doctor Who to significant popularity.
1964: Doctor Who's International Broadcast Begins
Doctor Who's international broadcast journey commenced in 1964, a year after its initial airing in the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of its global reach.
1964: Dudley Simpson's First Doctor Who Score
In 1964, Dudley Simpson, renowned for his work on Blake's 7 and The Tomorrow People, composed his first score for Doctor Who for the serial "Planet of Giants."
1964: Doctor Who in Political Cartoons
In 1964, a political cartoon in the Daily Mail depicted Charles de Gaulle as a Dalek.
1964: Marco Polo Missing Episode
Short clips from every Doctor Who story except Marco Polo (1964), "Mission to the Unknown" (1965), and The Massacre (1966) are known to exist.
1964: Release of Doctor Who Theme
The Doctor Who theme, one of television's first electronic signature tunes, was released as a single in 1964.
1964: Doctor Who Premieres and Encounters "Dalekmania"
The first episode of Doctor Who premiered in 1964, just a day after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Its initial popularity, boosted by the "Dalekmania" phenomenon of 1964-1965, saw the show drawing audiences between 9 and 14 million viewers, solidifying its place as a family show.
January 1965: Doctor Who Premieres in Australia
In January 1965, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) began exclusively airing Doctor Who, marking the show's debut in Australia.
1965: Galaxy 4 Missing Episode Discovery
A missing episode, part 3, of the 1965 Doctor Who story "Galaxy 4" was rediscovered in December 2011.
1965: Release of "Dr. Who and the Daleks"
In 1965, the first Doctor Who feature film, "Dr. Who and the Daleks," was released, offering a cinematic reimagining of the Daleks' first appearance.
1965: "Mission to the Unknown" Missing Episode
Short clips from every Doctor Who story except Marco Polo (1964), "Mission to the Unknown" (1965), and The Massacre (1966) are known to exist.
1965: "Dalekmania" Drives Doctor Who's Popularity
Throughout 1965, the "Dalekmania" phenomenon continued to boost the popularity of Doctor Who, bringing in consistently high viewership.
1966: Patrick Troughton Takes Over as the Doctor
Patrick Troughton succeeded William Hartnell as the Doctor in 1966, introducing a new interpretation of the Time Lord.
1966: The Massacre Missing Episode
Short clips from every Doctor Who story except Marco Polo (1964), "Mission to the Unknown" (1965), and The Massacre (1966) are known to exist.
1966: The Chase Abridgement
The earliest Doctor Who audio release was a narrated abridgement of the First Doctor story "The Chase", released in 1966.
1966: The Tenth Planet Missing Episode
Part four of "The Tenth Planet" from 1966, featuring the First Doctor's regeneration, is mostly missing with only a few seconds of the regeneration scene from the children's show Blue Peter and some low-quality silent 8mm clips remaining.
1966: Release of "Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D."
In 1966, the second Doctor Who feature film, "Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.," was released, providing a big-screen adaptation of the Daleks' invasion of Earth.
1966: Shift from Serial Titles to Individual Episode Titles
Following "The Gunfighters" in 1966, Doctor Who underwent a formatting change. Instead of using overarching titles for serials, each serial received its own distinct title, and individual episodes within the serial were assigned episode numbers. This transition marked a move toward more self-contained storytelling within each serial.
1967: Start of Doctor Who Archive Wipe
Between 1967 and 1978, the BBC wiped or destroyed large amounts of early Doctor Who episodes, including those featuring the first two Doctors.
1967: Shift Towards Science Fiction and Decline of History-Oriented Episodes
By 1967, Doctor Who had shifted its focus predominantly towards science fiction stories. Historical episodes, which were not favored by the production team, were gradually phased out following "The Highlanders." While the show continued to incorporate historical settings, they primarily served as backdrops for science fiction narratives.
1967: Animation of Missing Episodes
In 2013, the BBC animated missing episodes from "The Tenth Planet", "The Ice Warriors", and "The Moonbase", all from 1967.
1967: The Underwater Menace Missing Episode Discovery
In December 2011, a missing episode from the 1967 serial "The Underwater Menace", part 2, was found and returned to the BBC.
1968: The Enemy of the World and The Web of Fear Missing Episodes Discovery
Missing episodes from the 1968 Doctor Who stories "The Enemy of the World" and "The Web of Fear" were discovered in Nigeria in October 2013.
1968: The Invasion Missing Episode Animation
The missing episodes 1 and 4 of The Invasion (1968) were reconstructed by the BBC using animation.
1970: Jon Pertwee Becomes the Doctor and the Show Transitions to Color
Jon Pertwee became the Doctor in 1970, and Doctor Who transitioned to color production, bringing a new vibrancy to the series.
1970: Spearhead from Space
The Autons and the Nestene Consciousness first appeared in the 1970 story "Spearhead from Space". They would later reappear in the revived series.
1971: The Master's First Appearance
The Master, the Doctor's archenemy, first appeared in 1971. Roger Delgado originated the role.
1971: Donald Wilson Claims to Have Named Doctor Who
In 1971, Donald Wilson claimed to have come up with the name "Doctor Who" for the series, a claim that wasn't disputed by Sydney Newman.
1971: Terror of the Autons and Children's Fear
Jon Pertwee's second season in 1971 featured the serial "Terror of the Autons." The serial, with its imagery of murderous dolls and killer daffodils, was considered a high point in the show's capacity to frighten children.
1972: Doctor Who's Violence Controversy
In 1972, a BBC audience research survey revealed Doctor Who to be the most violent drama series produced by the corporation. The definition of violence used in the survey was "any act[s] which may cause physical and/or psychological injury, hurt or death to persons, animals or property, whether intentional or accidental". While the report suggested that 3% of the surveyed audience felt the show was "very unsuitable" for families, journalist Philip Howard defended the show, comparing its fantastical violence to the more realistic violence in other TV series.
1972: Nearly Complete Doctor Who Archive
In 1972, almost all Doctor Who episodes produced at the time were known to exist in the BBC archives.
1973: Roger Delgado's Passing
Roger Delgado, who portrayed the Master, passed away in 1973.
1973: The Three Doctors
In 1973, "The Three Doctors" featured the return of William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton alongside Jon Pertwee.
1974: Tom Baker Becomes the Doctor
Tom Baker's portrayal of the Doctor, beginning in 1974, became immensely popular, revitalizing the show's viewership and establishing him as a fan favorite.
1975: Richard Hurndall replaces William Hartnell as the First Doctor
Due to William Hartnell's death in 1975, Richard Hurndall played the First Doctor in "The Five Doctors." 34 years later, David Bradley would similarly replace Hartnell in "Twice Upon a Time".
1975: Doctor Who Wins Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award
In 1975, Season 11 of Doctor Who won a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for Best Writing in a Children's Serial.
1975: Terror of the Zygons
The Zygons made their first appearance in the 1975 serial "Terror of the Zygons", later returning for the 50th-anniversary special.
1976: The Deadly Assassin
In 1976, the episode "The Deadly Assassin" was the only story in the original run of Doctor Who in which the Doctor traveled alone.
1976: The Deadly Assassin Establishes Regeneration Limit
The 1976 serial "The Deadly Assassin" established the idea that a Time Lord can only regenerate 12 times, leading to a total of 13 incarnations.
1976: TVOntario Starts Airing Doctor Who
In 1976, TVOntario began airing Doctor Who, starting with "The Three Doctors", introducing the show to a new audience.
1976: Graphic Violence and BBC Policy Changes
In 1976, the episode "The Deadly Assassin" sparked controversy for its depiction of graphic violence, including the Doctor seemingly being drowned. This led to Mary Whitehouse, a prominent moral campaigner, complaining to the BBC. In response, the BBC imposed stricter controls on the production team and directed the incoming producer, Graham Williams, to remove "anything graphic in the depiction of violence."
1978: End of Doctor Who Archive Wipe
In 1978, the BBC stopped wiping tapes and destroying film copies of Doctor Who, preserving the remaining episodes.
1978: Mankind Disco Version
Mankind released a disco rendition of the Doctor Who theme in 1978, achieving UK chart success.
1979: End of Derbyshire Arrangement
Delia Derbyshire's arrangement of the Doctor Who theme, with minor edits, was used until the end of season 17 in 1979.
1979: Doctor Who Viewership Peaks During ITV Strike
During the 1979 ITV network strike, Doctor Who experienced a peak in viewership, reaching 16 million viewers as audiences sought alternative programming.
1979: End of Dudley Simpson's run on Doctor Who
In 1979, Dudley Simpson's long run composing music for Doctor Who concluded with "The Horns of Nimon," marking the end of an era.
1979: Judith Merril Joins TVOntario's Doctor Who Broadcasts
In 1979, science-fiction writer Judith Merril joined TVOntario's Doctor Who broadcasts, introducing episodes and providing educational context.
1980: New Arrangement by Peter Howell
Peter Howell created a new arrangement of the Doctor Who theme for season 18 in 1980.
1980: Derbyshire Arrangement's Legacy
Delia Derbyshire's arrangement, created before synthesizers and multitrack mixers, is recognized as a pioneering piece of electronic music, used until 1980.
1980: The Radiophonic Workshop Takes Over Doctor Who Music
Starting with "The Leisure Hive" in 1980, the Radiophonic Workshop took over the responsibility of creating incidental music for Doctor Who.
1981: State of Decay Audiobook
The first commercially available Doctor Who audiobook, an abridged reading of the Fourth Doctor story "State of Decay", was released in 1981.
1981: Peter Davison Becomes the Doctor
Peter Davison assumed the role of the Doctor in 1981, ushering in a new era for the series.
1981: Pilot Episode for "K-9 and Company" Airs
In 1981, a pilot episode for a potential spin-off series, "K-9 and Company," starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith and John Leeson as the voice of K9, was aired but the series was not picked up.
1981: Judith Merril's Involvement with TVOntario's Doctor Who Broadcasts Ends
In 1981, Judith Merril's role in TVOntario's Doctor Who broadcasts concluded, marking the end of her contributions to the show's presentation.
1982: Black Orchid: A Rare Historical Exception
The 1982 serial "Black Orchid" marked a notable exception to the trend of science fiction-dominated narratives. Set in 1920s England, the story delved into a historical setting without relying heavily on science fiction tropes.
November 1983: The Five Doctors Anniversary Special
In November 1983, "The Five Doctors" aired as part of the BBC Children in Need Appeal, marking the series' 20th anniversary. The 90-minute episode was the longest single episode of Doctor Who produced at that time and was the first co-production with Australian broadcaster ABC.
1983: The Five Doctors
For the 1983 special "The Five Doctors", Troughton and Pertwee returned to star with Peter Davison, and Tom Baker appeared in previously unseen footage from the unfinished "Shada" serial. Richard Hurndall replaced William Hartnell for this episode.
1983: Feature-length Production "The Five Doctors"
In 1983, Doctor Who aired "The Five Doctors", a special feature-length production.
1983: Mawdryn Undead Confirms Regeneration Limit
The 1983 story "Mawdryn Undead" confirmed the regeneration limit of Time Lords, set at 12 regenerations for a total of 13 incarnations.
1983: "The Five Doctors" Premieres on PBS
The 20th-anniversary special "The Five Doctors" premiered on several PBS stations in the United States on November 23, 1983, two days ahead of its broadcast on BBC One, marking a unique instance of a Doctor Who premiere outside of its home channel.
1984: Introduction of 45/50-minute episodes
"Resurrection of the Daleks", in 1984, started experimenting with 45/50-minute episodes, a format that would later become a standard for the series.
1984: Colin Baker Takes on the Role of the Doctor
Colin Baker became the Doctor in 1984, bringing his own distinct interpretation to the role.
1985: Single Season of 45/50-minute Episodes
Doctor Who aired a single season in 1985 where all episodes were 45/50-minutes long, a departure from the typical 25-minute format.
1985: Season 22 Violence and Series Suspension
In 1985, John Nathan-Turner, the show's producer during the 1980s, drew criticism from BBC executives, including controller Michael Grade, over the level of violence depicted in season 22. This controversy, alongside other factors, contributed to the BBC's decision to suspend Doctor Who for 18 months. Ironically, Nathan-Turner claimed he anticipated complaints from Mary Whitehouse, as they often coincided with increased ratings for the series.
1985: Doctor Who Series Postponed, Leading to Viewership Decline
In 1985, the postponement of Doctor Who's 23rd series, leaving the show off air for 18 months, led to a noticeable decline in viewership.
1985: Michael Grade Attempts to Cancel Doctor Who
Michael Grade, the channel controller, tried to cancel Doctor Who in 1985, but the show returned after an 18-month break.
1985: The Two Doctors
Patrick Troughton returned once again in the 1985 special "The Two Doctors", appearing alongside Colin Baker.
1986: Introduction of the Valeyard
During the 1986 serial "The Trial of a Time Lord", the Valeyard character, played by Michael Jayston, was introduced. The Valeyard is described as an amalgamation of the darker sides of the Doctor's nature, existing somewhere between his twelfth and final incarnations.
1986: Suggestion for a Female Doctor
In 1986, Doctor Who writer, Sydney Newman, suggested the possibility of casting a woman as the Doctor.
1986: Radiophonic Workshop's Doctor Who run ends
In 1986, after contributing to the series for six years, the Radiophonic Workshop's involvement in creating music for Doctor Who came to an end following "The Trial of a Time Lord."
1986: Colin Baker is Replaced
Colin Baker was removed from the starring role in 1986 at the request of Michael Grade.
1986: Dominic Glynn's Arrangement
Dominic Glynn's arrangement of the theme was used for "The Trial of a Time Lord" in season 23 (1986).
1987: Keff McCulloch's Arrangement
Keff McCulloch's arrangement accompanied the Seventh Doctor's era from season 24 (1987) until the show's suspension in 1989.
1988: "Silver Nemesis" Premieres in New Zealand
In a unique occurrence, the Doctor Who story "Silver Nemesis" premiered in New Zealand on TVNZ in November 1988, with all three episodes airing back to back, even before the final two installments were broadcast in the UK.
1988: The Timelords' "Doctorin' the Tardis"
The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu, as The Timelords, released "Doctorin' the Tardis" in 1988, a track incorporating elements of the Doctor Who theme and other songs.
1988: Slipback Radio Drama
The first Doctor Who radio drama, "Slipback", aired in 1988 during a hiatus in the television show.
July 1989: Philip Segal Approaches the BBC about Relaunching Doctor Who
While the 26th season was still in production, Philip Segal approached the BBC in July 1989 with the idea of reviving the show.
December 1989: End of the Original Run
On December 6, 1989, Doctor Who concluded its original run after 26 seasons. The show had left an indelible mark on British television history and popular culture, with its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure captivating audiences for decades. While the show went on hiatus, its dedicated fanbase and enduring legacy ensured its eventual return.
1989: Sylvester McCoy Takes on the Role of the Doctor and the Show Ends
Sylvester McCoy became the Doctor in 1989, but declining viewership and a less favorable time slot led to the show's end under Peter Cregeen, despite the BBC's assertions of its return.
1989: The Classic Series Ends
In 1989, the classic series of Doctor Who concluded its run.
1989: Doctor Who's Original Run Ends
In 1989, Doctor Who concluded its original 26-season run, marking the end of an era for the beloved series.
1989: Doctor Who's Hiatus
Doctor Who went on hiatus in 1989, marking the end of Anthony Ainley's run as the Master.
1989: Doctor Who's Suspension
Doctor Who was suspended in 1989, with its lower viewership in the late 1980s cited as a major factor by the BBC Board of Control, despite scheduling conflicts with popular shows like Coronation Street.
1989: Series Suspension
Doctor Who was suspended in 1989, ending Keff McCulloch's tenure as the theme's arranger.
1991: TVOntario Concludes Doctor Who Broadcasts
In 1991, TVOntario concluded its run of Doctor Who, ending with series 24, marking the end of an era for the channel's Doctor Who broadcasts.
1991: Behind the Sofa Exhibition
The phrase "hiding behind the sofa," referencing children seeking refuge from scary scenes while watching Doctor Who, became ingrained in British culture. In 1991, the Museum of the Moving Image in London paid homage to this phenomenon with an exhibition titled "Behind the Sofa," celebrating the show's enduring impact.
1993: Dimensions in Time Charity Special
In 1993, a special 3D episode titled "Dimensions in Time" was produced for Children in Need to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. It featured surviving actors who played the Doctor, previous companions, and a crossover with the soap opera "EastEnders".
1993: "Dimensions in Time" Collaboration
The 1993 two-part story "Dimensions in Time" was a special collaboration with the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
1996: Doctor Who Television Film
In 1996, a Doctor Who television film was produced, serving as a revival attempt for the show and introducing the Eighth Doctor.
1996: Doctor Who Television Film Bridges the Gap
The 1996 Doctor Who television film served as a bridge between the classic series and the 2005 revival, introducing a new Doctor and setting the stage for the show's return.
1996: Doctor Who Classic Series Ends
In 1996, the classic series of Doctor Who came to an end, concluding the era of the first eight Doctors.
1996: BBC Trademark Application for the TARDIS
In 1996, the BBC applied for a trademark to use the TARDIS's blue police box design for Doctor Who merchandise. This move aimed to capitalize on the iconic status of the TARDIS and expand the show's presence in popular culture.
1996: The Master's Return
The Master returned in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie, played by American actor Eric Roberts.
1996: Doctor Who Wins Best Popular Drama at the "Auntie Awards"
At the BBC's "Auntie Awards" in 1996, part of the "TV60" series celebrating 60 years of BBC television, Doctor Who was voted "Best Popular Drama."
1996: John Debney's Arrangement
American composer John Debney created a new arrangement of Ron Grainer's Doctor Who theme for the 1996 television movie.
1996: Doctor Who Television Film
A special feature-length Doctor Who television film aired in 1996.
1996: Doctor Who Television Film Airs
A Doctor Who television film, intended as a backdoor pilot for an American series, aired in 1996, introducing Paul McGann as the Doctor.
1996: American Doctor Who Pilot Airs
An American co-produced Doctor Who television film, serving as a pilot, aired in 1996, starring Paul McGann as the Doctor, achieving success in the UK but not leading to a full series.
1998: Metropolitan Police Authority's Objection
In 1998, the Metropolitan Police Authority filed an objection to the BBC's trademark claim for the TARDIS's blue police box design. This legal challenge highlighted the complexities of intellectual property rights and the potential conflicts that can arise when cultural icons intersect with real-world institutions.
1999: Commemorative Stamp
A Dalek was featured on a British postage stamp in 1999, photographed by Lord Snowdon, celebrating British popular culture.
1999: Big Finish Productions Begins Doctor Who Audio Releases
Big Finish Productions began releasing various Doctor Who audio series on CD in 1999.
1999: Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death
In 1999, a parody special titled "Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death" was made for Comic Relief. The four-segment special, written by future showrunner Steven Moffat, featured Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor, Jonathan Pryce as the Master, and the Daleks.
2000: Doctor Who Ranked Third in 100 Greatest British Television Programmes
In 2000, the British Film Institute ranked Doctor Who third in its list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes of the 20th century.
2000: Doctor Who on Video 2000
In the year 2000, many Doctor Who episodes were released on the Video 2000 format, a European competitor to VHS, showcasing the diverse range of home video formats the show has been available on.
2001: Eighth Doctor Joins Big Finish
Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor joined the Big Finish audio releases in 2001.
2001: Doctor Who Ranked Ninth in Channel 4's 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows
In 2001, Channel 4 placed Doctor Who ninth in its list of the 100 Greatest Kids' TV shows.
2002: Patent Office Rules in Favor of the BBC
In 2002, the Patent Office ruled in favor of the BBC, granting them the trademark for the TARDIS's blue police box design. This decision solidified the BBC's control over the TARDIS image and enabled them to utilize it for merchandising and other commercial purposes.
September 2003: BBC Announces New Doctor Who Series
Following years of attempts by BBC Worldwide to find support for a feature film, BBC Television announced a new in-house Doctor Who series in September 2003.
2003: ABC Celebrates Doctor Who's 40th Anniversary
In 2003, the ABC commemorated the 40th anniversary of Doctor Who by airing daily screenings of all available classic episodes, showcasing the show's legacy.
2004: Doctor Who Ranked 18th on TV Guide's Top Cult Shows Ever
In 2004, Doctor Who was ranked number 18 on TV Guide's list of Top Cult Shows Ever.
March 2005: Christopher Eccleston Stars as the Doctor in the Relaunched Series
Doctor Who came back on March 2005 with "Rose", starring Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, after a 16-year break from in-house production.
November 2005: Untitled Mini-Episode
In November 2005, an untitled seven-minute mini-episode aired during Children in Need, introducing David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor.
2005: Characters from "Torchwood" Appear in Doctor Who
In 2005, characters who would later appear in "Torchwood", including Captain Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper (inspired by Gwyneth from "The Unquiet Dead"), and Toshiko Sato, made their first appearances in the revived Doctor Who series.
2005: Doctor Who starts featuring pop music excerpts
Upon its revival in 2005, Doctor Who started to incorporate excerpts of popular music from the 1970s to the 2000s into its soundtrack.
2005: Revival Era Episode Format
The revival era of Doctor Who, starting in 2005, adopted the 45/50-minute episode format as standard.
2005: Doctor Who Revival Format Change
The 2005 revival of Doctor Who introduced a new serial format consisting of thirteen 45-minute episodes and an extended Christmas special.
2005: Doctor Who Revival Premieres with High Viewership
The 2005 premiere of "Rose," the first episode of the revived Doctor Who series, drew an impressive average audience of 10.81 million viewers, highlighting the successful return of the show.
2005: The Doctor's Companion in the Revived Series
Since the show's revival in 2005, the Doctor has typically traveled with a main female companion, who has a larger narrative role.
2005: Murray Gold's Arrangement
Murray Gold provided a new arrangement for the series revival in 2005, incorporating samples from the 1963 original and adding new elements.
2005: Doctor Who Series 1 Released on UMD
In 2005, the first series of the revived Doctor Who was released on UMD for the PlayStation Portable, representing an early venture into portable digital distribution for the show.
2005: CBC Resumes Airing Doctor Who
In 2005, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) resumed airing Doctor Who, bringing the show back to Canadian television screens.
2005: Classic Monsters Return
When Doctor Who was revived in 2005, executive producer Russell T Davies said he wanted to bring back classic Doctor Who monsters.
2005: Eighth Doctor Links Television Movie to Revived Series
In 2005, Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor, introduced in the 1996 television film, was confirmed as part of Doctor Who canon through flashback footage and a mini-episode in the revived series, bridging the gap between the two eras.
2005: Revived Doctor Who Premieres and Changes Filming Style
In 2005, Doctor Who returned, picking up the plot threads from its predecessors, and shifted from a multi-camera setup to a single-camera setup, changing the visual style of the series.
2005: Murray Gold and Ben Foster become Doctor Who composers
From the show's 2005 revival, Murray Gold and Ben Foster took over composing the music for Doctor Who, contributing to its distinctive sound.
2005: Revived Doctor Who Airs on Prime Television in New Zealand
From 2005, the revived Doctor Who series found a home on New Zealand's Prime Television, continuing the country's tradition of broadcasting the show.
2005: Doctor Who Soundtrack Releases Begin
Following the revival of Doctor Who in 2005, the release of soundtracks featuring music from the series began, allowing fans to enjoy the music separately.
2005: Doctor Who's Revival
Doctor Who was revived in 2005, paving the way for new incarnations of the Master.
2005: Doctor Who Tops SFX Magazine's "Greatest UK Science Fiction and Fantasy Television Series Ever"
Doctor Who topped SFX magazine's survey of "The Greatest UK Science Fiction and Fantasy Television Series Ever" in 2005.
2005: Doctor Who's Winning Streak at the National Television Awards Begins
Doctor Who began its streak of five consecutive wins at the National Television Awards in 2005, during Russell T Davies' time as executive producer.
2005: Doctor Who is Relaunched
After a hiatus, Doctor Who was relaunched in 2005 with a new series that continued the story from the classic series and the 1996 film.
2005: The Daleks' Continued Presence
Since the show's revival in 2005, the Daleks have appeared in every series, cementing their status as a recurring antagonist in the Doctor Who universe.
2005: Doctor Who's Revival
In 2005, Doctor Who was revived with Russell T. Davies as showrunner and Jane Tranter as executive producer. The revival breathed new life into the series, attracting new viewers while retaining its dedicated fanbase.
April 2006: Blue Peter Missing Episode Challenge
In April 2006, the children's show Blue Peter launched a challenge to find missing Doctor Who episodes, offering a full-scale Dalek model as a reward.
October 2006: "Torchwood" Premieres on BBC Three
On October 22, 2006, "Torchwood", a spin-off series set in modern-day Cardiff and investigating alien activities, premiered on BBC Three, expanding the Doctor Who universe.
November 2006: The Invasion Animated Reconstruction
In November 2006, the BBC released an animated reconstruction of the missing episodes 1 and 4 of "The Invasion" (1968), using the original audio tracks and stage notes, for the serial's DVD release.
November 2006: Doctor Who: A Celebration of Music concert
In November 2006, a special concert was held to celebrate the music of Doctor Who, featuring performances by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and appearances by David Tennant, Murray Gold, and Russell T Davies, along with iconic Doctor Who villains like the Daleks and Cybermen.
2006: Cybermen's Reintroduction
The Cybermen were reintroduced to Doctor Who in 2006, originating from an alternate universe and featuring revamped backstories and designs.
2006: "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances" Wins Hugo Award
The Doctor Who episodes "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances" won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2006.
2006: Torchwood Premieres
Torchwood, a spin-off series of Doctor Who, premiered in 2006, expanding the Whoniverse with more mature themes and characters.
2006: Sarah Jane Smith Returns & Torchwood Premieres
Sarah Jane Smith returned to "Doctor Who" in 2006. The same year, the spin-off show "Torchwood", starring John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, premiered.
2006: Doctor Who Series 1 Airs on NHK with Japanese Subtitles
In 2006, the first series of Doctor Who began airing on various NHK channels with Japanese subtitles, introducing the Ninth Doctor to Japanese audiences.
2006: Doctor Who Wins Best Drama Series at the BAFTAs
Doctor Who won the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series in 2006.
June 2007: Series Three Premieres on CBC
On June 18, 2007, the third series of Doctor Who premiered on CBC, continuing the adventures of the Tenth Doctor.
July 2007: Series Three Premieres on Sci Fi Channel
On July 6, 2007, the third series of Doctor Who premiered on the Sci Fi Channel, introducing American audiences to the Tenth Doctor's adventures.
September 2007: "The Sarah Jane Adventures" Premieres
On September 24, 2007, "The Sarah Jane Adventures", a spin-off series starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, premiered, expanding the Doctor Who universe with a focus on Sarah Jane's continued investigations.
November 2007: Time Crash Mini-Episode
In November 2007, the mini-episode "Time Crash", featuring the Tenth Doctor meeting the Fifth Doctor, aired during Children in Need.
2007: The Sarah Jane Adventures Premieres
The Sarah Jane Adventures, another spin-off, premiered in 2007, focusing on former companion Sarah Jane Smith and appealing to a younger audience.
2007: The Sarah Jane Adventures Premieres
Sarah Jane Smith became the main character of the spin-off show "The Sarah Jane Adventures", which ran from 2007-2011, following her return to "Doctor Who" in 2006.
2007: Time Crash
Peter Davison returned in 2007 for the Children in Need special "Time Crash", appearing alongside David Tennant.
2007: New Arrangement for "Voyage of the Damned"
Murray Gold introduced a new arrangement of the Doctor Who theme for the 2007 Christmas special, "Voyage of the Damned."
2007: The Infinite Quest Animated Serial
In 2007, an animated Doctor Who serial, "The Infinite Quest", aired alongside the 2007 series as part of the children's show "Totally Doctor Who". It featured the voices of David Tennant and Freema Agyeman but is not considered part of the main 2007 series.
2007: Doctor Who as Quintessentially British
In 2007, The Times television critic Caitlin Moran declared Doctor Who "quintessential to being British." This statement emphasized the show's deep roots in British culture and its importance in reflecting national identity. It also highlighted Doctor Who's ability to transcend its genre and become a cultural touchstone.
2007: Doctor Who Ranked 22nd on TV Guide's Top Cult Shows Ever
In 2007, TV Guide ranked Doctor Who number 22 in its list of Top Cult Shows Ever.
2007: Children in Need Mini-Episodes
Doctor Who produced mini-episodes for the Children in Need charity appeals in 1993, 2005, and 2007.
2007: The Master's Reintroduction
Derek Jacobi reintroduced the Master in the 2007 episode "Utopia", with John Simm taking over the role later in the story.
2007: "The Girl in the Fireplace" Wins Hugo Award
"The Girl in the Fireplace" episode of Doctor Who won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2007.
April 2008: Series Four Premieres in the United States
In April 2008, the fourth series of Doctor Who premiered on the Sci Fi Channel in the United States, expanding the Tenth Doctor's adventures to a wider audience.
July 2008: Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall
In July 2008, a Doctor Who-themed Prom was held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall as part of the annual BBC Proms, featuring music from the series performed by the BBC Philharmonic and the London Philharmonic Choir.
September 2008: Series Four Premieres on CBC
On September 19, 2008, the fourth series of Doctor Who premiered on CBC, continuing the adventures of the Tenth Doctor.
2008: Second Series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" Airs
In 2008, the second series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" aired, featuring the return of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, connecting the spin-off to the classic era of Doctor Who.
2008: Russell T. Davies Suggests Female Doctor
Russell T. Davies, showrunner of the 2005 Doctor Who revival, suggested the idea of casting a woman as the Doctor in 2008.
2008: Second Series of "Torchwood" Airs
In 2008, the second series of "Torchwood" aired, featuring a guest appearance by Freema Agyeman reprising her role as Martha Jones from Doctor Who, connecting the two shows.
2008: Doctor Who Series 3 Airs on NHK with Japanese Subtitles
In 2008, the third series of Doctor Who aired on various NHK channels with Japanese subtitles, concluding the broadcast of the first three series with this format.
2008: Extended Episode "Journey's End"
In 2008, the Doctor Who episode "Journey's End" exceeded the typical 45-minute runtime, lasting longer than an hour.
2008: Doctor Who Proms Mini-Episode
A special Doctor Who mini-episode was produced for a Doctor Who-themed edition of The Proms in 2008.
2008: Doctor Who: 2008-2010 Specials Soundtrack Release
A soundtrack encompassing music from the Doctor Who specials that aired between 2008 and 2010, including "The Next Doctor" and "The End of Time," was released.
2008: "Blink" Wins Hugo Award
In 2008, the Doctor Who episode "Blink" received the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.
2008: Doctor Who Nominated for "Favorite Sci-Fi Show" at People's Choice Awards
Doctor Who received a nomination for "Favorite Sci-Fi Show" at the 2008 People's Choice Awards.
2008: Doctor Who in This Modern World
In 2008, Tom Tomorrow's "This Modern World" comic featured the Tenth Doctor informing a character from 2003 about the Democratic Party's nomination of an African-American presidential candidate.
March 2009: "The Next Doctor" and Subsequent Series Air on Space
In March 2009, the Doctor Who special "The Next Doctor", along with all subsequent series and specials, began airing on the Canadian cable network Space, establishing the channel as the new home for Doctor Who in Canada.
July 2009: "Torchwood: Children of Earth" Airs
From July 6 to 10, 2009, the third series of "Torchwood", titled "Children of Earth", aired, featuring a single five-part story primarily set in London, marking a shift in the show's setting and narrative style.
August 2009: Doctor Who Premieres on Disney XD Japan with Japanese Dubbing
Beginning on August 2, 2009, coinciding with the launch of Disney XD in Japan, Doctor Who began airing with Japanese dubbing, expanding the accessibility of the show to Japanese audiences.
2009: Doctor Who Filmed in 1080i for HDTV
Starting with "Planet of the Dead" in 2009, Doctor Who was filmed in 1080i for HDTV and broadcasted simultaneously on BBC One and BBC HD.
2009: K9 Premieres
K9, a spin-off centered on the beloved robotic dog, premiered in 2009.
2009: Third Series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" Airs
In 2009, the third series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" aired, featuring a crossover appearance by David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, linking the spin-off to the main series.
2009: Dreamland Animated Serial
In 2009, a second animated Doctor Who serial, "Dreamland", aired in six parts on the BBC Red Button service and the official Doctor Who website.
2009: Doctor Who's 21st Century Success
Following its revival in 2005, Doctor Who became a cornerstone of BBC One's Saturday schedule. The show consistently garnered high viewership and impressive Appreciation Index scores, solidifying its position as a defining program for the channel.
2009: David Tennant Takes on the Role of the Doctor and Russell T Davies Leaves
David Tennant took over the role of the Doctor in 2009 following Christopher Eccleston's departure. Russell T Davies also left the production team, with Steven Moffat taking over as showrunner.
2009: Doctor Who Voted 3rd Greatest Show of the 2000s
Channel 4 voters chose Doctor Who as the 3rd greatest show of the 2000s in 2009.
2009: Doctor Who Moves to Space Channel in Canada
In 2009, Doctor Who moved to the Canadian cable channel Space, expanding the show's reach to a new audience.
October 2010: Doctor Who: Series 4 Soundtrack Special Edition
A special two-disc edition of the Doctor Who soundtrack for Series 4, including music from the specials aired between 2008 and 2010, was released in October 2010.
November 2010: Doctor Who: Series 5 Soundtrack Release
The soundtrack for the fifth series of Doctor Who's revival was released in November 2010.
2010: Extended Episode "The Eleventh Hour"
The Doctor Who episode "The Eleventh Hour" from 2010 also exceeded the regular runtime, lasting over an hour.
2010: "Vincent and the Doctor" Shortlisted for Mind Award
The Doctor Who episode "Vincent and the Doctor" was shortlisted for a Mind Award at the 2010 Mind Mental Health Media Awards for its portrayal of Vincent van Gogh.
2010: "The Waters of Mars" Wins Hugo Award
The Doctor Who episode "The Waters of Mars" earned a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2010.
2010: Gold's New Arrangement and Reception
Murray Gold's new Doctor Who theme for the 2010 series was met with a mixed response from viewers.
2010: K9 Concludes
K9, the spin-off series about the robotic dog, ended in 2010.
2010: Fourth Series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" Airs
In 2010, the fourth series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" aired, featuring Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor alongside Katy Manning reprising her role as Jo Grant, further connecting the spin-off to the Doctor's current adventures.
2010: Doctor Who's Winning Streak at the National Television Awards Ends
Doctor Who's five year winning streak at the National Television Awards ended in 2010.
January 2011: Mankind Version Digital Release
The Mankind disco version of the Doctor Who theme was released digitally in January 2011 as part of the "Gallifrey And Beyond" album.
February 2011: Doctor Who: "A Christmas Carol" Soundtrack Release
Silva Screen Records released a soundtrack for the 2010 Doctor Who Christmas special, "A Christmas Carol," in February 2011.
December 2011: Doctor Who: Series 6 Soundtrack Release
December 2011 saw the release of the soundtrack for Series 6 of the revived Doctor Who, also released by Silva Screen Records.
2011: Space and Time Mini-Episodes
Two mini-episodes, "Space" and "Time", aired during the Comic Relief 2011 event. During Children in Need 2011, a special segment featured the Doctor attempting to persuade viewers to purchase his clothing for a Children in Need auction.
2011: "The Pandorica Opens"/"The Big Bang" Wins Hugo Award
The Doctor Who two-parter "The Pandorica Opens"/"The Big Bang" won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2011.
2011: Classic FM Hall of Fame Entry
The Doctor Who theme tune secured the 228th spot in Classic FM's Hall of Fame in 2011, highlighting its enduring popularity.
2011: Matt Smith's BAFTA Nomination
Matt Smith, playing the Eleventh Doctor, became the first Doctor Who actor to be nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor in 2011.
2011: Matt Smith Wins Best Science Fiction Actor at Spike Scream Awards
Matt Smith won the award for Best Science Fiction Actor at the Spike Scream Awards in 2011 for his role as the Eleventh Doctor.
2011: Final Series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" Airs
In the autumn of 2011, the final, three-story fifth series of "The Sarah Jane Adventures" was broadcast, unfortunately left incomplete due to the passing of Elisabeth Sladen earlier that year.
2011: The Sarah Jane Adventures Ends
In 2011, the spin-off series "The Sarah Jane Adventures" concluded.
2011: "Torchwood: Miracle Day" Premieres
In 2011, the fourth series of "Torchwood", titled "Miracle Day", premiered, marking a significant change in the show's production and setting as it was jointly produced with Starz and predominantly set in the United States.
2011: David Yates Announces Doctor Who Film Project
In 2011, director David Yates revealed his plans to develop a Doctor Who film with the BBC, intending to take a fresh approach to the Doctor's story.
2011: Doctor Who Voted Scariest Show
In 2011, an online poll conducted by Digital Spy declared Doctor Who the "scariest TV show of all time." This vote reflects the show's lasting legacy of fear and thrill, particularly among those who grew up watching it. The show's combination of science fiction, fantasy, and horror elements continues to resonate with audiences and contribute to its enduring popularity.
2011: Comic Relief Mini-Episode
Doctor Who created a two-part mini-episode for the 2011 edition of Comic Relief.
2011: Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures Conclude
Both Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures concluded in 2011, marking the end of two popular Doctor Who spin-offs.
2012: Fourth Doctor Joins Big Finish
Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor began appearing in Big Finish audios in 2012.
2012: Doctor Who's Fear and Thrill
A 2012 article highlighted how the blend of fear and thrill, often experienced by children watching Doctor Who, became a defining element in many viewers' relationship with the series. The show's ability to frighten and excite, often simultaneously, cemented its place in popular culture and sparked numerous discussions about its impact on audiences.
2012: Revised Gold Arrangement for "The Snowmen"
A revised version of Murray Gold's 2010 Doctor Who theme arrangement was first heard in the 2012 Christmas special, "The Snowmen."
2012: "The Doctor's Wife" Wins Hugo Award
The Doctor Who episode "The Doctor's Wife" won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2012.
2012: The Great Detective Mini-Episode
The mini-episode "The Great Detective" aired during Children in Need 2012.
January 2013: Doctor Who's Global Broadcast Expands
As of January 2013, the modern series of Doctor Who had expanded its broadcast to over 50 countries, demonstrating its global appeal.
March 2013: 50th Anniversary Special Announcement
In March 2013, the BBC announced a special 3D episode, "The Day of the Doctor" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. The announcement also revealed the return of David Tennant and Billie Piper and a limited cinematic release.
May 2013: The Reign of Terror Animated Reconstruction
In May 2013, the missing episodes of "The Reign of Terror" were animated and made available for purchase through Amazon.com.
August 2013: Live Reveal of the Twelfth Doctor
On August 4, 2013, the BBC aired "Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor," a live broadcast announcing the actor who would play the Twelfth Doctor. The program attracted an average audience of 6.27 million viewers in the UK and was simultaneously broadcast in the US, Canada, and Australia, demonstrating the global anticipation surrounding the show.
October 2013: Discovery of Missing Episodes in Nigeria
In October 2013, eleven episodes of Doctor Who, including nine previously missing episodes, were discovered in a Nigerian television relay station in Jos. This included episodes from "The Enemy of the World" (1968) and "The Web of Fear" (1968).
November 2013: Doctor Who: Legacy Released
A match-3 game called Doctor Who: Legacy was released in November 2013 for iOS, Android, Amazon App Store, and Facebook. The game featured all the Doctors as playable characters as well as over 100 companions.
November 2013: Revised Gold Arrangement for 50th Anniversary
A further revision of Murray Gold's 2010 Doctor Who theme arrangement debuted in the 50th-anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor" in November 2013.
2013: Doctor Who Honored with Peabody Award
The Peabody Awards honored Doctor Who with an Institutional Peabody in 2013 "for evolving with technology and the times like nothing else in the known television universe."
2013: 50th Anniversary Stamp
In 2013, the Daleks were honored with another postage stamp as part of Doctor Who's 50th anniversary celebrations.
2013: Derbyshire's Recognition
Delia Derbyshire received on-screen credit for her work on the Doctor Who theme in the 50th-anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor" in 2013.
2013: The Time of the Doctor Breaks Regeneration Limit
The 2013 episode "The Time of the Doctor" depicted the Doctor gaining a new regeneration cycle, effectively breaking the previous limit of 12 regenerations.
2013: Doctor Who Ranked Sixth Best Sci-Fi Show by TV Guide
TV Guide ranked Doctor Who as the sixth best sci-fi show in 2013.
2013: Matt Smith Leaves as the Doctor
Matt Smith decided to step down from playing the Doctor in 2013, the year that marked the show's 50th anniversary, paving the way for Peter Capaldi to take on the role.
2013: The Name of the Doctor & The Day of the Doctor
In the 2013 episode "The Name of the Doctor", the Eleventh Doctor encounters a previously unseen incarnation of himself, eventually revealed to be the War Doctor. In the following episode, "The Day of the Doctor", David Tennant's Tenth Doctor appears alongside Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor and John Hurt as the War Doctor, as well as brief clips of all the previous Doctors.
2013: ABC Celebrates Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary
In 2013, the ABC celebrated the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who by airing weekly screenings of all available revived episodes, highlighting the show's enduring popularity.
2013: 50th Anniversary Special: "The Day of the Doctor"
In 2013, John Hurt guest-starred as a previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor called "The War Doctor" in the lead-up to the show's 50th-anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor".
2013: Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Audio CD Boxed Set
A special boxed set of audio CDs, featuring music and sound effects from the 50-year history of Doctor Who, was released in 2013 to commemorate the show's 50th anniversary.
2013: Destiny of the Doctor Audiobooks
The 2013 audio series "Destiny of the Doctor", part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, marked the first time Big Finish created stories featuring the Doctors from the revived show.
2014: Paddington Bear Statue Auction
In 2014, Peter Capaldi designed a Doctor Who-themed Paddington Bear statue for an auction benefiting the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
2014: Missy's Introduction
The Master's regeneration into a female incarnation, "Missy," played by Michelle Gomez, was revealed in the 2014 episode "Dark Water."
November 2015: Lego Dimensions Doctor Who Level Pack Released
In November 2015, a Doctor Who "Level Pack" was released for the Lego Dimensions video game. The pack featured the Twelfth Doctor (with the ability to regenerate into other Doctors), K9, the TARDIS, and a Victorian London adventure level.
January 2016: Steven Moffat Announces Departure, Chris Chibnall to Succeed
In January 2016, Steven Moffat revealed his plans to exit after the 2017 finale, with Chris Chibnall confirmed as his replacement for 2018.
January 2016: Class Picked Up by BBC America and BBC One
In January 2016, "Class" was picked up by BBC America on January 8th and by BBC One a day later.
May 2016: Tenth Doctor Audio Adventures
In May 2016, David Tennant reprised his role as the Tenth Doctor alongside Catherine Tate for a collection of three audio adventures released by Big Finish.
September 2016: 1996 Doctor Who Film Released on Blu-ray
In September 2016, the 1996 Doctor Who television film was released on Blu-ray, marking its debut in this high-definition format.
October 2016: Class Premiere
The Doctor Who spin-off series "Class", featuring students of Coal Hill School, premiered online on BBC Three on October 22, 2016. The eight-episode series, written by Patrick Ness, featured Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor in its first episode.
2016: Michelle Gomez's BAFTA Nomination
In 2016, Michelle Gomez, known for her role as Missy, became the first woman to receive a BAFTA nomination for Doctor Who, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
2016: "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" Nominated for Hugo Award
The 2016 Doctor Who Christmas special "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" was a finalist for the 2017 Hugo Awards.
2016: Doctor Who: The 50th Anniversary Collection Vinyl Box Set
In 2016, Spacelab9, based in New York City, released "Doctor Who: The 50th Anniversary Collection" as a four-LP box set, celebrating 50 years of the iconic series. This limited edition, with 1,000 copies pressed on "Metallic Silver" vinyl, was dubbed the "Cyberman Edition."
2016: Class Premieres
Class, a spin-off series set at Coal Hill School, premiered in 2016, exploring a new corner of the Doctor Who universe.
September 2017: Class Cancelled
In September 2017, BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh confirmed the cancellation of "Class".
2017: Steven Moffat's Era Ends
Steven Moffat concluded his tenure as showrunner in 2017, marking the end of his era on Doctor Who.
2017: Matt Smith and Karen Gillan Win at National Television Awards
Matt Smith won Best Actor and Karen Gillan won Best Actress at the 2017 National Television Awards for their roles in Doctor Who.
2017: Classic Doctor Who Episodes Available on BritBox
In 2017, a large selection of classic Doctor Who episodes became available for streaming on BritBox, providing a new platform for audiences to access the show's history.
2017: Doctor Who's run on Prime Television ends
In 2017, the run of Doctor Who on Prime Television concluded, marking the end of an era for the show's broadcast in New Zealand.
2017: End of an Era: Murray Gold and Ben Foster's run concludes
In 2017, Murray Gold and Ben Foster's long and celebrated period of composing music for Doctor Who came to an end with the Christmas episode "Twice Upon a Time."
2017: Jodie Whittaker Becomes First Female Doctor
In 2017, Jodie Whittaker made history by being the first woman to play the Doctor, ushering in a new era for the show.
2017: Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor
In 2017, Jodie Whittaker debuted as the Thirteenth Doctor, marking the first time a woman played the role.
2017: The Doctor Falls & Twice Upon a Time
In 2017, David Bradley played the First Doctor, returning alongside Peter Capaldi in "The Doctor Falls" and "Twice Upon a Time".
May 2018: Doctor Who: Battle of Time Soft Launch
On May 30, 2018, Doctor Who: Battle of Time, a digital collectible card game, had a soft launch in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Thailand.
June 2018: Segun Akinola announced as composer for Doctor Who series 11
In June 2018, it was announced that Segun Akinola, an alumnus of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, would be composing the musical score for the eleventh series of Doctor Who.
August 2018: Doctor Who Infinity Released on Steam
Doctor Who Infinity was released on Steam on August 7, 2018 and was subsequently nominated for "Best Start-up" at The Independent Game Developers' Association Awards 2018.
2018: Chris Chibnall Becomes Showrunner
Chris Chibnall took the helm as showrunner for Doctor Who in 2018, bringing a new creative vision to the series.
2018: Doctor Who Finds a New Home on TVNZ 2
In 2018, Doctor Who made its debut on TVNZ 2, marking a new chapter in its broadcast history in New Zealand, airing on Fridays with simultaneous availability on TVNZ On Demand.
October 2019: Doctor Who Magazine Celebrates 40 Years
In October 2019, Doctor Who Magazine (DWM) was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest running TV tie-in magazine, celebrating 40 years of continuous publication.
2019: Doctor Who Inducted into Science Fiction Hall of Fame
Doctor Who was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Seattle, Washington in 2019.
August 2020: Ninth Doctor Audio Series Announced
Big Finish announced a new series of audios featuring Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor in August 2020, with releases beginning in May 2021.
2020: Sacha Dhawan as the Master
Sacha Dhawan debuted as the Master in the 2020 twelfth series, adopting the moniker "Spy Master."
2020: Cybermen's Alliance and Regeneration Ability
In the 2020 series, the Cybermen joined forces with The Master and gained the ability to regenerate, further evolving their characters.
2020: Fugitive of the Judoon & The Timeless Children
In the 2020 episode "Fugitive of the Judoon", Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor meets Jo Martin's Doctor, who is later known as the Fugitive Doctor. They interacted again later that year in "The Timeless Children", and again in 2021 in "Once, Upon Time".
2020: Introduction of the Fugitive Doctor
In 2020, Doctor Who introduced another unknown past Doctor with Jo Martin's recurring portrayal of the Fugitive Doctor. This began with the episode "Fugitive of the Judoon".
2020: The Monthly Adventures Ends
Big Finish announced the end of "The Monthly Adventures" audio series in 2020, shifting focus to individual box sets.
2020: Revived Doctor Who Series Arrives on HBO Max
In 2020, the revived series of Doctor Who became available for streaming on HBO Max, expanding the reach of the modern era of the show to a new audience.
March 2021: Classic Doctor Who Series Announced for Blu-ray Release
In March 2021, the classic run of Doctor Who was announced for release on Blu-ray, beginning with seasons 12 and 19, marking a significant expansion of the show's availability in high definition.
May 2021: Ninth Doctor Audio Series Released
The new Ninth Doctor audio series from Big Finish began releasing in May 2021.
2021: Doctor Who moves to TVNZ 1
In 2021, Doctor Who transitioned to TVNZ 1, continuing its presence on New Zealand television.
2021: Once, Upon Time
In 2021, Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor and Jo Martin's Fugitive Doctor meet again in the episode "Once, Upon Time".
October 2022: Regeneration into David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor
In "The Power of the Doctor" aired in October 2022, Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor regenerated into David Tennant, who became the Fourteenth Doctor and the first actor to play two incarnations. Ncuti Gatwa was also announced as the Fifteenth Doctor, making him the first black actor to lead the series.
2022: Doctor Who: Redacted Podcast Premiere
BBC Sounds premiered "Doctor Who: Redacted", a podcast written by Juno Dawson and starring Charlie Craggs and Jodie Whittaker, in 2022. The podcast, focusing on a paranormal conspiracy podcast, was later renewed for a second series.
2022: Whittaker and Chibnall's Departure and Davies' Return
In 2022, both Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall announced their departure from Doctor Who after a series of specials. Russell T. Davies returned as showrunner for the 60th anniversary specials, marking his return after 12 years. Bad Wolf co-produced the series with BBC Studios Productions, bringing back Julie Gardner alongside Davies and Jane Tranter.
2022: The Power of the Doctor
In 2022, Whittaker interacts with the Guardians of the Edge, manifestations of the First (Bradley), Fifth (Davison), Sixth (Colin Baker), Seventh (McCoy), and Eighth (McGann) Doctors in her final episode, "The Power of the Doctor".
January 2023: Future Spin-offs Announced
On January 27, 2023, Russell T Davies confirmed the development of future Doctor Who spin-offs, including one centered around UNIT and starring Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart.
2023: Doctor Who's move to Disney+
Starting with the 60th anniversary specials in 2023, Doctor Who began its release on Disney+ for audiences outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, signifying a new era for the show's distribution.
2024: Ncuti Gatwa Becomes the Fifteenth Doctor
Ncuti Gatwa takes on the mantle of the Fifteenth Doctor in 2024, continuing the legacy of the iconic Time Lord.
2024: Doctor Who Arrives on +SBT Streaming Service in Brazil
Starting in 2024, the first 13 series of Doctor Who will be available on the upcoming +SBT streaming service in Brazil, marking the arrival of the show on this platform.