List_of_Doctor_Who_episodes_(2005–present)

List of <i>Doctor Who</i> episodes (2005–present)

List of Doctor Who episodes (2005–present)

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Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. As of 25 December 2023, 875 episodes of Doctor Who have aired. This includes one television movie and multiple specials, and encompasses 304 stories over 39 seasons, starting in 1963. Additionally, four charity specials and two animated serials have also been aired. The programme's high episode count has resulted in Doctor Who holding the world record for the highest number of episodes of a science-fiction programme.[1] As of November 2023, up to a seventeenth series has been planned.[2]

This article is about the episodes starting from 2005. For the 1963–1989 episodes and 1996 film, see List of Doctor Who episodes (1963–1989).

Doctor Who ceased broadcasting in 1989, then resumed in 2005. The original series (1963–1989), generally consists of multi-episode serials. The 2005 revival trades the earlier serial format for a run of self-contained episodes, interspersed with occasional multi-part stories and structured into loose story arcs.

The story numbers below are meant as a guide to placement in the overall context of the programme.[3] There is some dispute, for instance, about whether to count Season 23's The Trial of a Time Lord as one or as four serials,[4] and whether the unfinished serial Shada should be included.[5] The numbering scheme in this list follows the official website's episode guide.[3] Other sources, such as the Region 1 classic Doctor Who DVD releases, use different numbering schemes, which diverge after the 108th story, The Horns of Nimon (1979–1980).

Series overview

The following table dictates the season or series in question for the programme as a whole.

Regular seasons

More information Season / Series, Doctor ...

Specials

More information Special(s), Doctor ...

Notes

  1. The First Doctor remained for the first two serials of season 4. The Second Doctor featured for the remainder of the season from the third serial, The Power of the Daleks.
  2. Also known by its subtitle, The Key to Time
  3. Shada was left unfinished due to a strike. The story was later completed and officially released on home media in 2017. The voices of the original actors with new animation was incorporated to bridge the gaps between the recorded live-action segments. It is not included in the episode or story counts as it was not broadcast.
  4. The Fifth Doctor regenerated in the sixth serial of season 21. The Sixth Doctor featured only in the final serial, The Twin Dilemma.
  5. A change in transmission format for this season only as episodes were 45 minutes instead of the usual 24 minutes. Thus a traditional 4-part story was transmitted in 2 parts.
  6. Also known by its subtitle, The Trial of a Time Lord
  7. Also known by its subtitle, Flux
  8. These specials consist of the 2008 Christmas, 2009 Easter, 2009 November and the 2009–10 Christmas/New Year's Day episodes.
  9. These specials consist of the 50th Anniversary and 2013 Christmas episodes.
  10. This episode was the first episode of the twelfth series (and is only counted in the § Regular seasons table of this article), and thus not a special aired outside of a series, but it was aired four days before the twelfth series' traditional timeslot in order to air deliberately on New Year's Day.
  11. These specials consist of the 2022 New Year's Day, 2022 Easter, and 2022 BBC Centenary episodes.[9][10]
  12. These specials consist of the 60th anniversary episodes.

Episodes

Ninth Doctor

In 2005, the BBC relaunched Doctor Who after a 15-year absence from episodic television, with Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner, and Mal Young as executive producers, Phil Collinson as producer, and Christopher Eccleston taking the lead role of the Ninth Doctor.

The revival is a continuation of the original series. The new series is formatted to a 16:9 widescreen display ratio, and a standard episode length of 45 minutes. For the first time since the 1965–1966 season, each episode has a title, and most stand alone as complete stories. The show also returned to its traditional Saturday evening slot.

Series 1 (2005)

Main article: Doctor Who series 1

The 2005 series constitutes a loose story arc, dealing with the consequences of the Time War and the mystery of the seemingly omnipresent phrase 'Bad Wolf'.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Tenth Doctor

The Tenth Doctor was portrayed by David Tennant, who was cast before the first series aired.[12]

Series 2 (2006)

Main article: Doctor Who series 2

The back-story for the spin-off series Torchwood is "seeded" in various episodes in the 2006 series. Each episode also has an accompanying online Tardisode.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 3 (2007)

Main article: Doctor Who series 3

This series introduces Martha Jones and deals with the Face of Boe's final message, the mysterious Mr. Saxon, and the Doctor dealing with the loss of Rose Tyler.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 4 (2008)

Main article: Doctor Who series 4

This series explores the coincidences binding the Doctor and Donna together. There is also the loose story arc of both planets and bees disappearing.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Specials (2008–2010)

Main article: Doctor Who specials (2008–2010)

The specials focus on the "four knocks" and the death of the Tenth Doctor. From "Planet of the Dead", episodes were filmed in HD.[17]

More information No. story, No. special ...

Eleventh Doctor

The Eleventh Doctor was portrayed by Matt Smith. Steven Moffat took over as showrunner from the fifth series.

Series 5 (2010)

Main article: Doctor Who series 5

This series deals with cracks spreading throughout time, the Pandorica and the Silence which are mentioned in various episodes.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 6 (2011)

Main article: Doctor Who series 6

This series centres on River Song's relation to the Doctor, the Doctor's "death" and discovering what the Silence is. The original transmission of series 6 was split into two parts, with the first seven episodes airing April to June 2011 and the final six from late August to October 2011.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 7 (2012–2013)

Main article: Doctor Who series 7

Series 7 started with five episodes and a Christmas special in late 2012, followed by eight episodes in 2013. It dealt with the exit of the Ponds, the Great Intelligence and the mystery of Clara Oswald, the Impossible Girl.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Specials (2013)

Main article: Doctor Who specials (2013)

The specials focus on various incarnations of the Doctor, including the return of the Tenth Doctor and the reveal of the War Doctor and his actions during the Time War. Alongside the two specials there was a bonus short titled "The Night of the Doctor", which depicted Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor's final moments, and his regeneration into John Hurt's War Doctor.

More information No. story, No. special ...

Twelfth Doctor

The Twelfth Doctor was portrayed by Peter Capaldi.

Series 8 (2014)

Main article: Doctor Who series 8

For series 8 to 10, the episode count was reduced from thirteen to twelve. This series dealt with the mystery identity of the character "Missy" and the mystery around "The Promised Land".

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 9 (2015)

Main article: Doctor Who series 9

This series dealt with the consequences of the Doctor and Clara's relationship, and the Doctor's confession about the Hybrid.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 10 (2017)

Main article: Doctor Who series 10

This series dealt with the mystery of the vault and the Doctor's oath, later exploring the Doctor and Missy's relationship, and the possibility of Missy "turning good". This season introduces Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and Nardole (Matt Lucas) as the Doctor's companions.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Thirteenth Doctor

The Thirteenth Doctor was portrayed by Jodie Whittaker.[18] Chris Chibnall took over as showrunner from the eleventh series.

Series 11 (2018)

Main article: Doctor Who series 11

For series 11, the episode count was reduced from twelve to ten with each episode's runtime increasing by five minutes. The Thirteenth Doctor initially searched for her lost TARDIS, inadvertently bringing her companions with her on her travels, who contemplated returning to their lives but decided to continue travelling. The series also dealt with grief. The time slot was changed to Sunday.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 12 (2020)

Main article: Doctor Who series 12

This series dealt with a new incarnation of the Master, the return of Jack Harkness, the appearance of an unknown incarnation of the Doctor who existed at some point before the Time War, and the "Lone Cyberman", while following the destruction of Gallifrey and the secret of the Timeless Child. The special marked the last regular appearance of Graham and Ryan.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 13 (2021)

Main article: Doctor Who series 13

Series 13 consisted of a single story arc, subtitled Flux. It involved a universe-ending anomaly, called the "Flux", which brought several enemies together in an attempt to take over Earth. It also featured the Division from Series 12.[19][20] Dan Lewis (John Bishop) joined the series as a new companion.

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Specials (2022)

Main article: Doctor Who specials (2022)

The specials loosely continued from Flux, the last celebrating the BBC's centenary, and dealt with Yaz and the Doctor's relationship and what led to the Thirteenth Doctor's regeneration.

More information No. story, No. special ...

Fourteenth Doctor

The Fourteenth Doctor was portrayed by David Tennant, who previously portrayed the Tenth Doctor.[21] Russell T Davies returned as showrunner, partnering with Bad Wolf to co-produce and Disney+ regarding distribution outside the UK to celebrate the 60th anniversary and "series beyond".[22]

Specials (2023)

Main article: Doctor Who specials (2023)

These specials celebrated Doctor Who's 60th anniversary. They reunited the Doctor with Donna Noble; introduced The Meep; involved thwarting a threat at the universe's edge; re-introduced The Toymaker; and concluded with the Fourteenth Doctor's unique bi-generation and answering why their tenth incarnation's face returned.

More information No. story, No. special ...

Fifteenth Doctor

The Fifteenth Doctor is portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa.[23][24][21]

Series 14

Main article: Doctor Who series 14

The 2023 Christmas special introduced Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), an orphan experiencing bad luck caused by the antics of goblins. The following eight-episode fourteenth series was filmed between 5 December 2022 and 15 July 2023,[25][26] and is set to premiere on 11 May 2024.[27]

More information No. story, No. in series ...

Series 15

Main article: Doctor Who series 15

A Christmas special will air in December 2024, followed by the eight-episode fifteenth series in 2025.[8] Filming started on 23 October 2023.[29] Millie Gibson is expected to return alongside a new companion, played by Varada Sethu.[30]

More information No. story, No. in series ...

See also

References

Notes

  1. These titles are normally prefixed with their respective "Chapter" number, or with the overall serial title "Flux".
  2. Episodes for the fourteenth series are set to be released simultaneously at midnight BST in the United Kingdom on BBC iPlayer (followed by a 7pm BBC broadcast the same day), and at 7pm ET the day prior in the United States on Disney+.

Citations

  1. [1]
    "Dr Who 'longest-running sci-fi'". BBC News. 28 September 2006. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
  2. [2]
    Laford, Andrea (1 November 2023). "Russell T Davies reveals plans for a third and fourth new series of Doctor Who". CultBox. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  3. [3]
    "Stories – Doctor Who". DoctorWho.TV. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  4. [4]
    Howe, David J.; Walker, Stephen James (2003) [1998]. "The Trial of a Time Lord: 1–4 : Details". Doctor Who: The Television Companion (Doctor Who website). BBC. Retrieved 27 October 2007.
  5. [5]
    Cornell, Paul; Day, Martin; Topping, Keith (1995). "The Five Doctors: Details". Doctor Who: The Discontinuity Guide. BBC Doctor Who website. Retrieved 27 October 2007.
  6. [6]
    "Doctor Who Guide: Series Fourteen [Season 40] (2024)". Doctor Who News. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  7. [7]
    Knight, Lewis; Griffin, Louise (31 March 2024). "Doctor Who season 14: Release date, trailers, episodes, and latest news". RadioTimes. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  8. [8]
    Laford, Andrea (7 December 2022). "Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine". CultBox. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  9. [9]
    Kanter, Jake (29 July 2021). "'Doctor Who': BBC Confirms Jodie Whittaker & Chris Chibnall Are Leaving The Iconic Sci-Fi Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  10. [10]
    "New Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa can 'finally breathe'". The Independent. 8 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  11. [11]
    "Ratings Guide". Doctor Who News. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  12. [12]
    Fullerton, Huw (18 June 2019). "David Tennant: I was worried my Doctor wouldn't make it past his first regeneration scene". Radio Times. Retrieved 1 October 2019. And, as Tennant revealed, the quick turnaround for his casting left him slightly concerned that he'd be left high and dry after filming the regeneration from Christopher Eccleston's Doctor to his own in 2005 finale The Parting of the Ways...'Which was odd, because the show hadn't been out yet. So you were thinking, "what if I film a little bit for the end of episode 13, the show doesn't ever go again and I'm the person who played the Doctor for 35 seconds?"'
  13. [13]
    "BBC wins Christmas TV ratings war". BBC News. 26 December 2005. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  14. [14]
    "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  15. [15]
    "none", Doctor Who Magazine: Series Two Companion, no. 14 – Special Edition, 9 November 2006
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
    "Doctor Who to be filmed in HD". Doctor Who Online. 4 February 2009. Archived from the original on 10 March 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
  18. [18]
    Turner, Camilla (16 July 2017). "Doctor Who: Jodie Whittaker becomes 13th Time Lord, urging fans 'not to be scared by my gender'". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  19. [19]
    Jeffery, Morgan (29 July 2021). "Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall confirmed to leave Doctor Who in 2022". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  20. [20]
    Fullerton, Huw (9 October 2021). "Doctor Who announces Halloween air date for season 13". Radio Times. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  21. [21]
    "Doctor Who: Here they come..." BBC. 23 October 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  22. [22]
    "Russell T Davies to return as Doctor Who showrunner". Doctor Who. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  23. [23]
    Fullerton, Huw (8 May 2022). "Ncuti Gatwa announced as the next Doctor in Doctor Who". Radio Times. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  24. [24]
    "Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor". Doctor Who. 8 May 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  25. [25]
    Laford, Andrea (7 December 2022). "Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine". CultBox. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  26. [26]
    Hibbs, James (6 December 2022). "Doctor Who season 14 begins filming with new companion Millie Gibson". Radio Times. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  27. [27]
    "Doctor Who Season One Premieres 11th May 2024". Doctor Who TV. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  28. [28]
    "Doctor Who Season One episode titles are revealed". Doctor Who TV. 31 March 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  29. [29]
    "TARDIS at the ready! 🎬 Filming starts today on Ncuti Gatwa's second series as the Doctor #DoctorWho". 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  30. [30]
    "Varada Sethu joins the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday in Season Two".
  31. [31]
    Laford, Andrea (31 October 2023). "Ncuti Gatwa films Doctor Who in Cardiff". CultBox. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.

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