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Despite rumors swirling for decades about a female Doctor happening in Doctor Who, the BBC avoided it until Jodie Whittaker's run as the Thirteenth Doctor. As the first female Doctor, Whittaker was failed by showrunner Chris Chibnall, whose controversial "Timeless Child" storyline drastically changed Doctor Who canon. Still, as the first woman to play the Doctor, Whittaker herself was praised for her fun, fresh take on the Doctor, her warm, lively personality bubbling through as one of the most empowering female TV characters of the decade. So to say the first run of a female Doctor was a mixed bag would be accurate.

That's not to say Doctor Who hasn't come close to a female regeneration - it has, a few times. But it never panned out, for various reasons, though arguably the real reason has never been given publicly. For a show that's as long-running as Doctor Who,...

While his appearances in Bridgerton and Wicked have made him a household name, Russell T Davies hopes to bring Jonathan Bailey to Doctor Who in an all-new role. Before joining Netflix's period drama as Anthony Bridgerton, Bailey portrayed Psi in the Doctor Who season 8 episode Time Heist, alongside Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman's Clara Oswald. At the time of writing, Bailey had soared onto the big screen as Prince Fiyero in Wicked, the shallow student Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba encounters in her studies at Shiz University.

Recently, Davies revealed to Screen Rant that he hopes to bring Bailey back to the Whoniverse after recruiting Bridgerton co-star Nicola Coughlan to star in Doctor Who's 2024 Christmas special. Highlighting Adjoa Adoh's dual Whoniverse roles as a precedent for bringing back multiple actors, Davies shared that he hopes to encourage Bailey to return after briefly spending time with...

A classic Doctor Who star reveals how Russell T Davies set up a return for former Doctors in future episodes, and his interest in coming back again. While the cast of Doctor Who has almost always focused on the main character in any given era, the show is no stranger to reintroducing Doctors from previous parts of the series. This includes those who were around prior to its 2005 revival, such as Sylvester McCoy, who portrayed the Seventh Doctor, returning to his role in the 2022 special, "The Power of the Doctor."

Speaking with The 50% Doctor Who Podcast (via Radio Times), McCoy revealed that Russell T Davies actually set up returns not only for his Seventh Doctor, but other classic leads from Doctor Who's history. The actor revealed the 60th anniversary spinoff show, Tales of the Tardis, which revealed new adventures from classic Doctors, was meant as a bridge to reintroduce them into the main series.

Many Doctor Who actors have had great stories during their runs, but the show let down Colin Baker, Paul McGann, and Jodie Whittaker. For almost six decades, the Doctor has been at the twice-beating heart of the series, and each performer has brought their unique spin to the Time Lord. From William Hartnell’s stern first series Doctor to David Tennant’s energetic Tenth, every actor left an indelible mark on the long history of the show.

However, not all Doctor Who actors were given the material their talent deserves. While the writing elevated some performances, others were trapped in circumstances beyond their control. Whether it was weak scripts, behind-the-scenes challenges, or unresolved story arcs, three stand out as actors who embodied the role of the Doctor brilliantly, yet didn’t get the stories to elevate their enormous potential.

Colin Baker, Paul McGann & Jodie Whittaker Were All Great Doctors, But...

Doctor Who said goodbye to David Tennant for the first time in 2009 when the Tenth Doctor regenerated, but his iconic departure stands apart from that of his predecessors in a way that the show never openly acknowledges. Of all the actors to play the Doctor, Tennant's Tenth arguably experienced the most drawn-out version of the regeneration process. While preparing to change his face, he managed to hold off the ordeal long enough to visit all his old friends one last time. However, there's another reason beyond Ten's emotional farewell tour that makes his regeneration so unique.

Every Doctor Who regeneration sequence comes with consequences, but the main one is that the long-running sci-fi show's lead actor is replaced. The phenomenon has contributed massively to the franchise's 60-year history, as no single actor is required for the story to continue. That being said, there was a time when the Doctor's...

Doctor Who is well-known for its celebratory multi-Doctor stories, but 1985's "The Two Doctors" shows just how not to do this kind of adventure. Most Doctor Who multi-Doctor stories come in anniversary years, a pattern set by 1973's "The Three Doctors" and still followed by the 2005 relaunch. Russell T. Davies went even further with Doctor Who's 60th anniversary, literally bringing back David Tennant as the main Doctor.

1985's "The Two Doctors," which aired during Colin Baker's tenure as the Sixth Doctor, is something of an anomaly. Producer John Nathan-Turner was keen to do another multi-Doctor story after the success of "The Five Doctors," but writer Robert Holmes produced one of the strangest scripts he ever penned for the classic series. A location shoot in Seville, Spain, turned into such a catastrophe that Doctor Who wouldn't film overseas again for decades. But, ultimately, the problems with "The Two Doctors...

As any hardcore Whovian knows, the final TV episode of the original run of Doctor Who ends with a surprising plot hole. The current era of Doctor Who has been going strong since its 2005 revival. However, the original run of Doctor Who serials and storylines ran from 1963 until an ending in 1989 that left audiences with one glaring question.

"Survival Part 3" served as the original series finale, the final TV episode of Doctor Who. There, Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor found himself in conflict with Midge, a friend of the Doctor's companion Ace who had become infected with the Cheetah Virus from Cheetah World, morphing him into an antagonist. Under the guidance of the Master, the Doctor's biggest rival, Midge challenges the Doctor to a game of chicken in which both men duel via a motorcycle collision. In the explosive aftermath, the Seventh Doctor miraculously survives, landing on a couch and a rolled mattress.

Seventh Doctor actor Sylvester McCoy defends the political storytelling of Doctor Who. Picking up the role from Sixth Doctor Colin Baker in 1987 through the classic series' end in 1989, McCoy's Doctor was both a guiding mentor and a trickster challenging the powerful forces of the universe. While his tenure would bring the series to a close, the actor reprised his role for Big Finish's audio dramas, alongside on-screen returns in Doctor Who's 1996 TV movie and 2022's "The Power of the Doctor."

As Doctor Who will re-release McCoy's season 25 in a new boxset, the actor was present at a BFI screening of the remastered "The Happiness Patrol," where he commented on why political storytelling is vital to the series' success (via RadioTimes). Defending its place in the franchise from critiques levied by certain outlets in recent years, the actor explained that part of the series' original appeal was how it...

Fallout: London mod brings post-apocalyptic franchise to England with new factions, quests, and voice talent from popular actors. Team Folon faced production delays due to Fallout 4's update, working with Gog to release the mod's previous versions of the game. This has currently left the mod unplayable on Epic Games Store due to its lack of rollback features. Console versions of Fallout 4 also lack rollback features, making it unlikely Fallout: London will be released on them any time soon. Further PlayStation restrictions could cause issues with Fallout: London ever releasing on the console.

Three years since its initial announcement, Team Folon's massive Fallout 4 conversion mod, Fallout: London, is finally available to download and play on PC following a surprise announcement on July 25. As its name would suggest, Fallout: London moves the post-apocalyptic franchise to England, showing how another part of the world is coping after the bombs fell, featuring new factions and quests.

Fallout: London is the newest mod for Fallout 4, and players will want to know how to install and play the game. You should be aware that it will only work on PC versions of the game, and that it will irrevocably change your Fallout 4 save. That makes it important to plan accordingly, and the installation itself can be a bit tricky depending on what version of the game you have.

Fallout: London is a brand new mod for Fallout 4, which at last allows players to travel to the British wasteland and head overseas. After spending the vast majority of time in the American wasteland, its a nice breath of fresh irradiated air. Players will have a blast with this mod featuring new characters, a new story, and new weapons if they can install it.

Related Fallout: London Mod Boasts Doctor Who Voice Talent

Fallout: London features Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy,...

After 5 years of development, Fallout: London mod is finally available, offering a new area, quests, fully-voiced NPCs, weapons, and more. The mod is free on Gog and requires Fallout 4: Goty Edition, with a separate launcher preventing future incompatibility issues. Team Folon's perseverance pays off as Fallout: London becomes one of the most popular mods in the Fallout community.

It's been a long time coming but those patient Fallout 4 fans who've waited five years for the extensive Fallout: London conversion mod can now finally begin their journey through the derelict streets of the UK's capital. Developed by a group of hobbyists and professionals going by the name Team Folon, Fallout: London is one of the most ambitious modding projects ever seen for any Fallout game and the fact that it exists at all is a testament to the creators' perseverance. Despite plenty of setbacks, launch day is here and...

David Tennant played the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors in Doctor Who, with his return for the 60th anniversary specials. Sylvester McCoy briefly played the Sixth Doctor in the regeneration scene for Colin Baker's character. Colin Baker didn't film his own regeneration scene due to a disagreement with the BBC over his return to the show.

David Tennant played two different Doctors in Doctor Who, but he wasn't the only one to do so. The first time Tennant was in the series was as the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010. However, Tennant returned briefly in 2023 to play the Fourteenth Doctor for the 60th anniversary specials. During Tennant's lengthy original tenure, he was incredibly popular with critics and fans, and many lauded his fun and vibrant portrayal.

While, according to writer and producer Russell T Davies, there are no plans in the foreseeable future for Tennant to return to Doctor Who, the...

As much as classic Doctor Who fans hate to admit it, romantic tension between the Doctor and their companions is part of the formula. Eight was a dashing lead alongside Grace Holloway, Ten and Rose’s love story has been well documented, while Fifteen’s flirtation with almost-companion Rogue has us hoping that Jonathan Groff will board the Tardis again. And heck, long-time Whovians know all about the behind-the-scenes marriage of Four and Romana II.

So it’s understandable that some fans feel a bit of disappointment about the way things ended up between Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor and Yaz, her most consistent companion. Despite the clear attraction between the two, Thirteen regenerated into David Tennant’s Fourteen before they could act on their feelings.

Whittaker has a message for those longing for more pining between the Doctor and Yaz: “[N]ever say never! We’ve got adventures to do.

Epic Games Store players may be disappointed as they won't be able to access Fallout: London upon its launch due to compatibility issues with the new Fallout 4 patch. Team Folon had to delay the release of Fallout London indefinitely to ensure compatibility with Bethesda's next-gen update for Fallout 4. Players will need to downgrade their Fallout 4 version to play Fallout London, although an updated version for next-gen Fallout 4 may be released in the future.

Team FOLONs highly anticipated, extremely ambitious, Dlc-sized conversion mod for Fallout 4, Fallout London, may not be accessible to a group of PC players upon its launch. The mod was set to let players explore an apocalyptic version of the English capital with entirely new factions and quests and has attracted voice talent such as Baldur's Gate 3's Asterion actor Neil Newbon, Final Fantasy 16's Anna Demetriou, and Doctor Who alumni Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker, with...

Varada Sethu's early debut as Mundy Flynn in season 14 led to her casting as a new companion in Doctor Who season 15. Davies compared Sethu's casting to Freema Agyeman's transition from a brief appearance to becoming a main companion. Sethu's previous appearance in season 14 left viewers excited, with her chemistry with Gatwa and Gibson charming fans.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies explains how Varada Sethu was cast in season 15 as a new companion, comparing her situation to a previous casting. Sethu surprised viewers by making an early debut in the third episode of season 14, "Boom," where she played Anglican Marine Mundy Flynn. While Sethu's Doctor Who season 15 casting was confirmed before Ncuti Gatwa's debut season aired, it has already been confirmed that she will portray an all-new character alongside the Fifteenth Doctor (Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson).

Davies has revealed to SFX Magazine (via RadioTimes...

The Fallout: London mod is nearing launch after overcoming development setbacks. The mod will have its own installer and downgrader to prevent compatibility issues. The mod offers a unique, non-canon story set in a retro-futuristic London with new factions and enemies.

Despite its numerous setbacks, the massive Fallout 4 mod Fallout: London is closer than ever to launching as developer Team Folon dropped some exciting news for its followers. While the expansive add-on was initially meant to launch in early 2024, development was forced to pause and pivot after Bethesda dropped a "Next Gen" patch for Fallout 4, breaking many of the mod's systems. After months of recalibration, it seems a release is inevitable as the group working on the project has made some significant strides to ensure nothing messes with the mod again.

Posted by Team Folon on X (formerly Twitter), the group confirmed that "the end is in sight" as it...

Doctor Who episodes span various genres, showcasing thrilling sci-fi, drama, and romance, resonating differently with each viewer and era. Notable classics like "The Caves of Androzani" and modern gems like "Blink" highlight the show's storytelling depth and evolution. Episodes like "The Day of the Doctor" and "Genesis of the Daleks" masterfully blend action, suspense, and lore to create timeless Doctor Who moments.

The best Doctor Who episodes of all time include stories from the Time Lord's six decades on TV. As an institution of both the sci-fi genre and British culture, Doctor Who means different things to different viewers. Each generation has its version of Doctor Who "their" Doctor. Doctor Who is also one of the few TV shows capably moving week-on-week between suspenseful horror, philosophical drama, and heartbreaking romance. Like Colin Baker, Doctor Who wears a coat of many colors, which makes it a challenge in determining the series' best stories.

Personally and professionally, Sam Peckinpah was running on fumes by the time he made 1973’s Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Years of substance abuse left the director in such fragile health that he spent some days on the production’s Mexico locations filming from a hospital bed, and his dilapidated condition only exacerbated his notoriously combative personality and contributed to the film’s budget and schedule overruns. Infuriated by the escalating expense of the production and set on an arbitrary runtime ceiling, MGM took over editing before Peckinpah could finish the job and released a hastily assembled 106-minute version that hit theaters to indifferent reviews and middling returns. Only in 1988, four years after the director’s death, did the film gain stature as one of his finest works thanks to the release of a rough, never-finalized preview cut prepared by Peckinpah.

An account of the final days of the...

Warning: contains spoilers for Doctor Who episode “Empire of Death”

While ‘The Melanie Bush Mysteries’, in the form of a new novel written by Bonnie Langford, are now a Doctor Who spinoff in their own right, one is also brewing in the TV show. The in-episode commentary for “Empire of Death” hints at a big secret in the backstory of Langford’s character, the former companion and present-day Unit employee Mel Bush.

In the series 14 finale, Mel is psychically targeted by Sutekh while she’s aboard the Remembered Tardis. Sutekh whispers inside Mel’s head and boasts of being able to find the living through “time and space and family”. Watching the episode with Langford and producer Vicki Delow, that last word prompted showrunner Russell T Davies to say: “What’s that family line, then, Mel? That’s a big secret.”

Okay, so that′s not so much hinting as...

Mel will play a key part in tackling the mystery of Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who season 15. Bonnie Langford and Russell T Davies tease reveals about Mrs. Flood's true nature in upcoming episodes. Mel's return in season 15 may finally explore her past and long-held Doctor Who mysteries.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Bonnie Langford confirm Mel Bush will play a key part in tackling the mystery of Anita Dobson's Mrs. Flood in season 15. Langford made her classic series debut in Colin Baker's final season in 1986, and would continue into Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor era before departing in 1987's "Dragonfire". After a brief cameo in Jodie Whitaker's final story "Power of the Doctor", Mel would join Unit and aid both David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor.

While Mel played a pivotal, but tragic role in Doctor Who's season 14 finale, Davies...

Warning: contains spoilers for Doctor Who series 14 finale “Empire of Death”

That’s it now, until December. After bogeymonsters and bombs and Bridgerton balls, Doctor Who series 14 is over. The universe was saved, Sutekh has gone for good, the Susan Twist conundrum was answered, Ruby Sunday solved the mystery of her birth, and the Doctor is alone again and considering looking up his granddaughter

Between now and the arrival of Steven Moffat-scripted 2024 Christmas special “Joy to the World”, there’s plenty of time to chew over what we’ve seen, starting with any lingering questions from “Empire of Death”. Spoilers ahead.

What is the Memory Tardis?

UK fans first encountered the Memory Tardis (and its many Easter egg references to previous Doctor Who stories) in November 2023, as part of the show’s 60th anniversary celebrations. It’s the setting for Tales of the Tardis, a companion series exclusive to...

Working with multiple Doctors has shaped Mel Bush's character growth in Doctor Who across generations. Actress Bonnie Langford embraces the evolving qualities of each Doctor while staying true to the core character essence. Langford reflects on Mel's journey, adapting to new Doctor incarnations and the changing eras in the iconic series.

Classic Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford looks back on her appearances across multiple generations of the series and breaks down how working with multiple Doctors has affected Mel Bush. The star made her debut alongside Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor in 1984, remaining onboard the Tardis into Sylvester McCoy's era as the Seventh Doctor. After a brief cameo in 2022's "The Power of the Doctor," Langford returned alongside David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in the series' 60th anniversary special.

Ahead of her Doctor Who season 14 return, Langford opened up to Screen Rant...

“I think Mel’s got the best of every world, don’t you?” Bonnie Langford asks of her Doctor Who companion, who traveled with the Sixth (Colin Baker) and Seventh (Sylvester McCoy) incarnations of the Time Lord. She’s returned since, most recently in the 60th anniversary special, “The Giggle,” and now will be seen in the June 10 episode, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday.” Mel’s presence at Unit in “The Giggle” was a surprise to the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) as she handed him a tablet. “I love the bit,” Langford tells TV Insider. “I love the bit where Catherine [Tate as companion Donna Noble] turned around and said, ‘I thought I was the only redhead.’ And I had to go, ‘No, I was the first,’ showing that there could be this kind of jealousy between companions. There’s almost a, ‘I was a better companion than you.’ I just love that. Because you think,...

Warning: contains spoilers for Doctor Who episode “Rogue”.

Just three episodes ago in “Boom”, the Doctor was trapped where he stood while a countdown ticked off the seconds until his death. In “Rogue”, he found himself in the same situation, but this time with the addition of a Kylie soundtrack and some excellent flirting.

Fifteen got out of the “Boom” trap by deactivating a landmine. He got out of the “Rogue” trap by properly introducing himself, both to Jonathan Groff’s bounty hunter, and to any new viewers late to this party. Rogue had mistaken the Doctor for the shape-shifting alien Chuldur he was on 19th century Earth to track down, and was seconds away from pressing the ‘incinerate’ button when the Doctor activated Rogue’s ship scanner and explained:

“I’m not a Chuldur. I’m something much older and far more powerful. I’m a Lord of Time...

The article contains spoilers for Doctor Who season 14, episode 3, "Boom."

Steven Moffat discusses Varada Sethu's surprise appearance in Doctor Who season 14. Sethu's character Mundy brings a unique and complex dynamic to the Doctor, showcasing a tough yet respected ally. With Sethu potentially playing a new character in season 15, the show continues the tradition of actors transitioning from minor roles to major ones.

Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat unpacks Varada Sethu's surprise season 14 appearance and what this means for her season 15 return. Written by Moffat, the third episode of the ongoing season, "Boom," saw the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) step on a landmine on a distant alien world, leading to tense moments that test the Time Lord. Sethu appeared as Anglican Marine Mundy, who becomes an unlikely ally to the Doctor and Ruby (Millie Gibson) in their hour of need in the Doctor Who season 14 episode.

With Sethu's surprise season 14 debut,...

The one fatal mistake that most TV shows make is using TV cameos gratuitously. If the cameo doesn't mean something to the audience and the characters in the show, it's pointless, and little more than a random Stan Lee Appears gag.

On the other hand, too many shows have fallen into the trap of celebrity worship with their cameos.

Having cast members gawk and gape at their celebrity crush as if to reinforce the celebrity's prestige while doing nothing for the universe we enjoy is a waste of talent.

For this list of the top TV cameos worth celebrating, we will focus on iconic cameo appearances that gave the show some unforgettable moments that made TV history.

Seinfeld Cast, Curb Your Enthusiasm

What better way to give Seinfeld the better ending many feel it deserved than by bringing back the cast and the original set and doing a bit of self-parody?...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 14, episode 1, "Space Babies."

Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor brings a cruel edge to the role, adding unconventional humor to the character's persona. Doctor Who season 14 marks a new era with Gatwa as the lead, showcasing a darker sense of humor in the character. Scaring the Space Babies may seem out of character, but Gatwa's Doctor balances humor with genuine concern for their wellbeing.

Doctor Who's title character is often a stereotype of kindness, but Ncuti Gatwa brings a cruel edge to the role in the season 14 opener that's hard to ignore. Of every actor to play the Doctor, Gatwa isn't the first to tinge his performance with unconventional quirks, as Doctors like Peter Capaldi's Twelfth and Colin Baker's Sixth often deviated from the traditional heroic archetype. However, in Doctor Who season 14, episode 1, "Space Babies," it suggests that Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor is willing...

The Guinness World Records once listed the BBC’s Doctor Who as the “most successful Science Fiction television series in the world,” and, in November 2023, the show turned an impressive 60 years old. Doctor Who originally ran from 1963 to 1989 and was relaunched in 2005.

Despite its grand age, it’s not demonstrating any signs of slowing down.

Former showrunner Russell T Davies (fresh from his success with It’s A Sin) returns to the franchise following last year’s Christmas specials with fan-favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate. With the 14th season — which, for the first time ever, will premiere simultaneously worldwide thanks to Disney+ (on Friday at 7 p.m.) — Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education and Barbie) officially becomes the newest incarnation of the errant Time Lord.

But, what about those who have already played the role of The Doctor (a.k.a. Doctor Who) over the past seven decades? Below is your 101 to all of the lead actors.

Gatwa's dream multi-Doctor lineup includes Smith, Pertwee, and a Scottish Doctor team-up. Gatwa has received a lot of support from his Doctor Who predecessors for his role as the Fifteenth Doctor. Despite it being unlikely for multi-Doctor event to take place anytime soon, smaller stories may occur for special occasions.

Ncuti Gatwa reveals his dream multi-Doctor story line-up of classic and revival incarnations of the Time Lord ahead of his return as the Fifteenth Doctor's return in Doctor Who season 14. Gatwa took the key to the Tardis in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary's final act, succeeding David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor before meeting companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) in the 2023 seasonal special, "The Church on Ruby Road". Alongside Gatwa and Gibson, Doctor Who season 14 will feature the return of past companions Yasmin Finney, Bonnie Langford, and Jemma Redgrave as Rose Noble, Mel Bush, and Kate Stewart.

With the Tardis team...

Freema Agyeman was the first Black companion on Doctor Who, playing Martha Jones who went on to work for Unit and Torchwood. Agyeman's success as Martha came after impressing producers and demonstrating her versatility and skills through auditions. Agyeman is one of the few actors in Doctor Who's history to play multiple characters, with Martha being a significant role.

Freema Agyeman played Martha Jones, the first Black companion in the history of Doctor Who. Martha was the second companion to join the Doctor after the 2005 reboot. She had big shoes to fill, as she was replacing Billie Piper's popular Rose Tyler. Her interest in medical science made her a natural fit for both the Doctor and Captain Jack Harkness, which led to her working first for Unit and then for Torchwood after she left Doctor Who. Her presence at Unit offered the new series the opportunity to explain Unit's history with the Doctor.

Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor was poorly received due to his abrasive character and negative interactions with his companion. Baker's talents were underutilized during his short tenure, but his potential was finally showcased in expanded media. The poor handling of the Sixth Doctor during a tumultuous time in Doctor Who's history resulted in a significant drop in ratings, partially leading to the show's cancellation.

Colin Baker's time as the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who was very much a waste of both the actor's talents and the character's potential. Baker's tenure lasted for just two seasons, between 1984 and 1986, and, with a total of only eight televised stories under his belt, the Sixth Doctor had one of the shortest runs of all the Doctors. Additionally, Colin Baker's take on the character rarely ranks highly on lists of the show's best leads.

Doctor Who experienced a tumultuous time during the 1980s,...

Doctor Who specials for charity provide hilariously funny insights into the show's world and characters since 1963. Crossover skits like "The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot" and "Time Crash" bring together classic and modern eras for fans. Familiar characters and actors make appearances in playful parodies, adding to the overall enjoyment of the series.

The hit British sci-fi show Doctor Who has seen plenty of comedy and charity specials air over the years, and while some were better than others, all gave audiences an enjoyable insight into the show's world. Since Doctor Who's initial release in 1963, and especially so since its reboot in 2005, Doctor Who has aired sketches, skits, and everything in between in the name of charity. Primarily, they've been broadcast for the charity television specials of Children in Need and Comic Relief, both of which are prominent live events in the UK.

With Doctor Who being such a staple in British culture,...

Eccleston's Ninth Doctor meets River Song for the first time in Big Finish's upcoming audio drama box-set release. The dynamic between the Ninth Doctor and River is challenging yet enjoyable, providing a unique encounter for both characters. River Song's encounter with the Ninth Doctor may prove difficult as he carries the guilt of the Time War, leaving her to grapple with him at his lowest.

Big Finish reveals that Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor and Alex Kingston's River Song are set to cross paths in the next Doctor Who audio drama box-set release. Eccleston's Doctor ushered in the series revival in 2005 and has returned to the role through Big Finish's various audio drama releases since 2021. On the other hand, Kingston's River Song was introduced in the 2008 two-part story "Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead." She was soon revealed as the Doctor's wife and played a...

Capaldi's portrayal of the Twelfth Doctor fixed a bad dynamic from Colin Baker's era. Baker's abrasive Sixth Doctor often came across as cruel, while Capaldi's Twelve showed struggles with communication. Capaldi stepped into the role and brought a cantankerous demeanor that worked better than Baker's.

Peter Capaldi's Doctor Who debut immediately had him being compared to Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor, but Capaldi's introduction to the show improved upon a specific part of Baker's stint as the Time Lord. While Colin Baker's iteration of the Doctor is beloved by huge portions of the Doctor Who fan base, some criticize his dynamic with certain other characters within the franchise. Despite Capaldi's first episode as the Doctor coming three decades after Colin Baker's, the Twelfth Doctor was able to redeem a specific shortcoming of one of his predecessors.

Colin Baker was the sixth actor to play the Doctor, staying in...

For all that fans have, and will ever continue to, argue about what is canon in the world of Doctor Who, the fact remains that it is a world of fuzzy edges, edges will only get fuzzier now that Russell T Davies has introduced “the Doctor-verse”.

The TV series itself is like a piece of grit in the oyster of fandom, and around that grit has formed a pearl made of Big Finish audios and novels and comic books and tabletop Rpgs and videogames. Then there are all the unofficial appearances that definitely still count. And beyond that? The vast expanse of fan-created content, most of it created for an audience of one, and yet it is not quite as distant from The Official Version as you might think.

After all, we now are at a point where multiple actors have spent more hours playing the Doctor in Big Finish...

Adaptations of Doctor Who stories from novels and comics add depth to the show's expanded universe. The show's off-screen adventures offer unique and ambitious storylines that couldn't be adapted for TV. Doctor Who's non-tv adventures, such as comic strips and audio dramas, provide rich and emotionally rewarding experiences.

The best Doctor Who stories aren't restricted to TV screens, as demonstrated by a raft of classic untelevised adventures from novels, comic books and audio plays. When Russell T Davies brought back Doctor Who in 2005, he adapted several of these stories for the screen. For example, the Christopher Eccleston episode "Dalek" was adapted from Robert Shearman's excellent Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) audio, "Jubilee". More recently, Russell T Davies adapted Pat Mills and John Wagner's classic comic strip "The Star Beast" for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials.

Doctor Who's TV adaptations of novels, comic strips, and audio dramas...

Doctor Who has had numerous regenerations, but the best ones embody the show's themes of adventure and joy while introducing new directions. The worst regeneration is the Sixth Doctor's, as it's a cynical and emotionless removal of the actor from the role. The Twelfth Doctor's regeneration is the best, with a heartfelt speech that captures the essence of the character and provides a hopeful farewell.

Doctor Who debuted over fifty years ago, featuring over a dozen performers in the lead role of the Doctor thanks in part to the concept of regeneration. An ability possessed by their alien race known as the Time Lords, regeneration allows the Doctor to heal otherwise fatal injuries, changing their appearance and personality in the process. Introduced as a way to recast the role in-universe when the First Doctor William Hartnell's health deteriorated, each subsequent Doctor has departed the show with a regeneration.

While...

Doctor Who season 15 comes to Blu-ray, with Horror Of Fang Rock leading the six-story collection. More here.

Never mind the fact that the entirety of Doctor Who – well, save for an episode or two – is available to watch on the BBC’s iPlayer service. There’s also the not-so-small matter of Doctor Who physical media releases, which continue thanks to the genuinely brilliant line of Blu-ray sets.

Next in line? Some Tom Baker magic, thanks to series 15 of Doctor Who becoming the subject of the latest set. This one runs to seven discs, dating all the way back to 1977, and includes the following stories…

Horror Of Fang Rock

The Invisible Enemy

Image Of The Fendahl

The Sun Makers

Underworld

The Invasion Of Time

Tom Baker is accompanied by Louise Jameson’s Leela in these tales, and we also get the introduction of K9 in there too. Plus, of course, Horror...

Warning: spoilers ahead for Doctor Who's 2023 Christmas special.

Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor breaks tradition by not getting a costume change sequence in the Christmas episode. The Christmas special also skips over the Fifteenth Doctor's early days, with no post-regeneration struggles shown. This departure from tradition and lack of origin story aligns with the show's new era and symbolizes a fresh beginning for Doctor Who under Russell T Davies.

Ncuti Gatwa makes his Doctor Who debut proper in "The Church on Ruby Road," but the 2023 Christmas special ditches a time-honored show tradition stretching back to the 1960s. Ncuti Gatwa made his first appearance as the Fifteenth Doctor in 60th anniversary episode "The Giggle," but was forced to share the spotlight with David Tennant after Doctor Who's divisive bi-generation twist. Gatwa's first true opportunity to establish his version of the Doctor comes in 2023's Christmas adventure, which puts Fifteen...

Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor, hopes to face off against classic Doctor Who villains The Rani and the Daleks in future adventures. Showrunner Russell T Davies has created a whole new world of villains for the Doctor, promising exciting and unprecedented stakes. While the return of The Rani may be complicated due to rights issues, Gatwa's encounter with the Daleks could happen soon, as a new design for them has been teased for Doctor Who season 14.

Ncuti Gatwa reveals which classic Doctor Who villains he hopes to face as the Fifteenth Doctor in future adventures in the Tardis. Gatwa has currently filmed his first season as the newest incarnation of the Time Lord, and is currently taking part in the production of episodes set to air in 2025. The actor's first full solo adventure as the Fifteenth Doctor will be 2023's seasonal special "The Church on Ruby Road", which will see...

Ncuti Gatwa is excited about playing the Fifteenth Doctor and has grown fonder of the role as production continues. Previous Doctor actors have had varying lengths of time in the role, with some staying for three seasons. Audiences are eager to see more of Gatwa's Doctor, indicating a potential extension beyond the usual three-year trend.

Ncuti Gatwa opens up about his experience playing the Fifteenth Doctor, revealing his current thoughts about how long he expects to lead Doctor Who beyond his currently confirmed first two seasons. Gatwa took control of the Tardis in the final act of the third 60th-anniversary special, "The Giggle", parting ways with Fourteenth Doctor David Tennant for a new era of adventures. The Fifteenth Doctor's first solo adventure will be 2023's seasonal special "The Church on Ruby Road", which will also introduce viewers to Millie Gibson's new companion Ruby Sunday.

While audiences only just...

David Tennant compares the excitement of Ncuti Gatwa's entrance to Doctor Who with his own isolated experience. Tennant's return to the series was nostalgic, while Gatwa offers a brand-new take on the Doctor. The transition from Tennant to Gatwa will bring a seamless shift in energy for the show's upcoming season.

David Tennant explains the difference between filming the Doctor Who 60th anniversary regeneration and his own entrance to the series. Tennant originally played Doctor Who’s Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010, before taking on the role of the Fourteenth Doctor in the 60th anniversary specials. Now, he cedes the Time Lord seat to Ncuti Gatwa, who will take over as the Fifteenth Doctor in season 14 as well as the upcoming Doctor Who holiday special.

Speaking on BBC’s Doctor Who: Unleashed podcast, Tennant compares Gatwa’s entrance into the series to his own. In conversation with Gatwa, Tennant...

This Doctor Who article contains spoilers.

“When I was young, I was so sure of myself,” the Doctor tells Donna Noble early in the third and final Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special. “I made a terrible mistake.” That bit of exposition catches up viewers who never got the chance to watch the lost First Doctor serial “The Celestial Toymaker,” in which Michael Gough played the Toymaker, the bad guy of “The Giggle,” now played by Neil Patrick Harris. However, it also captures the theme of the episode, in which the Toymaker’s control over reality and the weight of constant running finally catches up to the Doctor and forces him to admit how little he knows.

From the Covid-era satire of the world destroying itself in pursuit of individual truth to the weariness with which the Doctor tells Noble that he was “so certain” about his past actions, “The...

Warning: Contains spoilers for Doctor Who – ‘The Giggle’

So, all’s well that ends well. After that slightly freaky bi-generation at the :a[climax of 'The Giggle']{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/doctor-who-the-giggle/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, _Doctor Who’s third 60th anniversary special, the conjoined Doctors separate: David Tennant’s 14th Doctor in his thermals and waistcoat, and :a[Ncuti Gatwa’s box-fresh 15th Doctor]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/sex-education-ncuti-gatwa-is-the-new-doctor/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} in shirt and underpants, not bothered in the slightest about his lack of trousers. Tennant’s iteration pops off for lunch and, presumably, onto standby for any future multi-Doctor stories while Gatwa takes over the Tardis controls.

There’s been a lot of excitement about this new incarnation of the Doctor, in a way it’s hard to recall happening since Zoe Ball presented a slightly odd live reveal...

Tennant's return as the Fourteenth Doctor allows for a unique regeneration into Gatwa, breaking the rules and pushing boundaries in the series. The plot of Tennant's return explores why the Doctor's face has never been regained before, leading to an extraordinary ending and new territory for the show. Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials will be accessible on Disney+ internationally and on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies shares his honest thoughts about how he approached writing David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor return. In October 2022, the show revealed a shocking twist when Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor took on the face of her Tenth incarnation in "The Power of the Doctor." Tennant's return to the role will help celebrate the show's 60th anniversary across three-anniversary specials before Ncuti Gatwa takes the keys to the Tardis as the Fifteenth Doctor for the 2023 seasonal special,...

Ruth Madeley's character, Shirley Anne Bingham, will continue to appear in future episodes of Doctor Who as the 56th scientific advisor to Unit. Madeley has previously worked with showrunner Russell T. Davies in his series Years and Years, and her casting in Doctor Who marks a reunion between the two. Unit, the organization Bingham is a part of, will play a significant role in Davies' new era of Doctor Who, facing various threats both alien and human.

Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson and David Tennant reveal Ruth Madeley's Unit scientific advisor Shirley Anne Bingham will return in future appearances following her role in the first 60th anniversary special "The Star Beast". Madeley starred alongside Tennant and Catherine Tate in the first episode of the long-running series' three-part 60th anniversary celebrations. In "The Star Beast", Bingham leads Unit's task force dispatched to secure a ship that has crash-landed at a London steelworks,...

Bonnie Langford discusses how her character, Mel Bush, has changed since her last appearance on Doctor Who in 1987. Langford hints that Mel has gone through a difficult time, with something dreadful happening to her and her family. However, she still values her time with the Doctor and maintains a strong connection with him. Classic Doctor Who companions have made appearances in the revived era, and Mel's return is eagerly anticipated as viewers wonder how her tech expertise and tragic past will impact her journey in the Tardis.

Doctor Who season 14's returning classic companion actor Bonnie Langford explains how Mel Bush has changed following her departure from the Tardis since her last major appearance in 1987. First introduced during Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor era in "Terror of the Vervoids", computer programmer Melanie Bush traveled alongside Baker's Doctor briefly, but was more prevalent in the earlier seasons of Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy's tenure.

Sixth Doctor actor Colin Baker praised David Tennant's return in the 60th-anniversary special of Doctor Who, calling it "phenomenal" and a good example of the show's tone. Baker expressed his excitement for Russell T Davies' new era of the show, stating that if it continues like the first episode, it will last forever. Despite not being part of the multi-Doctor story of the anniversary special, Baker has contributed to Doctor Who's celebrations through his involvement in Tales of the Tardis and Big Finish's audio dramas.

David Tennant's Doctor Who 60th-anniversary return gets a glowing review from Sixth Doctor actor Colin Baker, calling "The Star Beast" "phenomenal" and a good example of what Russell T Davies' new era can hold. Tennant will portray the new fourteenth incarnation of the Time Lord alongside returning companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) across three specials that will air in November and December. Baker portrayed...

Colin Baker chose not to return for Doctor Who's regeneration episode because he was "miffed," and it would have prevented him from getting other jobs. Baker's firing from Doctor Who was due to the negative viewer response to his portrayal of the Sixth Doctor. Sylvester McCoy had to play both the Sixth and Seventh Doctors in the regeneration scene, making him the first actor to play two different Time Lords in the series.

Doctor Who actor Colin Baker reveals why he chose not to return for a regeneration episode. Baker originally portrayed the Sixth Doctor for the classic era's three seasons from 1984 to 1986. He was preceded by Fifth Doctor Peter Davison and succeeded by Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy, the latter of whom recently appeared in Doctor Who season 13’s “The Power of the Doctor.”

Per Mirror, Baker explains why he elected not to join Doctor Who's regeneration episode as the Sixth Doctor.

Former Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss reveals that his unmade episode, "The Suicide Exhibition," set during David Tennant's tenure, may be adapted into an expanded media production by Big Finish. Big Finish has a history of bringing unproduced Doctor Who stories to life, including scrapped scripts from classic-era Doctors, giving them the chance to further explore their respective eras. While it remains to be seen what foes would have featured in "The Suicide Exhibition," Big Finish's interest in the story could potentially lead to the adventure being realized, and David Tennant's previous work with them raises the possibility of him reprising his role.

Former Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss teases that an unmade episode he penned from David Tennant's Tenth Doctor era may find new life as an expanded media production in the Whoniverse. The Sherlock co-creator and actor has penned nine episodes throughout the show's revival, writing for Tennant,...