Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that first aired in 1963. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine that appears as a blue British police box. The Doctor can regenerate into different bodies, allowing multiple actors to play the role over the course of the series.

The first episode of Doctor Who, “An Unearthly Child,” aired on November 23, 1963, and starred William Hartnell as the First Doctor. The episode introduced the character of the Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their human companions Ian and Barbara.

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It can be overwhelming to know where to start if you’ve never seen the show before. However, starting to watch Doctor Who doesn’t have to be daunting. You just need to know a few things to help make your decision easy.

The Nature of Doctor Who and The Doctor’s Regeneration Cycle

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Doctor Who is episodic in nature, meaning each episode tells a self-contained story. This means that you can start watching the show at any point without feeling lost. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when starting to watch the show. One of these things is the Doctor’s regeneration cycle. The Doctor is a Time Lord, and as a result, he can regenerate when he is near death. This means that the actor playing the Doctor changes every few seasons, making the show feel like a different show each time. It’s important to understand that it’s normal for the Doctor to look and act differently in different seasons.

Though this can be a bit disorienting for new viewers, it allows the show to be re-invented and refreshed every few seasons. The Doctor’s regeneration cycle also allows new actors to bring their own interpretation of the character, which has led to some of the most iconic portrayals of the Doctor in the show’s history. For example, actors such as Tom Baker, David Tennant, and Jodie Whittaker have all played the Doctor, and each has left their mark on the character.RELATED: David Tennant’s Best Dramatic Performances, Ranked

Technology Used in the Show

Another thing to consider is that the show has been on the air for over 50 years, so the special effects and technology used have evolved over time. If you’re watching the show for the first time, it’s essential to keep in mind that the earlier seasons will look different from the later seasons. In the show’s early days, the special effects were limited, and actors in rubber suits often portrayed the Doctor’s enemies.

However, as the show has progressed, the special effects have become more advanced, and the Doctor’s enemies have become more sophisticated. This is something to remember when starting to watch the show, as it might take some getting used to.

The Best Starting Points and Why

With all the information above, it’s time to choose a starting point. The Doctor Who TV series can be separated into two distinct periods: the original run from 1963 to 1989, referred to as “Classic Doctor Who,” and the current revival starting in 2005, known as “New Doctor Who.”

It may seem reasonable to begin watching Doctor Who from its first episode that aired in 1963, but it can be a challenging task even for the most devoted fan of the show. You’ll probably run into problems like inconsistent sources or be required to make additional subscriptions or rent or purchase physical media.

That said, starting with the 2005 reboot is recommended, which is when the show was brought back after a long hiatus.

The reboot introduced a new Doctor, played by Christopher Eccleston, and it is considered a great starting point for new viewers. The reboot also brought new energy to the show and is an excellent introduction to the world of Doctor Who. Another option is to start with the most recent season, which is currently season 13, starring Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. Whittaker is the first female Doctor, and her portrayal of the character has been well-received.

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The Most Memorable Actors to Play the Doctor Over the Years

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Out of the now 15 actors to play the Doctor, five have left a lasting impact on the series. Their performances have been widely praised for their unique character interpretations.

The first is William Hartnell (First Doctor), the first actor to play the Doctor when the TV series first aired in 1963. He set the standard for the character and established many traits and characteristics that have become synonymous with the Doctor. The second is Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor), who played the Doctor for seven years and is widely considered one of the most iconic actors to have played the role. He is often cited as many fans’ favorite Doctor, and his portrayal of the character is often considered one of the most memorable.

The third most memorable actor is David Tennant (Tenth Doctor), known for his dynamic and charismatic performance. Many fans consider him one of the most popular Doctor - his portrayal of the character is often regarded as one of the most successful and well-received. The fourth is Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor), who played the first Doctor of the rebooted era. He brought a new and fresh take on the character, which helped relaunch the series and bring it to a new generation of viewers.

The fifth and probably most unique actor is Jodie Whittaker (Thirteenth Doctor), the first woman to play the role of the Doctor. She brought new energy and perspective to the character, and both audiences and critics have well received her portrayal.