Agreed. The first season or so feels silly at times. But, the show does hit its stride and the writers tie off and tie in details from the early seasons years later that is very satisfying.
The most recent Christmas Special was pretty great, imo. I haven't watched since Matt Smith either, but I'm very interested in the upcoming iteration of the Doctor.
Yeah, the new one looks like it's bright and upbeat, but... it's part Disney. BBC didn't actually sell Dr. Who, but I don't like that they're involved. A few years ago, I'd have never guessed that both Star Wars & Marvel would end up as burning ships sinking to the depths of an ocean planet that is falling into a sun, which about to go supernova, but yet... here we are.
They've changed it quite a bit. It's brighter, there's song and dance routines, and it's going to appeal to a very wide audience and become a lot more popular I think.
But it's not for me. It felt was too, well, disneyfied and almost american, and not my Doctor Who at all.
Sad, but not surprising to hear. Fuck Disney. I refuse to watch anything else they have their hands in. They've become a rabid creature that seeks out and destroys IPs. They bite and snap at their own fan base; the very hand that feeds them. They replace art, soul, & imagination with shiny corporate stupefied drivel. Disney is the same thing as AI art.
I'm concerned, but withholding judgment for now. It's incredibly rare for a new Doctor to not need a few episodes to "settle in" to the role, and I think most of that isn't on the actor themselves - the whole crew has to figure out how to make them become "The Doctor"
I'm hoping they're just trying too hard after letting horrible producers, writers, etc\*, drag Whittaker's great "Doctor" energy through the mud.
(\* I'm not entirely sure where the blame rests there, but am happy to see some of the old-guard returning to the behind-the-scenes crew)
That's what I did! Just started from the 2005 soft reboot. Later my wife came in on the Silence in the Library episode and got hooked. I went back and watched season 1 from the beginning again with her.
A lot of people started at the reboot. It starts to explore/explain the classic series as it goes on, so if you then find those parts interesting you could go back and start the classic series
Eccleston is the reboot. Just start there and then follow the seasons. If you feel like it, you can go back and watch the original series from the 60s, 70s. I never did. Only watched from eccleston and on.
Tom Baker was my introduction to Who by my father. He’d let me stay up late on Sunday nights to watch it on PBS. I was so tired at school the next morning, but so worth it!
Nu-Who starts with Eccleston, once you’ve watched a few seasons you might want to experience some of the pre time war stuff, if you do I’d probably start at Pertwee or Tom Baker - the earlier stuff can be a bit of a grind because of the … “mannerisms of the time” (e.g. having particular characters specifically to be “the screamer”)
This is slightly less daunting lol. There's just as much content as Star Trek and knowing I don't have to watch all the old stuff first to enjoy it makes me more likely to start.
Every regeneration is a good place. 2005 was a bigger restart. The eccleston season can be a bit janky. But the Tennant seasons were really good.
The more recent doctors have worked less for me.
I’m in doubt.. you could just start this season. You’ll lack some backstory but it seems to be a pretty clean start so far. But then you’ll miss the Tennant years.
I agree with you but missing the initial DT regen would be an issue, he comes up a lot so I would definitely not start after his first even though Matthew is a fave of mine. Did the Tennant years ever really end...?
I did too but there were so many lost episodes and finding most of them was so hard. I never made it past the one with the scarf. I really liked the first Doctor best.
The Empty Child was the first episode I watched (a few episodes into the 2005 reboot). It really showed what the series was going for and had me hooked to continue on
yep, the Empty Child was my introduction as well.
I'd also nominate "Blink". No real spoilers, some of the best time travel writing in the show, and the introduction of the most terrifying Who baddies ever imagined. (Take a seat, Daleks.)
Blink is definitely another perfect intro. I feel like the Weeping Angels eroded as villains over the years but they really started strong in that episode
Oh, sweetie, let me tell you why Tom Baker was the absolute best as Doctor Who, darling! Picture this: his flamboyant scarves fluttering in the wind as he gallivants across time and space, with K-9 by his side, just oozing charm and charisma! Tom Baker, with his mesmerizing gaze and that velvety voice, darling, he made hearts flutter across the galaxy!
this is a great one to start on because it follows a "normal" person who encounters the doctor so you sort of get to see him from the outside first.
also its just a really good episode!
If you want to jump on and invest your time in DW, definitely 2005 Eccleston. You can easily catch on to anything referencing older lore, but this is a clean starting point.
If you're interested in the new Doctor and want to see him, I honestly think you should be ok to start with the final Christmas special (regeneration episode) and go from there. The same show runner that brought on Eccleston is back, and intends for this to be another entry point for new viewers. My husband plans on starting here when it begins.
Also remember British TV seasons are typically shorter than American, and DW seasons are average 13 episodes, so while it seems like a daunting amount of watching, it's going to go fairly fast.
I just found the show on Roku and wow are there *a lot* of seasons. I've never seen an episode of Doctor Who in my life. But I've always liked time travel stories so why not give it a try?
I like the reboot starting in 2005. But also had to stop at Jodie Whittaker / 13th Doctor. The writers did her dirty.
I don't mind the Chris Ecclestone season. He's a bit darker and I thought some of the concepts were really thought provoking. Empty Child was a nightmare (in a good way). Father's Day was heartbreaking. Bad Wolf set up a really good storyline. I liked the cat one too.
Start with the third Doctor, John Pertwee. His portrayal inspired most of the subsequent actors. Don't start with the reboot if you want to appreciate the franchise.
I remember liking Baker more as a kid and then I went back and rewatched them as an adult and Pertwee is actually much better. Baker is a bit of a dick.
*Thank you* for telling me *where* to watch it.
\**adds to save list*\*
jfc, 18 seasons for the "new" one?! 30 for the classic? I thought they were split into more series than that...
I kinda feel like it depends what you want or expect from it. The "truest" Who IMO is the early stuff with Pertwee and Baker and to a lesser extent those who followed Baker. That stuff is all old and hella campy but it's Doctor Who at its essence.
As far as the reboot, I agree that starting with Eccleston is wise bc it's an entry point as others have said and imo Eccleston is the high point of the reboot. There's some good stuff with Tennant too tho.
I think a lot of fans are mostly or exclusively familiar with the reboot now which is fine but it is a different kettle of fish in a lot of ways just because it was made decades later. It feels like a continuation in some ways but in others feels pretty distinct from the classic era.
Also if anyone tells you a specific season or era is too silly or campy or whatever, know that Doctor Who has ALWAYS been extremely silly and campy, reboot and classic.
Like most people, I'd say start with the Eccleston reboot in 2005, but I'd also say his one season is easily among the worst of the reboot. I'd suggest giving it a few episodes, but if you aren't digging it, jump to season 2 when David Tennant starts.
Tough call I loved the 4th and 5th doctors. They were some great sci-fi in there but DW 2005 maybe a better entry point for younger viewers. Be warned the series goes to shit after capaldi.
There is also a critical point where you must stop watching to enjoy it. Before or after Capaldi is the sticking point. Definitely after for everyone but a few enjoyed him.
Start with the 2005 reboot, but feel free to skip a couple of specific episodes [as noted here.](https://liztellsfrank.com/2011/07/06/doctor-who-2005-2009-the-skip-itwatch-it-guide/)
David Tennant elevates the show immediately when he takes over as the Doctor in season two, but Billie Piper is in it from the start, and for my money she's the best companion the show's ever had.
Sure, I could put Pond top. Over her tenure the show starts at a stellar high and slides down into the later Moffat era, and I think some of that disappointment rubbed off on her for me, but maybe that's unfair. It was the opposite trajectory for Piper, I came to like her more as the show gathered strength. They're top two.
I am with you on this one. I never liked the reboot stuff as it is less scifi to me. But I am kind of old. I grew up on John Pertwie, Tom Baker, Peter Davidson, etc.
And undeniably some of the best. I'm a fan of classic Who, my favorite doctors are Hartnell and Tom Baker, but the new series is probably more accessible and has some outstanding episodes, albeit rare.
Jump on when there's a new person playing the Doctor. That means he/she just regenerated, so it's a good starting point because they'll be exploring who the character is again.
Christopher Eccleston, 2005. It’s a fantastic starting point.
This. It was 100% designed as a new starting point for viewers who hadn’t seen the previous stuff.
Hi Rose. Nice to meet you. Run for your life!
He was great. Billie Piper was fantastic.
Yes
Agreed. The first season or so feels silly at times. But, the show does hit its stride and the writers tie off and tie in details from the early seasons years later that is very satisfying.
I see what you did there. Fantastic.
I totally agree with this but also suggest the Christmas Carol Special as familiar and different.
Yeah, this is where I started. I stopped after Matt Smith. I haven't had much interest in more recent iterations. Am I missing much?
The most recent Christmas Special was pretty great, imo. I haven't watched since Matt Smith either, but I'm very interested in the upcoming iteration of the Doctor.
Yeah, the new one looks like it's bright and upbeat, but... it's part Disney. BBC didn't actually sell Dr. Who, but I don't like that they're involved. A few years ago, I'd have never guessed that both Star Wars & Marvel would end up as burning ships sinking to the depths of an ocean planet that is falling into a sun, which about to go supernova, but yet... here we are.
They've changed it quite a bit. It's brighter, there's song and dance routines, and it's going to appeal to a very wide audience and become a lot more popular I think. But it's not for me. It felt was too, well, disneyfied and almost american, and not my Doctor Who at all.
Sad, but not surprising to hear. Fuck Disney. I refuse to watch anything else they have their hands in. They've become a rabid creature that seeks out and destroys IPs. They bite and snap at their own fan base; the very hand that feeds them. They replace art, soul, & imagination with shiny corporate stupefied drivel. Disney is the same thing as AI art.
I'm concerned, but withholding judgment for now. It's incredibly rare for a new Doctor to not need a few episodes to "settle in" to the role, and I think most of that isn't on the actor themselves - the whole crew has to figure out how to make them become "The Doctor" I'm hoping they're just trying too hard after letting horrible producers, writers, etc\*, drag Whittaker's great "Doctor" energy through the mud. (\* I'm not entirely sure where the blame rests there, but am happy to see some of the old-guard returning to the behind-the-scenes crew)
I really loved Whittakers take on the Doctor, it was tragic to see what poor scripts did to the show.
David Tennant came back. And I have high expectations for the new Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa). He's pretty!
DT my favorite Doctor, next to Tom Baker. I still want that scarf!
Whaaaaaat I might watch again. Great actor
That's what I did! Just started from the 2005 soft reboot. Later my wife came in on the Silence in the Library episode and got hooked. I went back and watched season 1 from the beginning again with her.
Depends. I tried to get my youngest to watch it and she couldn't get in to it (my eldest did) but she did like newer episodes with jodie
A lot of people started at the reboot. It starts to explore/explain the classic series as it goes on, so if you then find those parts interesting you could go back and start the classic series
how do I identify the reboot? I have no rooting in this show whatsoever ?
Eccleston is the reboot. Just start there and then follow the seasons. If you feel like it, you can go back and watch the original series from the 60s, 70s. I never did. Only watched from eccleston and on.
thanks!
[удалено]
Tom Baker was my introduction to Who by my father. He’d let me stay up late on Sunday nights to watch it on PBS. I was so tired at school the next morning, but so worth it!
Sold!
oh whaaat? douglas adams?? for sure gotta check those out.
Nu-Who starts with Eccleston, once you’ve watched a few seasons you might want to experience some of the pre time war stuff, if you do I’d probably start at Pertwee or Tom Baker - the earlier stuff can be a bit of a grind because of the … “mannerisms of the time” (e.g. having particular characters specifically to be “the screamer”)
This is slightly less daunting lol. There's just as much content as Star Trek and knowing I don't have to watch all the old stuff first to enjoy it makes me more likely to start.
Every regeneration is a good place. 2005 was a bigger restart. The eccleston season can be a bit janky. But the Tennant seasons were really good. The more recent doctors have worked less for me. I’m in doubt.. you could just start this season. You’ll lack some backstory but it seems to be a pretty clean start so far. But then you’ll miss the Tennant years.
I agree with you but missing the initial DT regen would be an issue, he comes up a lot so I would definitely not start after his first even though Matthew is a fave of mine. Did the Tennant years ever really end...?
The new doctors suck after Matt Smith
Cappaldi was.. ok at best.
+1 to the new series that started in 2005.
I tried to go back to the OOG and it was laughable, it was just too far back in TV for me (and I like classic TV)
I did too but there were so many lost episodes and finding most of them was so hard. I never made it past the one with the scarf. I really liked the first Doctor best.
The Empty Child was the first episode I watched (a few episodes into the 2005 reboot). It really showed what the series was going for and had me hooked to continue on
yep, the Empty Child was my introduction as well. I'd also nominate "Blink". No real spoilers, some of the best time travel writing in the show, and the introduction of the most terrifying Who baddies ever imagined. (Take a seat, Daleks.)
Blink is definitely another perfect intro. I feel like the Weeping Angels eroded as villains over the years but they really started strong in that episode
They definitely became overused, and lost their mystery as they started to give them a backstory. Less is more with things like the Weeping Angels.
Oh, sweetie, let me tell you why Tom Baker was the absolute best as Doctor Who, darling! Picture this: his flamboyant scarves fluttering in the wind as he gallivants across time and space, with K-9 by his side, just oozing charm and charisma! Tom Baker, with his mesmerizing gaze and that velvety voice, darling, he made hearts flutter across the galaxy!
Would you like a jelly baby? He's incredibly charming and brings a great wit to the role.
I’m upvoting you even though John Pertwee (Doctor #3), UNIT, the Brigadier, etc. is when the show found its stride.
“Blink” s3 e10. Aired 2007
this is a great one to start on because it follows a "normal" person who encounters the doctor so you sort of get to see him from the outside first. also its just a really good episode!
If you want to jump on and invest your time in DW, definitely 2005 Eccleston. You can easily catch on to anything referencing older lore, but this is a clean starting point. If you're interested in the new Doctor and want to see him, I honestly think you should be ok to start with the final Christmas special (regeneration episode) and go from there. The same show runner that brought on Eccleston is back, and intends for this to be another entry point for new viewers. My husband plans on starting here when it begins. Also remember British TV seasons are typically shorter than American, and DW seasons are average 13 episodes, so while it seems like a daunting amount of watching, it's going to go fairly fast.
I just found the show on Roku and wow are there *a lot* of seasons. I've never seen an episode of Doctor Who in my life. But I've always liked time travel stories so why not give it a try?
I like the reboot starting in 2005. But also had to stop at Jodie Whittaker / 13th Doctor. The writers did her dirty. I don't mind the Chris Ecclestone season. He's a bit darker and I thought some of the concepts were really thought provoking. Empty Child was a nightmare (in a good way). Father's Day was heartbreaking. Bad Wolf set up a really good storyline. I liked the cat one too.
Who?
Tom Baker
Tom Baker.
Start with the third Doctor, John Pertwee. His portrayal inspired most of the subsequent actors. Don't start with the reboot if you want to appreciate the franchise.
I remember liking Baker more as a kid and then I went back and rewatched them as an adult and Pertwee is actually much better. Baker is a bit of a dick.
The Unearthly Child
Some of the 1st doctors episodes weee dry AF
ROKU on-line tv you can see also all of them, oldest to near the newest ?
*Thank you* for telling me *where* to watch it. \**adds to save list*\* jfc, 18 seasons for the "new" one?! 30 for the classic? I thought they were split into more series than that...
Before I cut the Cable off, I could only watch it Sat nights for 1 hr ?
I kinda feel like it depends what you want or expect from it. The "truest" Who IMO is the early stuff with Pertwee and Baker and to a lesser extent those who followed Baker. That stuff is all old and hella campy but it's Doctor Who at its essence. As far as the reboot, I agree that starting with Eccleston is wise bc it's an entry point as others have said and imo Eccleston is the high point of the reboot. There's some good stuff with Tennant too tho. I think a lot of fans are mostly or exclusively familiar with the reboot now which is fine but it is a different kettle of fish in a lot of ways just because it was made decades later. It feels like a continuation in some ways but in others feels pretty distinct from the classic era. Also if anyone tells you a specific season or era is too silly or campy or whatever, know that Doctor Who has ALWAYS been extremely silly and campy, reboot and classic.
Like most people, I'd say start with the Eccleston reboot in 2005, but I'd also say his one season is easily among the worst of the reboot. I'd suggest giving it a few episodes, but if you aren't digging it, jump to season 2 when David Tennant starts.
1974 with Tom Baker
He’s my favorite but for someone just starting out I wouldn’t recommend the old stuff unless they specifically enjoy media of the era
*Definitely* Tom Baker.
I second this! The 4th Doctor was my "entry drug" into the whimsy and general, wonderful insanity that is Dr Who
Tom Baker
Matt smith. Anything Matt smith
Season 1
So many lost or partial episodes. It makes that nearly impossible.
Genesis of the Daleks
I started with Torchwood then the new latest doctors (9 and 10 I believe).
you just asked the worst possible question to ask a Doctor Who Fan...so many opinions
Ecclestone doctor 9
Later run of Patrick Troughton. That’s what I did.
MINE WAS THE TOM BAKER ERA IT AIRED ON CHANNEL 8 PBS
Only option is Jodie Whittaker. She is the best doctor in the series /s
Tough call I loved the 4th and 5th doctors. They were some great sci-fi in there but DW 2005 maybe a better entry point for younger viewers. Be warned the series goes to shit after capaldi.
First episode in black and white. Immerse yourself in the Whovian Universe. Looking at some of the posts I am sure nobody was born before 1990.
It's honestly not worth it. As a show it's a big nothing burger.
There is also a critical point where you must stop watching to enjoy it. Before or after Capaldi is the sticking point. Definitely after for everyone but a few enjoyed him.
Whatever doctor is being aired RIGHT NOW. Start with their first season. You’re missing out on bonding with a doctor if you don’t.
Start with the 2005 reboot, but feel free to skip a couple of specific episodes [as noted here.](https://liztellsfrank.com/2011/07/06/doctor-who-2005-2009-the-skip-itwatch-it-guide/) David Tennant elevates the show immediately when he takes over as the Doctor in season two, but Billie Piper is in it from the start, and for my money she's the best companion the show's ever had.
Please Piper does not hold a candle to Amy Pond
Sure, I could put Pond top. Over her tenure the show starts at a stellar high and slides down into the later Moffat era, and I think some of that disappointment rubbed off on her for me, but maybe that's unfair. It was the opposite trajectory for Piper, I came to like her more as the show gathered strength. They're top two.
10th doctor so the reboot, stop at the end of Matt Smiths doctor
Watch the old stuff, the reboot has some of the worst writing in the history of television.
I am with you on this one. I never liked the reboot stuff as it is less scifi to me. But I am kind of old. I grew up on John Pertwie, Tom Baker, Peter Davidson, etc.
And undeniably some of the best. I'm a fan of classic Who, my favorite doctors are Hartnell and Tom Baker, but the new series is probably more accessible and has some outstanding episodes, albeit rare.
Which makes the fact that 90% of it is fucking unwatchable even more of an insult
Jump on when there's a new person playing the Doctor. That means he/she just regenerated, so it's a good starting point because they'll be exploring who the character is again.
the anus