Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC since 1963. The series revolves around a mysterious alien Time Lord known as “The Doctor” that travels through time and space in his TARDIS, a time machine that looks like a blue police call box. Throughout the show’s long history, there have been numerous incarnations of the main character with different actors portraying the roles. Series 11, which began in 2018, was the first new series of Doctor Who since 2015 and the first season featuring Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor—the first woman to take on the role.
The Evolution of Doctor Who:
Since 1963, Doctor Who has gone through many changes and different incarnations of the titular character. Eleven actors have played the Doctor over the course of the series, with Jodie Whittaker taking over the role in 2018 as the Thirteenth Doctor. Throughout its history, the show has also evolved from its campy roots to a more serious, grittier style of storytelling. As the series has evolved, so too have the Doctor’s companions. Starting with a single human companion, the Doctor has had several companions travel with him throughout his travels.
The Thirteenth Doctor:
Jodie Whittaker is the first woman to portray the Doctor, taking over the role in series 11 which began in 2018. Whittaker was seen as an excellent choice to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role. Series 11 saw the Doctor travelling with some new companions, including her trusty “best friend” Yaz, officer Ryan, and engineer Graham. The new season was generally well received by fans and critics alike, with Whittaker’s performance being widely praised.
The Doctor’s Supporting Cast:
The Doctor Who series can’t be complete without his trusty friend and companion, who have travelled with him throughout time and space. Along with the Doctor, these companions have become some of the most beloved characters in the entire series. The show has featured dozens of companions over the years, but some of the most iconic are Sarah Jane Smith (played by Elisabeth Sladen), Rose Tyler (played by Billie Piper), and Donna Noble (played by Catherine Tate).
The TARDIS:
The TARDIS is the Doctor’s time machine and home. It stands for “Time And Relative Dimension In Space” and it looks like a blue police call box, a common sight in Britain in the 1960s when the show was first released. Inside, the TARDIS is larger on the inside than the outside, allowing it to hold all of the Doctor and his companion’s supplies. It has the capability to transport the Doctor and his companions anywhere and anytime in the universe, and it is equipped with all kinds of gadgets and tools that help the Doctor solve mysteries.
The Sonic Screwdriver:
The Sonic Screwdriver is another piece of tech that the Doctor regularly uses. It is a wand-like device with a glowing tip and a high-pitched sound that can be used to unlock doors, detect energy signals, and repair damaged technology. The sonic screwdriver has been a staple of the show for many years, and it has gone through several iterations and improvements since the first one was introduced in the show’s eighth season.
Doctor Who and other Media:
Doctor Who is not just limited to the small screen. Throughout the years, the show has spawned numerous spin-off series, books, comics and video games. There have also been two feature films, including the 1996 Doctor Who film starring Paul McGann. The show has had almost a dozen novelisations of various episodes and there’s even a Doctor Who audio series featuring a variety of actors voicing the Doctor.
Doctor Who has become one of the most enduring and beloved franchises in media, with fans all around the globe. As the show and its characters have evolved over the years, it has managed to stay relevant and exciting for new viewers. Jodie Whittaker’s portrayal of the Thirteenth Doctor is sure to breathe new life into the show and bring new fans into the fold. With its iconic characters, visuals and storytelling, Doctor Who is still going strong after more than 50 years and looks set to remain a fixture of the popular culture landscape for years to come.
