Watch An Adventure in Space & Time

An Adventure in Space & Time is a nostalgic drama miniseries produced by BBC, telling the fascinating story of the birth of Doctor Who, one of the longest-running and most iconic sci-fi TV shows of all time. The show chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the show's creators and cast as they claw their way to the top of the entertainment industry, battling budget constraints, technical hurdles, and personal demons.

The central character of the show is William Hartnell, the English actor who played the first incarnation of the Doctor, and who is played by David Bradley in a stunning performance that captures the spirit of the man and the role. Hartnell is a gruff and somewhat cantankerous figure, who initially dismisses the idea of playing a scientist who travels through time and space in a police box. However, as he meets the other members of the production team, including the brilliant young producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) and the visionary director Waris Hussein (Sacha Dhawan), he begins to see the potential of the show and becomes more and more invested in it.

The show is full of little details and nods to the history of Doctor Who, including the original TARDIS set, the Daleks, and the famous regeneration scene. However, it is also a moving depiction of the human stories behind these cultural touchstones. We see Hartnell grappling with health issues and fear of being typecast, as well as his close relationship with his granddaughter, Susan, played by Carole Ann Ford. We also see Verity Lambert fighting sexism and ageism in an industry dominated by older men, and Waris Hussein overcoming racism and prejudice to direct a ground-breaking TV show.

The performances in An Adventure in Space & Time are uniformly excellent, with David Bradley standing out as William Hartnell. He brings a warmth and depth to the character that makes us sympathize with his struggles and root for him to succeed. Jessica Raine, a rising star of British television, is also superb as Verity Lambert, conveying both her steely determination and her vulnerability. Sacha Dhawan and Lesley Manville, who plays Hartnell's wife Heather, also deliver powerful performances that add depth and resonance to the story.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is how it manages to balance humor and drama, never shying away from the darker aspects of the Doctor Who story - the intense pressure on the actors, the budget constraints, and the personal issues that threatened to derail the show at every turn. At the same time, there are plenty of moments of levity and warmth, such as the scenes where the production team bicker over the design of the Daleks or Hartnell struggles to keep up with his lines.

Overall, An Adventure in Space & Time is a must-watch for anyone who loves Doctor Who, as well as anyone who enjoys well-crafted dramas that explore the human stories behind cultural phenomena. It's a moving and engaging look at the early days of one of the most enduring TV shows of all time, and a fitting tribute to the talented individuals who made it happen. If you're a fan of British television, science fiction, or just great storytelling, this is a show you won't want to miss.