Watch Doctor Who (1963)

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television show that first appeared on BBC One in 1963. The show centers around the character of the Doctor, an extraterrestrial entity from the planet Gallifrey, who travels through time and space in a spacecraft known as the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) with his companions.

The show's original run on BBC One spanned from 1963 to 1989, with a total of 26 seasons and 709 episodes. It starred William Hartnell as the first incarnation of the Doctor, followed by Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor and Jon Pertwee as the third Doctor. Each regeneration brought a new dynamic to the show and a new actor to portray the lead character.

The premise of the show revolves around the concept of regeneration, which allows the Doctor to "die" and then regenerate into a new body with a new personality and appearance, while still retaining the memories and experiences of his previous incarnations. This allowed the show to continue for decades, as new actors assumed the role of the Doctor and brought their own unique interpretations to the character.

The Doctor is often accompanied by one or more human companions, who provide a relatable perspective for the audience and help to ground the fantastical sci-fi elements of the show. The companions often come from diverse backgrounds and time periods, allowing the show to explore different social issues and historical eras.

One of the defining features of Doctor Who is its use of time travel as a central narrative device. The Doctor and his companions frequently travel to different time periods, encountering historical figures and exploring significant events. This allows the show to blend science fiction with historical fiction, creating a unique blend of genres that has become synonymous with the show.

The Doctor and his companions often find themselves facing formidable villains and monsters that threaten the safety of the universe. These villains include the Daleks, robotic beings bent on universal domination, and the Cybermen, cyborgs whose aim is to convert all life into their own kind. These villains and monsters have become iconic in their own right, and are often featured in Doctor Who merchandise and spin-off media.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its use of low-budget special effects, particularly in the early seasons. The use of primitive special effects, such as cardboard cutouts and wobbly sets, has become part of the show's charm and is often cited as one of the reasons for its longevity.

Doctor Who has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans around the world known as Whovians. The show's popularity has spawned numerous spin-offs, including Torchwood, a more mature spin-off aimed at adult viewers, and The Sarah Jane Adventures, a children's spin-off featuring one of the Doctor's former companions.

Overall, Doctor Who is a unique and groundbreaking television show that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences for over 50 years. Its use of time travel, memorable characters, and iconic villains has made it a cult classic and an enduring part of British pop culture.

Doctor Who (1963) is a series that ran for 26 seasons (735 episodes) between November 23, 1963 and on BBC One