The Complete Guide to the Number of Doctor Who Episodes
Discover the extensive universe of Doctor Who, the longest running Sci-Fi series ever Dive into the captivating British show and unravel the mystery behind the countless episodes waiting to be explored Start your Doctor Who journey today!
Doctor Who, the beloved British show, is the longest-running sci-fi TV series ever. But how many episodes are there for you to enjoy? We have the answer right here. The time-traveling adventures of Doctor Who have been captivating audiences since 1963, making it the longest-running sci-fi show of all time, surpassing iconic series like The X Files, Red Dwarf, and the Star Trek franchise.
The show’s lore allows for the recasting of the lead role due to a Time Lord’s ability to regenerate, leading to endless possibilities that have kept the series alive for decades. With numerous incarnations of the Time Lord, you may be curious about the total number of episodes in the show. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer figuring out where to start, we have all the information you need.
BBC / Doctor WhoThere are currently over 800 episodes of Doctor Who.
How many episodes of Doctor Who are there?
As of November 27, 2023, Doctor Who has aired a total of 872 episodes. The first episode was broadcast on November 23, 1963, spanning 39 seasons with varying episode counts and two distinct show eras.
The Classic era of Doctor Who aired from 1963 to 1989 and remained cancelled until Russell T Davies revived it in 2005. The last episode to be broadcast was 'The Star Beast' on November 25, 2023, marking the first episode to air as part of the franchise's 60th anniversary celebrations. This saw the highly anticipated return of David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.
What episode of Doctor Who should I start with?
BBC / Doctor WhoThe first episode of Doctor Who’s revival ‘Rose’ is a great jumping-on point for new viewers.
For newcomers to the show, fans often suggest several entry points due to the large number of episodes and the distinct eras. If you want to start from the beginning with William Hartnell's adventures as the First Doctor, the best place to start is with the classic era Series 1 Episode 1, "An Unearthly Child".
If the modern NuWho revival is more appealing to you, there are multiple options to consider. "Rose," the first episode of Series 1, serves as an excellent reintroduction to the franchise, showcasing Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor and his companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). Moreover, if a specific lead actor has caught your attention, each new Doctor effectively serves as a soft reboot for the series. Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to each modern Doctor and the recommended episodes to start watching their eras.
Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston – Series 1 Episode 1: ‘Rose’
Tenth Doctor: David Tennant – Christmas Special: ‘The Christmas Invasion’
Eleventh Doctor: Matt Smith – Series 5 Episode 1: ‘The Eleventh Hour’
Twelfth Doctor: Peter Capaldi – Series 8 Episode 1: ‘Deep Breath’
The Thirteenth Doctor is portrayed by Jodie Whittaker in Series 11 Episode 1, titled 'The Woman Who Fell To Earth.' If you're looking forward to the show's 60th-anniversary episodes, we suggest watching Donna's story from 'The Runaway Bride' Christmas Special, moving on to Series 4, Episode 1 'Partners in Crime,' and finishing with Series 4, Episode 13 'Journey's End.'
That’s everything you need to know about how many episodes of Doctor Who there have been so far! For all the latest Doctor Who content, be sure to check out Dexerto’s full coverage here.
Editor's P/S
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that has been running since 1963. It is the longest-running sci-fi show of all time, and has aired over 800 episodes. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, a blue police box that is actually a spaceship. The Doctor is often accompanied by companions, who help him on his adventures and learn about the universe.
I have been a fan of Doctor Who since I was a child. I love the show's unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor. The Doctor is a fascinating character, and I enjoy watching him explore the universe and meet new people. I also appreciate the show's emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Doctor Who has been a groundbreaking show in many ways, and I am proud to be a fan.
