Where to start with Dr. Who?

[Hedda Rosa]

I have noticed that Dr. Who is...a thing.

The most I know about Dr. Who is there's a guy with a phone boothy-type-thing, curly hair and a long scarf. That is to say, when I was 9 I flipped past it on the old rotary dial on the TV set while on my way to channel 32 (back when TVs were the size of small refrigerators). That's it.

Now I'd like to become familiar with the Dr Whoniverse, but I'm not sure where to begin. Any suggestions of what I should watch, and in what order?

Thanks!

[3:20:59 or bust]

I would start with the "new" doctors, or in other words, the 2005 season. And work your way up from there to the present.

If you love those, and you will, you could go back and check out older versions. But there's such a long gap (16 years?) between the old and the new, they feel very different.

[Alessan]

First of all, it's not "Dr. Who" - his surname isn't "Who". It's "Doctor Who", as in:

"I'm the Doctor."

"Doctor who?"

"Just the Doctor".

Second of all, I'd start with the first appearance of David Tennant in the role, in the second season of the new series. Christopher Eccleston, who played the role in season 1, was good, but the show was still finding its legs.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

The Christopher Eccleston reboot, aka 2005. Brings you up to speed, stories and acting are good, no need to go back to Tom Baker.


Don't skip Eccleston and go to Tennant, or you'll have to go back.

[twhitt]

I think you want the 2005 season, with Christopher Eccleston, and to go forward from there. That will provide you with six seasons worth of fun. How many episodes are you interested in seeing? Personally, I think there's a strong argument for starting at the beginning of season 5, introducing Matt Smith as the main character. The series was again partially rebooted at that point, with a new cast, new producers and writers. You would miss some truly fantastic episodes like Blink, but you'd be brought up to speed pretty quickly.

I made the mistake of watching a series about time travel in the wrong order, and it messes with your head. No matter how great some episodes are, I would strongly recommend you not do much cherry-picking. Decide if you'd like to watch two or six seasons and jump in at one of those two points, in my opinion.

[RandMcnally]

Originally Posted by Attack from the 3rd dimension

The Christopher Eccleston reboot, aka 2005. Brings you up to speed, stories and acting are good, no need to go back to Tom Baker.


Don't skip Eccleston and go to Tennant, or you'll have to go back.

I strongly suggest against this. I found Eccleston incredibly boring.

The way I got into it, as suggested by a friend, was start with Matt Smith's run. So season 5 I believe. You really won't be too much out of the loop. Then, if you liked those shows, you can go back.

I saw season five and six, then tried to go back to (2005) season 1 and got really bored.

[3:20:59 or bust]

Originally Posted by Alessan

Second of all, I'd start with the first appearance of David Tennant in the role, in the second season of the new series. Christopher Eccleston, who played the role in season 1, was good, but the show was still finding its legs.

Not to give too much away here, but if you skip right to the Tennant season, some characters are still in the series from the previous season. You'll be missing a LOT of character development in those particular, and important, characters if you do this.

I think you've got to start with 2005 and Eccleston.

[3:20:59 or bust]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

I strongly suggest against this. I found Eccleston incredibly boring.

The way I got into it, as suggested by a friend, was start with Matt Smith's run. So season 5 I believe. You really won't be too much out of the loop. Then, if you liked those shows, you can go back.

I saw season five and six, then tried to go back to (2005) season 1 and got really bored.

This is freaking crazy. Nobody. I mean NOBODY would skip the David Tennant seasons on purpose.

[RandMcnally]

Originally Posted by 3:20:59 or bust

This is freaking crazy. Nobody. I mean NOBODY would skip the David Tennant seasons on purpose.

It's true! Started with Smith and now I'm trying to work up the energy to start Tennant, but he just doesn't really do it for me.

[SeaDragonTattoo]

I'm another vote for starting with Eccleston in 2005. I loved the "new" series from the very beginning, and while I love, loved the Tennant seasons, I'm one not to want to miss anything and from the beginning is always better, IMO, if I'm hooked on a whole series. I'm still not sure about Smith - he's goofier (not a bad thing), but for some reason I really want to paint eyebrows on him.

[A Monkey With a Gun]

Don't skip Eccleston. Tenant and season 2 is a great deal better, true, but you might be a bit lost if you skip the first season. It was during Eccleston's tenure that Captain Jack Harkness was introduced and we found out how creepy the phrase "Are you my mummy?" can be. Also, the first season is when the whole "Bad Wolf" mystery starts, which is a story thread that runs through the first three seasons.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

It's true! Started with Smith and now I'm trying to work up the energy to start Tennant, but he just doesn't really do it for me.

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

I strongly suggest against this. I found Eccleston incredibly boring.

RandMcnally is clearly insane. (No offense; just stating the facts here.)

Definitely start with Eccleston. Even if you don't like the guy (although actually he's my favorite Doctor of all time) they do a great job in that season of bringing the viewers in on the Whoniverse so that you don't need any prior knowledge. Also there are some great episodes in that season! And I can't imagine skipping the Tennant seasons. Sheesh.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by A Monkey With a Gun

Don't skip Eccleston. Tenant and season 2 is a great deal better, true, but you might be a bit lost if you skip the first season. It was during Eccleston's tenure that Captain Jack Harkness was introduced and we found out how creepy the phrase "Are you my mummy?" can be. Also, the first season is when the whole "Bad Wolf" mystery starts, which is a story thread that runs through the first three seasons.

How about starting with "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances", then? That way, you skip over the awkwardness of the season's beginning right to a couple of excellent, important episodes.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

I strongly suggest against this. I found Eccleston incredibly boring.

The way I got into it, as suggested by a friend, was start with Matt Smith's run. So season 5 I believe. You really won't be too much out of the loop. Then, if you liked those shows, you can go back.

I saw season five and six, then tried to go back to (2005) season 1 and got really bored.

(italics added)

It would appear that you can't go back.

Eccleston is good. Rose is amazing. Tennant is the best doctor of them all (IMO). It's an upswing from the 2005 reboot through to early Smith.

[Broomstick]

In my opinion you want to start either with Eccleston in the 2005 season or Matt Smith in 2010. If you like either you'll definitely want to try Tennant's episodes.

If I had to decide I'd say start with Eccleston.

[galen ubal]

As others have said, start with Eccleston, and go onto Tennant.
Personally, I can't stand Matt Smith, but I'm in the minority on that.

[GuanoLad]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

Then, if you liked those shows, you can go back.

You take its subject of Time Travel too literally.

[Hogfather65]

Personally - start as far back as possible - the NewWho stuff is OK but not Dr. Who enough - been watching it for over 40 years and still like Pertwee best

[Loach]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

I strongly suggest against this. I found Eccleston incredibly boring.

The way I got into it, as suggested by a friend, was start with Matt Smith's run. So season 5 I believe. You really won't be too much out of the loop. Then, if you liked those shows, you can go back.

I saw season five and six, then tried to go back to (2005) season 1 and got really bored.

Eccleston is my favorite. By far. He gave depth to the character and showed the pain of someone who has everyone die around him. For centuries.

[RealityChuck]

This question comes up all the time and the consensus is always to start with "Rose," the first Eccleston episode. It gets you up to speed and has some great shows.

Much as I like the classic Who, they are nowhere near as good as the reboot, which added far more depth of character. They work quite well as adventures, but it's more 50s comic book adventures than more modern drama.

[Malden Capell]

Start with Eccleston in 2005. I didn't mind him, and I think that series is pretty strong. I really didn't like Tennant, though; I see him as the Edward Cullen of Doctors. I enjoy Smith immensely!

But you may enjoy Tennant and it's quite legitimate to do so

After them, if you're interested in the old stuff, start either from the very beginning with Hartnell and Troughton or go to Tom Baker. Baker's Doctor is very accessible, but I utterly adore Hartnell and Troughton.

[Loach]

Bowties are cool.

[Hallucinex]

Originally Posted by Alessan

How about starting with "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances", then? That way, you skip over the awkwardness of the season's beginning right to a couple of excellent, important episodes.

And miss "Dalek"??

I'd agree with some of the othersa and say just go with the start of the Eccleston run and go from there. Adding that even in seasons that you might not enjoy as much overall, there are some really standout episodes in all of them (particularly those written by Steven Moffat, which should get you looking forward to the Smith seasons where he takes over as showrunner).

Originally Posted by Loach

Bowties are cool.

_
|><|

[StGermain]

Start with Eccleston. The Doctor changes in each incarnation, but what came before is important. The dark, broody Eccleston who learns to lighten up with Rose beside him. Younger Tennant has regained some of the joy the Doctor feels with humanity -

I always felt the Eccleston Doctor was saving humanity because that's what he's always done. The Tennant Doctor saves humanity because he really loves humans, even as he sees our faults, he also sees our greatness. The Smith Doctor really becomes the Emelia Pond Show, IMHO. I like Pond, and I love Rory, but taking over the whole intro to the series? Too much.

Anyway, start with Eccleston.

StG

[Loach]

Originally Posted by StGermain

The Smith Doctor really becomes the Emelia Pond Show, IMHO. I like Pond, and I love Rory, but taking over the whole intro to the series? Too much.

I will not reveal my feelings for Amy Pond. Its a private matter between me and her.

[The Hamster King]

Start with "Rose", the first Eccleston episode in 2005 and just work your way forward. It was designed as a reboot of the series for people who knew nothing about Doctor Who, and that first season introduces a lot of characters and enemies that will be important later. If you skip ahead, you'll miss stuff and be confused.

And there's nothing wrong with Eccleston. He's lots of fun, and does a great job with the character.

That gives you seven seasons of new material to watch. And if you still want more, then you can go back to watch classic Who. I'd suggest jumping back to the Tom Baker (he's the one with the scarf), and working your way forwards and backward. That was when the series was at the height of its popularity.

Oh, and whatever you do, DON'T BLINK. Blink and you're dead. (You'll understand what I mean soon enough. )

[Bozuit]

Start with Rose, the first Eccleston episode.

Originally Posted by Loach

Bowties are cool.

Also, this reminds me, are there any Doctor Who fans who've also seen The Mentalist? I keep thinking Matt Smith's Doctor seems inspired by Patrick Jane.

[limegreen]

But....Tom Baker has a scarf!!

[MrDibble]

Definitely start with Ecclestone in "Rose" - the whole point of that season was to reboot the show and serve as an introduction for new viewers, so it's the best place to begin.

It helps that Ecclestone's my Doctor.

[Baron Greenback]

Originally Posted by StGermain

The Smith Doctor really becomes the Emelia Pond Show, IMHO. I like Pond, and I love Rory, but taking over the whole intro to the series? Too much.

Is this about the voiceover at the start of each episode? If so, that was on the BBC America ones only. The native BBC showings didn't have this, so try and watch those.

[JMH125]

Tom Baker is still the best, but if you didn't see that really as a kid, you're much better off starting with the new 2005 season and going from there.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by limegreen

But....Tom Baker has a scarf!!

Scarves are also cool.

[The Hamster King]

Originally Posted by JMH125

Tom Baker is still the best, but if you didn't see that really as a kid, you're much better off starting with the new 2005 season and going from there.

My wife just discovered Doctor Who last fall. First we watched all the newest episodes, but then we went back and started watching the original run. The Tom Baker episodes are amazing, but you've got to be willing to look past the shoestring production values and the "nail it in one take" attitude of the BBC back then. They're absolutely worth it, but I wouldn't recommend them to someone trying to get into the series for the first time.

[Malden Capell]

I have a knitted 16-foot Who scarf

[MacTech]

Originally Posted by MsWhatsit

Scarves are also cool.

Scarves are cool, but <bow>ties suck, at least Eccelston never wore a hangmans noose during his stint as Nine…

Oh, and the Baker-era episode "genesis of the Daleks" still holds up well, with the dalek's last statement…
"we are entombed, but we live on, we will prevail, we wil grow stronger, when the time is right, we will emerge and take our rightful place as the supreme power of the univerrrrrssseeee!"

[Intergalactic Gladiator]

Start with Eccelston. That's the only way that you'll guarantee that you won't miss the farting aliens.

[Lute Skywatcher]

Originally Posted by Intergalactic Gladiator

Start with Eccelston. That's the only way that you'll guarantee that you won't miss the farting aliens.

Not true. Sara Jane meets 'em, too.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by Hallucinex

And miss "Dalek"??

Meh. Too whingey by half.

Plus, DW should never do Americans.

[vislor]

Originally Posted by Malden Capell

I have a knitted 16-foot Who scarf

Mine is only ten feet or so but I loves it!

Oh, and to the OP, yes, start with the 2005 reboot and go from there.

[drewtwo99]

In case this hasn't been settled for you yet, here's my take.

Got into Who just last year and a couple months. Started with 2005 and watched them all back to back to back on netflix, up through season 4. Then watched the Matt Smith season 5 episodes, and then 6 as it came out on TV.

The first season, with Eccleston, is certainly not the best but I would highly recommend not skipping it. David Tennant's seasons are the absolute best. Matt Smith is awesome too but you'll be missing out so much phenomenal TV if you don't watch the Tennant episodes that I will cry for you over it. Watch 'em all back to back, as many episodes as you can manage to cram in a day. That's the best way to watch Who (or any TV show I guess).

Then go back and watch some Tom Baker episodes. I've seen a few of his arcs and they are enjoyable and fun and interesting.

I tried watching some of the first doctor but I couldn't take the acting.

But seriously. Doctor Who is some of the best television you'll ever see in your life. Not every single episode of course, but overall, I came away feeling like I had experienced something uniquely phenomenal when I got through the first four seasons on Netflix.

[Scubaqueen]

Originally Posted by Bozuit

Start with Rose, the first Eccleston episode.

This. I adore Eccleston. He's my second favorite doctor of all time, next to Tom Baker. Not to mention he's a damn fine actor - one of Britain's best.

[Smapti]

If the OP is interested in watching any of the classic series after following the previous 30 posters' recommendations to start with Eccleston, the most important thing to know is that the classic series was done in a serial format. Each story was made up of a number of half hour episodes (usually 4-6, sometimes less and sometimes many more) leading directly into each other. There usually wasn't much continuity between stories, so you can leap in at pretty much any point without having to be told what's going on besides the basics. Netflix has a pretty good library of classic episodes available for rental, though I don't know how many are streaming.

My personal favorites are from the Third Doctor era - during that period, the Doctor was more or less stranded in near-future (i.e. 1980 as seen from 1970) Earth as a result of pissing off the Time Lords, and was providing his assistance to UNIT, a secret British military agency tasked with fending off extraterrestrial threats. (They get a "darker and edgier" reboot in the new series.) The Third Doctor is somewhat of a swashbuckling action hero compared to the mopey pacifist that is David Tennant, and he has great chemistry with his companions (Jo Grant and the fan favorite Sarah Jane Smith) and with UNIT's commander, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. It was also this era which introduced the Master as the Doctor's foremost rival, and you really have to see Roger Delgado play the character to understand why John Simm's portrayal of him in the new series was such a letdown. For specific serials, i'd recommend "Spearhead From Space", the first Third Doctor serial which sets up the storyline of the next few seasons, as well as "The Curse of Peladon", "The Green Death", "The Claws of Axos", and the first serial I ever saw, "The Daemons" (which is only available in B&W due to the original color copies being destroyed.)

[Slow Moving Vehicle]

Originally Posted by galen ubal

As others have said, start with Eccleston, and go onto Tennant.
Personally, I can't stand Matt Smith, but I'm in the minority on that.

Not that much of a minority. Although I can't say I hate Smith, just that he's nowhere near as good as Tennant, who is my candidate for best Doctor of all. And I started with Tom Baker.

You realize, we are all making some assumptions about the OP. You've probably gathered by now, Hedda Rosa, that the Doctor is a member of a race that periodically regenerates into a different body. So the character has been played by eleven different actors: William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker (scarf guy), Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy in the original series; Paul McGann in a made-for-TV movie; and Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and currently Matt Smith in the modern reboot that started in 2005. Like most folks in this thread, I'd advise you to start with the 2005 reboot (whichever actor you pick) and then, if that catches your attention, go back to the original series.

Keep in mind, though, that the series began in (I think) 1964, so the older series, while clever and entertaining, are very different in production values and acting style.

Enjoy!

[Yllaria]

I'd recommend seeing the movie at some point, but probably only after checking out at least some of the first seven Doctors. In fact, I think you should see a couple of episodes with the Seventh Doctor, specifically, just before watching it. It's not necessary to the plot, but he appears so briefly at the movie's start that it would be nice to have an idea of who that is who's about to be forced into regeneration.

And you have to start with Eccleston to get the mysterious hints about the time war. The time war happened to Eight and Nine and settles into an old fan's mind as the reason for the gap between Old Who and New Who, and for the difference in style between the two.

[Quartz]

Start with Christopher Ecclestone and New Who. Then go back and watch Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, and Peter Davidson.

[BigT]

Originally Posted by StGermain

The Smith Doctor really becomes the Emelia Pond Show, IMHO. I like Pond, and I love Rory, but taking over the whole intro to the series? Too much.

bolding mine. Pretty sure it's Amelia. Hence why she is called Amy and not Emmy.

[standingwave]

I would advise starting with the 2005 reboot and continuing through to the present. That's 78 episodes, certainly more manageable than going back to 1963 and watching all 784. That will get you caught up so that you can start watching the new episodes when it starts up again, which means you have 32 days, so better get cracking!

[Hedda Rosa]

Originally Posted by Alessan

First of all, it's not "Dr. Who" - his surname isn't "Who". It's "Doctor Who" <snip>

Thanks! That shows exactly how much of a novice I am.

It's seems like the consensus is to start with 2005, so that's the plan. I don't know if I'll watch absolutely everything - depends on whether it catches my fancy. But now at least I'm starting from the right place. Many thanks to all!

[dropzone]

Where to start? Where else? From the beginning.

[mage-girl]

Thanks for this thread; one of my friends is really getting into Doctor Who and I have been wondering when I should jump in. (And a little bit "if" I should jump in - She got similarly obsessed with Supernatural only to run out of steam with the most recent season. )

When I was a teen I watched Tom Baker, so I guess I consider him my first doctor. But some of the more recent doctors have been a bit more - yummy looking, to use a phrase I don't normally....

Still considering. Great suggestions so far though!