Twenty years ago, Russell T. Davies brought back Doctor Who, making television history. The show, which is the longest-running science fiction series ever, had been cancelled by the BBC in 1989. When it returned in 2005, Davies intentionally didn’t focus too much on past storylines, making it easy for new fans to jump right in. He included lots of hidden references for longtime viewers, but kept things accessible – especially when a famous companion finally reappeared on April 29, 2006.
The episode “School Reunion” brought back Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, a popular and beloved companion of the Third and Fourth Doctors. To celebrate the anniversary of that episode, the official Doctor Who Twitter account recently shared some wonderful new footage of Sarah Jane’s first meeting with David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor.
On this day in 2006, Elisabeth Sladen made a memorable return as Sarah Jane Smith in the Doctor Who episode ‘School Reunion,’ meeting David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. We’ve recently rediscovered some original footage from the Doctor Who archives of this iconic scene and are excited to share a look…
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) April 29, 2026
For fans who loved the original Doctor Who, this is a truly memorable scene, full of feeling. David Tennant was still getting used to playing the Doctor, but he does a fantastic job, and his chemistry with Sarah Jane Adventures star Elisabeth Sladen is instantly engaging.
David Tennant’s Joy Spoke For Us All
For longtime fans of Doctor Who, the episode dedicated to Sarah Jane Smith was a truly special moment in the show’s modern era. It wasn’t just a quick reference or a brief appearance – it was a whole episode focused on the beloved companion, played by Elisabeth Sladen. The story cleverly used Sarah Jane’s experiences to reflect on what it means to travel with the Doctor, and as a viewer who grew up with the show, it was incredibly emotional to see a character I loved return in such a meaningful way. It felt like Doctor Who had come full circle.
Things continued to look great for Sarah Jane, and fans didn’t have to wait long for her own show, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Picking up after her appearance in “School Reunion,” the series also brought back K-9. Russell Davies skillfully blended classic Doctor Who elements with exciting new stories, creating a successful revival that remains popular even today. He struck a balance that the show seems to have lost touch with.
David Tennant is also a big fan of Doctor Who, and that genuine enthusiasm shines through in this new footage. It doesn’t even seem like he’s acting – his joy feels completely real. He’s a fan getting to experience something incredible, and his reaction perfectly captures how many viewers felt. This is especially touching considering the loss of Sarah Jane actress Elisabeth Sladen in 2011. The episode “School Reunion” remains a fan favorite because it truly felt like a reunion for everyone who loves the show, and it’s great to see it again with a fresh perspective.
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2026-04-29 18:10