All 60 Doctor Who Companions From 1963 to 2025 (& When They Were Last Seen)

For more than six decades now, approximately 60 fortunate individuals have been allowed to journey through time and space with the Doctor from “Doctor Who“. Unlike any other Time Lord, the Doctor has never embarked on these trips alone; instead, he’s often accompanied by human friends who provide crucial assistance during their extraordinary journeys. Just as the Doctor periodically regenerates into a new form, allowing different actors to play him every few years, his companions also frequently change, offering numerous chances for people to experience time-traveling adventures in the TARDIS.

Initially appearing on our televisions in 1963, the iconic series “Doctor Who” debuted with William Hartnell portraying the First Doctor, accompanied by his companions Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, and Susan Foreman, who turned out to be the Doctor’s granddaughter. Over the years, a total of 60 companions have joined this adventure, sometimes journeying alone with the Doctor or forming powerful time-traveling groups. These companions often serve as the emotional core of “Doctor Who,” providing the human perspective and acting as viewers’ eyes, thereby playing a crucial role in the show’s enduring appeal and longevity.

60) Susan Foreman (1963-1964, 1983, 2025)

In 1963, I, Carole Ann Ford, joined the cast as Susan, the original companion to the First Doctor. I was also his granddaughter, making our journey through time and space quite intriguing. I got my surname, Foreman, from a sign at the junkyard where the TARDIS was hidden, which allowed me to attend Coal Hill School nearby. Being Gallifreyan by birth, I possessed a wealth of knowledge in science and history that came in handy during our adventures. Eventually, I revealed that the Doctor and I were exiles from our home world. In 1984’s “The Dalek Invasion of Earth,” I parted ways with the TARDIS when I met and fell in love with David Campbell (played by Peter Fraser).

In 1983, Susan appeared in a special titled “The Five Doctors,” marking her return after leaving in 1964. Over the years, she’s been frequently referenced. Intriguingly, Carole Ann Ford reemerged in the year 2025 within Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor’s dreams. These dreams hinted at Susan’s possible full comeback in a finale that was unexpectedly altered, leaving Gatwa’s departure from “Doctor Who” and Carole Ann Ford’s reappearance unresolved. Fans eagerly anticipate an explanation for Susan’s return, should “Doctor Who” continue beyond the Fifteenth Doctor’s regeneration.

59) Barbara Wright (1963-1965)

Jackie Hill portrayed Barbara Wright, Susan’s history teacher at Coal Hill School, who got caught up in the TARDIS after encountering Susan’s grandfather, the Doctor, in “An Unearthly Child.” Barbara experienced encounters with prehistoric tribes, fought against Daleks, attempted to alter Aztec history, narrowly escaped execution during the French Revolution, and continued her journey in the TARDIS even after Susan left, often clashing with the Doctor due to their contrasting beliefs. Eventually, Barbara exited the TARDIS in “The Chase” of 1965, departing on a deserted Dalek time machine while the Doctor was still adapting to the TARDIS.

58) Ian Chesterton (1963-1965, 2022)

In simpler terms, William Russell portrayed Ian Chesterton, Susan’s teacher at Coal Hill School, who embarked on various adventures with The Doctor, Susan, and Barbara from “An Unearthly Child” to “The Chase.” After that, he left with Barbara and returned to Earth. Interestingly, in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor,” Russell reprised his role as Ian, joining a group of former companions who had traveled with The Doctor, making it the longest time gap between television appearances for an actor playing the same character in the history of Doctor Who.

57) Vicki (1965)

Following Susan’s exit from the TARDIS, Maureen O’Brien first appeared as Vicki, a spacecraft crash survivor on planet Dido. The Doctor, Barbara, and Ian welcomed her aboard, and she persuaded the Doctor to let Barbara and Ian return home when they chose to depart. She made her debut in “The Rescue” of 1965, and continued for ten serials until “The Myth Makers,” where she opted to remain in Troy after falling in love with Troilus. Over time, she became legendary as Cressida.

56) Steven Taylor (1965-1966)

In “The Chase,” on the alien planet Mechanus, The Doctor, Barbara, Ian, and Vicki encounter Steven Taylor (Peter Purves). After Barbara and Ian exit, Vicki and The Doctor discover Steven secretly hiding in the TARDIS. He eventually becomes a regular traveler with them. Determined and skilled, Steven joined The Doctor for numerous journeys until he grew tired after several unfortunate deaths. Eventually, he left in “The Savages” of 1966, choosing to stay behind to guide a newly formed group trying to establish peace between two warring factions.

55) Katarina (1965-1966)

Adrienne Hill’s character Katarina was a young Trojan woman who joined the TARDIS crew when Vicki remained in Troy with Troilus. She featured in just five episodes across two storylines of Doctor Who, and unfortunately, she became the first companion to be killed on-screen during “The Dalek’s Master Plan.” Since a Trojan girl wouldn’t have been able to grasp the show’s scientific aspects easily, her departure came swiftly, which was truly unfortunate.

54) Sara Kingdom (1965-1966)

In the grand space opera known as “The Dalek’s Master Plan,” I was given the chance to step into the role of Sara Kingdom, a temporary but significant companion to the Doctor. As a dedicated Space Security Agent, I found myself entwined in an epic battle against the relentless Daleks, standing shoulder to shoulder with Katarina and Steven Taylor.

Unfortunately, when the Doctor employed the Time Destructor to speed up time and ultimately vanquish our foes, I was unfortunately caught in the line of fire. The passage of time aged me rapidly, transforming me into an elderly woman, portrayed by the talented May Warden. In the end, I succumbed to my fate, a sacrifice made for the greater good.

53) Dodo Chaplet (1966)

In their journey to 1572 Paris, the Doctor and Steven encountered Anne Chaplet but were unable to prevent her from becoming a victim of the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre. Later on, they met Dorothea “Dodo” Chaplet, portrayed by Jackie Lane, who was one of their companions for four episodes. Dodo had a resemblance to another companion, Susan, and they grew quite close. This bond was evident during “The War Machines” in 1966, where Dodo was hypnotized by the malevolent WOTAN and taken away for treatment. Regrettably, she wasn’t seen again after that incident.

52) Polly (1966-1967, 2017)

Following the development of AI named WOTAN by her superior, Professor Brett, Polly encounters the Doctor and Dodo during their investigation. As a result, Polly and Dodo form a friendship, meet Ben Jackson (Michael Craze), inadvertently joining them as companions when returning Dodo’s key to the TARDIS following her departure. They are both present during the First Doctor’s regeneration in “The Tenth Planet” and “Twice Upon a Time” (portrayed by Lily Travers) and ultimately choose to stay on Earth when the TARDIS lands on their original departure date, which is 1967 in “The Faceless Ones.

51) Ben Jackson (1966-1967, 2017)

Michael Craze’s character, Ben Jackson, joined the TARDIS crew around the same time as Polly. He developed a strong connection with her and eventually departed at the same moment she did, having spent an equal amount of time in the “Doctor Who” series. Initially, Ben was a seaman in the Royal Navy who looked after Polly. Accompanying both the First and Second Doctors (portrayed by Patrick Troughton, following his regeneration in “The Tenth Planet”), Ben’s journey with the Doctor continued. The fate of either Ben or Polly is unknown post their departure from the TARDIS. In the special episode “Twice Upon a Time,” Jared Garfield played Ben opposite David Bradley’s First Doctor.

50) Jamie McCrimmon (1966-1969, 1983, 1985)

After Patrick Troughton’s initial appearance, Jamie McCrimmon, a 18th-century Scottish piper played by Frazer Hines, joined forces with him, Ben, and Polly in the 1966 story “The Highlanders.” Jamie continued with the group even after Ben and Polly left, until the Doctor faced trial by the Time Lords in 1969’s “The War Games” and was forced to regenerate, leading to exile on Earth. This event sent Jamie back to his own time, but his memories of the Doctor were erased. However, he reappeared alongside the Second Doctor in 1983’s “The Five Doctors” and 1985’s “The Two Doctors,” which took place before his departure from the Doctor’s company.

49) Victoria Waterfield (1967-1968)

Despite being a consistent presence during the Second Doctor’s tenure, Jamie wasn’t the only companion for this incarnation. Deborah Watling’s character Victoria Waterfield joined the TARDIS crew in “The Evil of the Daleks” (1967), following her father’s passing, and remained until “Fury from the Deep” (1968). When she chose to stay with the Harris family in the 20th Century, Victoria bid farewell to the TARDIS. This departure deeply affected Jamie, who had looked after her during their adventures together.

48) Zoe Heriot (1968-1969, 1983)

Wendy Padbury’s character Zoe Heriot, a brilliant young woman, featured in eight episodes alongside the Second Doctor and Jamie McCrimmon. She first appeared as a librarian on Space Station V3 in “The Wheel in Time” (1968). Throughout her journey, she encountered and battled Cybermen, ventured into the bizarre Land of Fiction, fought Ice Warriors, survived the War Games, only to be sent back to Earth and have her memories erased much like Jamie did when the Second Doctor was compelled to regenerate. Her character reappeared as an illusion in “The Five Doctors” (1983).

47) Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (1968-1975, 1983, 1989)

In 1968, Nicholas Courtney debuted as Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in the episode “The Web of Fear,” working alongside the Second Doctor. However, he is more famously associated with the Third Doctor. The Brigadier is one of the most beloved recurring characters in Doctor Who. Although he didn’t reappear in the series revival, he did show up in The Sarah Jane Adventures, and his legacy continues through his daughter, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, portrayed by Jemma Redgrave. His last major appearance was in “Battlefield” in 1989 with Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor. Since then, he has been frequently referenced and mentioned.

46) Liz Shaw (1970, 1983)

Following his compulsory regeneration into Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor and being banished to Earth, he begins working for the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT). This organization’s scientific advisor, Caroline John’s character Liz Shaw, first collaborates with the Doctor to combat the Autons. Over time, they also face off against the Silurians, the Ambassadors of Death, and Project Inferno before Liz eventually leaves UNIT and returns to Cambridge. She makes a reappearance as an illusion in “The Five Doctors,” but there is no information about her life following her departure from the Doctor.

45) Jo Grant (1971-1973, 2022)

In 1971’s “Terror of the Autons,” Katy Manning’s character Jo Grant was introduced to take over for Liz Shaw. As UNIT’s civilian operative, she was there when the Third Doctor recovered his TARDIS, opening up opportunities for her to journey through time and space with him. Jo bid a tearful farewell in 1973’s “The Green Death,” a departure that is still remembered as one of the most emotional exits in Doctor Who. She reappeared alongside Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor in 2010 on The Sarah Jane Adventures, and made another appearance as part of the companion support group in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor.

44) Sarah Jane Smith (1973-1976, 1983, 2006-2011)

One of the longest-standing companions of The Doctor, Elizabeth Sladen’s character Sarah Jane Smith, is a tenacious investigative reporter who encounters The Third Doctor while probing a clandestine research facility in 1973’s “The Time Warrior”. She later accompanies him on his adventures and witnesses his regeneration into Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor in the 1974 episode titled “Planet of the Spiders.” Throughout her travels, she confronted some of the most well-known adversaries such as Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, and even rogue Time Lords. However, she parted ways with The Doctor in 1976’s “The Hand of Fear” when he was summoned back to Gallifrey, and she couldn’t follow him.

In “The Five Doctors” and later in 2006’s “School Reunion,” I had the privilege of stepping back into my role once again. This time, I found myself working alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor and Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler to combat the formidable Krillitane at a school where I had been conducting investigations. The positive response to this episode paved the way for my own series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and I returned to the main show on several occasions, culminating in my final appearance in Tennant’s swansong, “The End of Time,” in 2010. Regrettably, this was followed by my untimely passing in 2011, but my influence on Doctor Who remains indelible.

43) Sergeant John Benton (1968, 1970-1975)

John Benton, portrayed by John Levene, was mainly known for his association with the Doctor during his third form, yet he also appeared alongside the initial and second Doctors in the 1972 special “The Three Doctors.” This production brought back the recently resurfaced villain Omega. In the world of Doctor Who, Benton was a realistic and unpretentious character that made him both relatable and endearing. Benton’s last appearance occurred in 1974’s “Planet of the Spiders,” where John Pertwee regenerated into Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, and the term “regenerate” was first introduced within the series.

42) Captain Mike Yates (1971-1974, 1983)

During the Earth exile of the Third Doctor, portrayed by Richard Franklin, Mike Yates served as a loyal associate in UNIT’s operations. A significant event occurred when Yates nearly killed the Doctor under the influence of the BOSS in “The Green Death” (1973), resulting in his dismissal from UNIT. However, he reappeared in “Planet of the Spiders,” where it was disclosed that he had embraced Buddhism as a means to find solace for his remorse. Mike Yates was a down-to-earth and compassionate ally to the Doctor, and while there was an unspoken romantic connection with companion Jo Grant, this aspect wasn’t extensively developed in the series.

41) Harry Sullivan (1974-1975)

Ian Marter portrayed one of the Fourth Doctor’s regular companions, Harry Sullivan. This character joined the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith in the TARDIS during Tom Baker’s initial adventure titled “Robot,” which took place in 1974. Harry was a clumsy, quintessentially British, comical, yet endearing figure that added warmth to the series. He left the TARDIS crew in the 1975 story “Terror of the Zygons” and opted to return home to London by train instead. His last on-screen appearance was a brief cameo in “The Android Invasion,” three stories later.

40) Leela (1977-1978)

In 1977’s “The Face of Evil,” Louise Jameson first appeared as Leela, a warrior from the future who was a descendant of space-faring humans. This character made her debut following Sarah Jane’s departure and the Doctor’s confrontation with the Master in their respective stories. Though Leela initially joined the Doctor as a primitive companion, she had the ability to learn quickly. However, her time on the show was marked by a complex relationship with Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor. Leela left the series in 1978’s “The Invasion of Time,” after developing feelings for Andred, a native Gallifreyan, and choosing to stay on Gallifrey.

39) K9 (1977-1981, 1983, 2006-2010)

In the year 1977, I found myself being born as K9, a robotic companion crafted by Professor Marius (Frederick Jaeger) in the futuristic year 5000, within the TV series “The Invisible Enemy.” I then embarked on numerous adventures alongside the Doctor and Leela until deciding to stay behind on Gallifrey with Leela in “The Invasion of Time.” Since then, various versions of me have made appearances – Mark II graced our screens in 1978’s “The Ribos Operation,” Mark III shone in the 1981 pilot for K-9 and Company, which unfortunately didn’t last beyond the first episode. Later, Mark IV reappeared in 2006’s “School Reunion” alongside Sarah Jane Smith, Rose Tyler, and the Tenth Doctor, leading to further appearances on The Sarah Jane Adventures.

38) Romana (1978-1981, 1983)

Mary Tamm and Lalla Ward played different incarnations of Romanadvoratrelundar, also known as Romana, who was the second Time Lord to journey with The Doctor in his TARDIS. Tamm’s character, Romana I, first appeared in “The Ribos Operation” and was replaced by Ward’s character in 1979’s “Destiny of the Daleks,” as Tamm decided not to continue for another season. Romana II, one of the Fourth Doctor’s significant companions, departed in 1981’s “The Warriors’ Gate,” opting to remain in a different dimension called E-Space. She made a brief return in 1983’s “The Five Doctors” and has been referenced multiple times since then.

37) Adric (1980-1982)

Born on the alien planet Alzarius, a character named Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) debuted in 1980’s “Full Circle” as an inhabitant of E-Space, replacing Leela. Over the course of 40 episodes, he served as a key companion to both the Fourth and Fifth Doctors, witnessing the transition from Tom Baker to Peter Davison. His story sadly concluded in 1982’s “Earthshock,” where he attempted to prevent a Cybermen-controlled freighter from colliding with Earth. However, the controls were destroyed, leading to his death in the ensuing crash – an event that was later revealed as the impact responsible for wiping out the dinosaurs on our planet.

For a significant period, Adric was an integral character within “Doctor Who,” and his permanent exit from the series (a rarity in the show) left a profound effect on the Fifth Doctor, his fellow travelers, and viewers alike. In the 2022 special titled “The Power of the Doctor,” when the Thirteenth Doctor encountered Tegan Jovanka (portrayed by Janet Fielding), Adric was brought up by name. The Doctor and Tegan both acknowledged that in the presence of Cybermen, they were reminded of Adric’s tragic and heart-wrenching demise over 40 years ago.

36) Nyssa (1981-1983, 1984)

In the year 1981, the character Nyssa was introduced in “The Keeper of Traken.” An aristocrat, she journeyed alongside the Fourth Doctor and Adric before witnessing the Doctor’s regeneration in “Logopolis.” Sarah Sutton’s portrayal of Nyssa continued with the Fifth Doctor, even after Adric’s demise. She eventually chose to leave the TARDIS to aid in the liberation of enslaved guards on the space station Terminus, as depicted in 1983’s “Terminus.”

In a hallucination, Nyssa appeared during the Fifth Doctor’s regeneration process in “The Caves of Androzani,” but she has not physically reappeared in “Doctor Who” since her departure. However, showrunner Russell T. Davies hinted at Nyssa’s romantic involvement with another companion, Tegan, in 2020.

35) Tegan Jovanka (1981-1985, 2022)

Among the Fifth Doctor’s most memorable travel partners is Tegan, portrayed by Janet Fielding. She first appeared in the story “Logopolis,” which marked Tom Baker’s final episode as the Doctor. In this story, she stumbled into the TARDIS after a flat tire while driving on the side of the road. Known for her strong-willed, vocal, and no-nonsense personality, Tegan was a powerful ally to the Fifth Doctor. However, their adventures took an emotional toll on her, particularly after the death of Adric. In 1984’s “Resurrection of the Daleks,” she decided to stay on Earth. Yet, she made a comeback in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor,” where she was still probing mysterious Earthly occurrences.

34) Vislor Turlough (1983-1984)

In 1983, Vislor Turlough, an alien in disguise played by Mark Strickson, was first introduced as a villain tasked to eliminate the Fifth Doctor. However, he later chose to ally with the Doctor and joined the TARDIS crew alongside Tegan and Nyssa. Initially distrustful, Vislor eventually became a trusted and cherished member of the team until his decision to go back to his home planet in 1984’s “Planet of Fire.” He made a brief reappearance in the subsequent serial, which also marked the Fifth Doctor’s farewell, titled “The Caves of Androzani,” with Strickson electing to depart concurrently with Davison.

33) Kamelion (1983-1984)

In 1983, the shape-shifting android named Kamelion (portrayed by Gerald Flood) first appeared in “The King’s Demons.” Initially, the villainous Master seized control over Kamelion as a strategy to undermine the Doctor. After gaining his freedom, Kamelion expressed interest in joining the TARDIS crew, but he mainly observed their adventures from afar rather than actively participating. Later, the Master regained control of Kamelion, leading him to request the Doctor to eliminate him. The Doctor complied, doing so in “Planet of Fire.” The special effects utilized for Kamelion were highly cumbersome, and the team behind “Doctor Who” welcomed his departure.

32) Peri Brown (1984-1986)

In 1984, Nicola Bryant’s character Peri Brown accidentally joined the Fifth Doctor during his trip to Lanzarote. She later witnessed the Doctor transform into Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor, but her journey ended dramatically when she stood trial by the Valeyard. In “Mindwarp” (1986), it was revealed that Peri’s physical form was used to house Kiv, a significant figure from Thoros Beta. Her mind was then wiped out, and warlord King Yrcanos, who had developed feelings for her, ended her life, resulting in an emotional and tragic farewell for Peri.

31) Mel Bush (1986-1987, 2022-2025)

Bonnie Langford’s character Melanie Bush made her debut on-screen in a video evidence presented during the Sixth Doctor’s trial in 1986’s “Terror of the Vervoids.” The show doesn’t explain how she met the Doctor, but after this footage was shown, she became a frequent travel companion. Mel later witnessed the Doctor regenerating into Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor in 1987’s “Time and the Rani,” before leaving in “Dragonfire.” Since then, Langford has reprised her role as a UNIT member and series regular starting from 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor,” with notable appearances during Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal as the Fifteenth Doctor.

30) Ace (1987-1989, 2022)

In the storyline of “Dragonfire” (1987), a character named Ace, played by Sophie Aldred, was introduced to take over from Mel who had decided to depart along with Sabalom Glitz (Tony Selby). During her time as a companion between 1987 and the series’ end in “Survival” (1989), Ace became one of the most beloved characters on Doctor Who. She was addressed as “Professor” by her teenage self, and had a complex yet powerful bond with the Doctor. If the show hadn’t been cancelled, plans were in place for Ace to attend the Prydonian Academy on Gallifrey, aiming to become a Time Lord. In the recent revival “The Power of the Doctor,” Ace was seen teaming up with Tegan as freelancers for UNIT.

29) Grace Holloway (1996)

Daphne Ashbrook, who played Grace Holloway, a character from San Francisco who was the temporary companion to Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV movie of Doctor Who, deserves more recognition. This revival attempt aimed for both British and American audiences. In this story, Grace, a cardiologist, assisted the newly regenerated Doctor in combating the Master (portrayed by Eric Roberts), and she developed romantic feelings for him. Since then, 28 years have passed, but neither Grace nor her character has been featured on-screen again.

28) Rose Tyler (2005-2006, 2008, 2010)

In 2005, Dr. Who made a comeback under the leadership of showrunner Russell T. Davies, with Christopher Eccleston taking on the role of the Ninth Doctor. Davies chose singer Billie Piper to play Rose Tyler, a confident and independent shop assistant who was more grounded than many previous companions. She first appeared in “Rose” in 2005, witnessed the transformation of the Doctor into David Tennant in “The Parting of the Ways,” fell in love with him, and got trapped on a parallel world in 2006’s “Doomsday.

In the year 2008 during season 4 of Doctor Who, Billie Piper reappeared as Rose Tyler prior to her full comeback in the final episodes, “The Stolen Earth” and “Journey’s End,” where she was sent back to her alternate universe. Later, Rose from 2005 made a brief visit during the Tenth Doctor’s farewell in 2010’s “The End of Time.” Piper has since reprised her role as The Moment in 2013’s “The Day of the Doctor,” and later stepped into the role of the Sixteenth Doctor after Ncuti Gatwa’s unexpected regeneration in 2025’s “The Reality War.” However, the circumstances surrounding this return have yet to be clarified.

27) Adam Mitchell (2005)

Bruno Langley’s stint as a character in ‘Doctor Who’ was brief, as his character, Mitchell, joined the Ninth Doctor and Rose Tyler in the 2005 episode “Dalek”, but was ousted from the TARDIS team just an episode later in “The Long Game.” In this storyline, Mitchell accompanied the Doctor and Rose to Satellite 5 in the year 200,000, where he enhanced himself with biotechnology that enabled him to receive data and news directly into his brain. Eager to disseminate information from the future, he aimed to alter history, leading the Doctor to return him home. However, the implant he had acquired was now redundant.

26) Captain Jack Harkness (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2020-2021)

More recent events have shed light on challenges faced by John Barrowman during his tenure on Doctor Who. However, it’s important to remember that his character, Captain Jack Harkness, was once a beloved companion. This time-traveling con-artist first appeared alongside the Ninth Doctor and Rose during World War II and received eternal life at the hands of the Bad Wolf in the series 1 finale. Later on, he worked with the Tenth Doctor and his associates, even intersecting paths with the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker). Notably, Barrowman spearheaded a highly successful Doctor Who spinoff titled Torchwood, playing Jack Harkness. Unfortunately, the fate of this show is also in question at present.

25) Mickey Smith (2005-2006, 2008, 2010)

Previously, Mickey Smith, portrayed by Noel Clarke, was the boyfriend of Rose Tyler before she encountered The Doctor. Initially timid and feeble, Mickey’s time with Rose and her adventures with The Doctor spurred him to grow stronger and tougher. This transformation led him to become a part of The TARDIS team during series 2. In the battle against the Cybermen on an alternate world, Mickey proved himself to be a formidable warrior and even considered it his home. However, he eventually returned to confront the Daleks and marry another companion of The Doctor, Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), as shown in “The End of Time.”

24) Jackie Tyler (2005-2006, 2008, 2010)

In my view, Jackie Tyler, played by Camille Coduri, grew incredibly close to the Doctor and was a constant companion during Rose Tyler’s (my favorite character) Earth-bound escapades. Together, they battled against formidable enemies like the Slitheen, Cybermen, Sycorax, and Daleks, with Jackie proving herself every bit as tough as Mickey Smith, another cherished ally. Over time, she formed a deep bond with Mickey too.

Sadly, Jackie found herself stranded in an alternate world where she encountered a version of her late husband, Pete Tyler (Shaun Dingwall). There, she conceived a child, but ultimately, we last saw her in “The End of Time” when the Tenth Doctor dropped by the Powell Estate in 2005 on his farewell tour.

23) Donna Noble (2006, 2008-2010, 2023)

Initially, Catherine Tate’s character Donna Noble was brought in for a single episode during the 2006 Christmas special titled “The Runaway Bride.” However, she returned to travel with the Doctor during David Tennant’s final season as the Time Lord, starting from the following season. In the series finale of season 4, “Journey’s End,” Donna’s memories of her time with the Doctor were erased to protect her, but in the 60th anniversary specials of “Doctor Who” in 2023, she regained those memories upon reuniting with Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor. Together, they embarked on three new adventures before Donna eventually joined UNIT and worked alongside the regenerated, retired Doctor.

22) Martha Jones (2007, 2008, 2010)

Prior to Donna Noble’s full season run as a companion alongside the Doctor in the TARDIS, Freema Agyeman’s character Martha Jones took on the role in 2007. As a medical student, she joined the Doctor when the Judoon seized her hospital. Together, they confronted witches, Daleks, the Family of Blood, Weeping Angels, the Master, and many others before she departed after recognizing that her affection for the Doctor was causing her harm. She reappeared in series 4 to fight alongside him against the Sontarans and Daleks, and her last appearance was in “The End of Time” during the Doctor’s triumphant tour.

21) Astrid Peth (2007)

Kylie Minogue unexpectedly joined the 2007 Christmas special of “Doctor Who,” titled “Voyage of the Damned.” In this role, she portrayed Astrid Peth, a waitress from the planet Sto who served on the Starship Titanic. Astrid assisted the Doctor in foiling Max Capricorn’s (George Costigan) scheme to collide the ship with Earth. However, tragically, Astrid gave up her life to eliminate Capricorn. This selfless act left a deep impression on the Doctor, as he had wished to journey alongside Astrid, but their adventure together was cut short.

20) Jackson Lake (2008)

After Donna Noble left, David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor embarked on a series of four solo journeys prior to his regeneration. One of these was the 2008 Christmas special titled “The Next Doctor.” In this story, David Morrissey played Jackson Lake, a man from the Victorian era who had inadvertently absorbed all of the Doctor’s history, believing himself to be the Time Lord. The Doctor discovers that Lake is not his future self and assists him in finding his son, Frederic (played by Tom Langford). They spend Christmas together before the Doctor continues on his travels.

19) Rosita Farisi (2008)

In “The Next Doctor,” David Morrissey was first presented as the upcoming version of the Doctor, while Velile Tshabalala made her debut as his companion, Rosita Farisi. Bold, strong-willed, and self-assured, Rosita shared a deep bond with Jackson Lake, working alongside him, the genuine Doctor, and battling against the Cybermen led by Miss Hartigan’s CyberKing. Rosita’s main mission was to rescue the child labor force within the Cybermen legion, which included Jackson Lake’s son. However, details about her subsequent journey after this particular adventure remain scarce.

18) Lady Christina de Souza (2009)

In the following episode titled “Planet of the Dead,” aired around Easter, Michelle Ryan portrayed Lady Christina de Souza, a burglar of noble birth who pilfers King Æthelstan’s gold chalice. However, an unfortunate turn of events lands her on a double-decker bus en route to Victoria, which inexplicably travels through a wormhole to the arid planet of San Helios instead. Initially assuming command among the bus survivors due to her self-assured nature, Christina soon recognizes that the Doctor is not as ordinary as he pretends. Eventually, the Doctor grants Christina the chance to flee aboard the flight-capable bus, outmaneuvering the authorities, but leaving her story open after the 2009 installment “Planet of the Dead.

17) Adelaide Brooke (2009)

In one of the most emotional and frightening episodes of “Doctor Who,” Lindsay Duncan’s character Adelaide Brooke takes charge of the first human Mars settlement in 2009, during an episode titled “The Waters of Mars.” Sadly, the Doctor arrives at a fateful moment as a parasitic water contamination spreads among the crew, making their evacuation impossible. The Doctor alters history to save Brooke, Yuri (Aleksander Mikic), and Mia (Gemma Chan), but his newfound power goes to his head. However, it’s Brooke who corrects the situation by taking her own life upon returning to Earth, making this a pivotal episode – one of Tennant’s most impactful performances.

16) Wilfred Mott (2007, 2008-2010, 2023)

In 2007, I had the pleasure of witnessing Bernard Cribbins’ brief yet memorable role in “Voyage of the Damned.” The following year, it was revealed that his character, Wilfred Mott, was Donna Noble’s grandfather in “Partners in Crime.” Donna shared her adventures with the Doctor, and this led Wilfred to hold the Time Lord in high regard. Eventually, he expressed gratitude for bringing Donna home safely, but felt a deep sadness because she wouldn’t remember their extraordinary journeys together. Wilfred teamed up with the Doctor again to combat the Master in “The End of Time.” Tragically, Cribbins passed away, but his legacy lived on through a posthumous appearance in 2023’s “Wild Blue Yonder,” marking his final on-screen performance.

15) Amy Pond (2010-2013)

In a fresh start for “Doctor Who,” Matt Smith’s debut as the Eleventh Doctor in 2010’s “The Eleventh Hour” saw Karen Gillan join the series as Amy Pond, his latest companion. She first encountered the Doctor when she was a child. Throughout the years, Amy teamed up with the Doctor, facing off against Daleks, vampires, Silurians, the Silence, a pirate curse, Hitler, dinosaurs, and the Weeping Angels among others. Eventually, the Weeping Angels sent her back in time, a place where even the Doctor couldn’t follow. Her last appearance was as a vision before Smith regenerated in 2013’s “The Time of the Doctor.

14) Rory Williams (2010-2013)

As a movie enthusiast reminiscing about my favorite sci-fi series, I can’t forget Arthur Darvill’s character, Rory Williams. He first appeared in “The Eleventh Hour” as Amy Pond’s romantic interest, later becoming her fiancé and husband. Initially a bit clumsy, he faced numerous heartbreaking demises but eventually became an integral part of the TARDIS crew, alongside his wife and the Eleventh Doctor. Tragically, in 2012’s “The Angels Take Manhattan,” Rory was taken by a solitary Weeping Angel, leading Amy to make a similar leap through time so they could live together, albeit no longer able to join the Doctor on his adventures.

13) River Song (2008, 2010-2013, 2015)

In 2008’s “Silence in the Library,” Alex Kingston made her debut as River Song, who was a companion to the Tenth Doctor. She had already met the Doctor from the future, which helped Matt Smith’s portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor provide answers to some key questions. River Song was revealed to be the daughter of Amy Pond and Rory Williams, and she was conceived within the TARDIS, taking in regenerative energy in the process. To save her husband, the Doctor, River sacrificed her regenerations in “Forest of the Dead,” making her death irreversible. However, she spent a 24-year-long night with Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor in “The Husbands of River Song” prior to returning to the Library.

12) Craig Owens (2010, 2011)

James Corden’s character, Craig Owens, was brought into “Doctor Who” as a humorous sidekick for the Eleventh Doctor during two episodes without regular companions. In the first, titled “The Lodger” (2010), the Doctor moves in with Owens after losing the TARDIS, and they investigate an anomaly in their building together. In the second episode, “Closing Time” (2011), Owens joins forces with the Doctor to battle the Cybermen at a local department store while caring for his newborn son when his wife is away. It’s unfortunate that Craig Owens didn’t receive more development on “Doctor Who,” as he and the Eleventh Doctor had great on-screen chemistry.

11) Clara Oswald (2012-2015, 2017)

As a passionate film enthusiast reminiscing about my journey through the captivating universe of Doctor Who, I recall how Jenna Coleman made her entrance as the character destined to fill the void left by Amy and Rory after their departure in 2012. Initially, she portrayed Oswin Oswald, a human consciousness housed within a Dalek, in “Asylum of the Daleks” that same year. Following this debut, I remember her returning as Clara Oswin Oswald, a Victorian governess, in “The Snowmen,” and later reappearing in modern-day attire as Clara Oswald in “The Bells of Saint John” in 2013. Eventually, she was officially acknowledged as the Doctor’s companion, embarking on thrilling adventures alongside him, facing off against Ice Warriors, ghostly entities, TARDIS-transformed creatures, and the formidable Cybermen. In an extraordinary twist, Clara leaped into the Doctor’s timestream to safeguard his various manifestations and clarify her enigmatic past encounters with him.

After the Eleventh Doctor transformed into the Twelfth Doctor, Clara persisted in journeying alongside him. In fact, it was Clara who implored the Time Lords to grant the Doctor additional lives, leading to his regeneration. In the 2015 episode “Face the Raven,” she made the ultimate sacrifice by saving Rigsy (Joivan Wade), but the Doctor managed to rescue her from the brink of time in “Hell Bent.” However, he subsequently lost memories of their shared adventures together, while Clara stole a TARDIS for herself. Trapped just before her demise, she chose to traverse space and time with the eternal Ashildr (Maisie Williams).

10) Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (2012-2015, 2021-2025)

As a fervent admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: Back in 2012’s “The Power of Three,” I made my first appearance within the Doctor Who universe as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, daughter of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and the current head of modern-day UNIT. Since then, I’ve had the honor of sharing screen time with the Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Doctors. Most recently, I aided Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in battling the Rani in 2025. Now, I’m thrilled to announce my return in the upcoming Doctor Who spinoff, The War Between the Land and the Sea. Despite uncertainties surrounding Doctor Who’s future, the prospects for Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and UNIT are looking brighter than ever.

9) Nardole (2015-2017)

Matt Lucas, often seen as one of Britain’s most contentious comedians, however, his character Nardole in “Doctor Who” was anything but controversial. In 2015’s “The Husbands of River Song,” Nardole made his debut as an extraterrestrial servant to River. An unusual turn of events saw him being decapitated and turning into a cyborg villain’s part. The Twelfth Doctor then rebuilt his body, leading Nardole to be an intermittent companion throughout series 10. In the end, Nardole spent his life on the ship from Mondas in “The Doctor Falls” of 2017, but he returned one last time in “Twice Upon a Time” to bid farewell to the Doctor before his regeneration.

8) Bill Potts (2017)

During Series 10, Nardole was often around, but Pearl Mackie’s character, Bill Potts, became the Doctor’s official traveling partner. It’s unfortunate that Bill only joined the Doctor for one season because she had great potential. She made her debut in “The Pilot” from 2017, however, she met a tragic end when the disguised Master (John Simm) assisted in transforming her into an early Cyberman on a Mondasian spaceship. Fortunately, Bill was saved by Heather (Stephanie Hyam), and she transformed into an oil creature. A representation of Bill, made from memories, reappeared in “Twice Upon a Time,” helping the Doctor during his regeneration process.

7) Graham O’Brien (2018-2022)

After Bill’s departure and the Doctor transforming into their first female incarnation, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, new companions were needed. In Sheffield, the Thirteenth Doctor encountered a diverse team including Graham O’Brien, played by Bradley Walsh. Tragically, Graham lost his wife (Sharon D. Clarke as Grace) and decided to join the Doctor as a tribute. He stayed for two seasons until 2021’s “Revolution of the Daleks.” However, he returned in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor,” where it was revealed that Graham had established a support group for companions. Members of this group included Mel Bush, Jo Jones, and Ian Chesterton.

6) Ryan Sinclair (2018-2021)

Tosin Cole’s character, Ryan Sinclair, joined the Thirteenth Doctor on her adventures after his step-grandmother, Grace, passed away in “The Woman Who Fell to Earth.” During his time with the Doctor, Ryan dealt with his dyspraxia, a condition that added depth and representation to the series. In 2021’s “Revolution of the Daleks,” Ryan and his step-grandfather parted ways from the TARDIS, and he hasn’t been seen since, including in Jodie Whittaker’s farewell episode, “The Power of the Doctor.

5) Yasmin Khan (2018-2022)

Yasmin Khan, portrayed by Mandip Gill, joined the Thirteenth Doctor as her main and enduring companion starting from the 2018 episode “The Woman Who Fell to Earth.” She stayed with the Doctor until just prior to her regeneration in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor.” Yaz developed a hint of romantic feelings for the Doctor, although this aspect was not extensively delved into throughout the series. Introducing such a dynamic could have significantly enriched the show and represented an important step forward. During the Flux event, Yaz played a significant role in helping the Doctor confront the Master (played by Sacha Dhawan), only to be sent back home afterwards.

4) Dan Lewis (2021-2022)

Sadly, Dan Lewis, who was introduced as a character in John Bishop’s debut role as Scouser Dan Lewis in “The Halloween Apocalypse” (2021), one of the episodes from the Flux miniseries, wasn’t given a proper goodbye. Dan teamed up with the Thirteenth Doctor and Yaz to save the universe from the Flux. However, he mysteriously disappeared during “The Power of the Doctor,” even though he appeared in “Eve of the Daleks” and “Legend of the Sea Devils” earlier in 2022. It’s puzzling as to why Dan didn’t stay until the end of Jodie Whittaker’s final journey – he deserved a fitting farewell, considering his enigmatic and underutilized role as a companion.

3) Ruby Sunday (2023-2025)

Following David Tennant’s appearance in the 60th anniversary specials in 2023, Ncuti Gatwa succeeded him as the Fifteenth Doctor, marking a new beginning for Doctor Who. In 2023’s “The Church on Ruby Road”, Millie Gibson was introduced as Ruby Sunday, who joined forces with the Doctor to combat various foes such as Goblins, the Bogeyman, Maestro, an AI nurse, shapeshifters, and many others. However, after defeating the God of Death, Sutekh, she decided to leave the TARDIS to explore her relationship with her biological mother. Later, in series 15, she returned for a sequence of adventures, culminating in her appearance in 2025’s “The Reality War”, where she officially became a member of UNIT.

2) Joy Almondo (2024)

Following Ruby’s goodbye, the Doctor elected to spend some time at the Time Hotel, where he encounters Nicola Coughlan’s character Joy Almondo. One entrance takes him to a room in 2024 London, occupied by Joy during Christmas. Joy then embarks on a temporal journey with the Fifteenth Doctor, and after a series of events, she becomes the Star of Bethlehem, thanks to the enigmatic Star Seed merging with her. In “The Reality War,” the Doctor converses with Joy’s star just before his regeneration, demonstrating that she has been an ongoing influence, assisting wandering spirits at different junctures in time.

1) Belinda Chandra (2025)

In the fifteenth series, nurse Belinda Chandra (played by Varada Sethu) took over as the main companion for the Fifteenth Doctor, replacing Millie Gibson. Debuting in just eight episodes, Belinda didn’t have much time to fully develop, but Varada’s acting was still impressive. It was later discovered that she was the mother of space baby Poppy (Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps), and in a confusing turn of events at the end of “The Reality War” in 2025, the Doctor gave up his current form to bring Poppy into existence, allowing Belinda to return home to care for her daughter.

At present, no upcoming seasons of “Doctor Who” have been officially announced, but it’s doubtful that the series will be permanently discontinued. With Billie Piper assuming the role of the Sixteenth Doctor from Ncuti Gatwa, there’s anticipation for additional stories to account for her unexpected reappearance. If “Doctor Who” resumes production, a host of intriguing new companions could potentially join the TARDIS crew, just as 60 individuals have done before them, embarking on adventures to safeguard the universe.

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2025-08-03 23:21