How to watch Doctor Who in order – including official TV spin-offs

As a lifelong Whovian who’s been traveling through time and space since the early days of William Hartnell, I can confidently say that the Doctor Who universe is more than just a TV show – it’s a rich tapestry woven with countless adventures, intriguing characters, and endless possibilities.

From the classic series starring Tom Baker to the modern era with Jodie Whittaker, each incarnation of the Doctor has brought its unique charm and captivated audiences worldwide. The spin-offs like Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and now Tales of the TARDIS, only enrich this expansive narrative further.

Personally, I’ve witnessed the regenerations, mourned companions lost, and rejoiced in triumphant victories. I’ve seen Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels, and so many other terrifying creatures that have left me hiding behind the couch. But through it all, the Doctor has always been there, fighting for justice, exploring galaxies, and reminding us of the importance of kindness and empathy.

Now, as we embark on a new era with Ncuti Gatwa taking on the role of the Fifteenth Doctor, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can only imagine what adventures lie ahead for our favorite Time Lord and his companions.

And as for a joke? Well, you know what they say – if you meet the Doctor in the TARDIS, he’s coming from somewhere; if he’s going nowhere, then he’s stuck in traffic! Keep on traveling, my fellow Whovians, and remember: “Time and space are big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big they are.” – The Doctor, probably.

Ncuti Gatwa’s comeback to Doctor Who has been confirmed for season 15, following the spectacular 2024 Christmas special titled “Joy to the World.

As a long-time fan of this particular show, I’m absolutely thrilled about the upcoming season! The trailer has only heightened my anticipation, especially since it features the return of Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday and the enigmatic Mrs. Flood, played by Anita Dobson. Additionally, we’ll be introduced to a new character, Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu. Having followed the show for years, I’ve grown attached to its characters, and seeing familiar faces alongside fresh ones promises an exciting continuation of the story. Can’t wait to see what this new season holds!

Plus, we’ve got a spin-off on the horizon in the form of The War Between the Land and the Sea.

As we eagerly anticipate the return of Gatwa’s second season, why not take this opportunity to explore the vast world of Doctor Who? Most parts of this Whoniverse are available on BBC iPlayer, with a few exceptions such as the very first episode and several Tom Baker favorites. Now is your chance to jump in and enjoy!

So, here’s how to watch the whole Whoniverse in order. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

How to watch Doctor Who in release date order

As a longtime fan of Doctor Who, I must say that over the years, I have been captivated by the numerous spin-offs that have emerged from the original series. From Torchwood, with its four seasons of thrilling adventures, to The Sarah Jane Adventures, which spanned an impressive five seasons, these shows have provided a wealth of additional content for fans to enjoy. Even the short-lived K-9 and Company, with only one pilot episode, was a fascinating glimpse into a new corner of the Doctor Who universe.

Moreover, Tales of the TARDIS offered a unique perspective on the lives of characters we already knew and loved, while The War Between the Land and the Sea promises to be an exciting addition to the roster of spin-offs on the horizon. Each of these shows has added depth and complexity to the Doctor Who universe, enriching the overall narrative and expanding the lore in ways that only a dedicated fan could appreciate.

In my opinion, these spin-offs have been instrumental in keeping the spirit of Doctor Who alive and well beyond the confines of the original series. They have allowed for new stories to be told, new characters to be introduced, and new adventures to be had, all while staying true to the heart and soul of the show that started it all. I eagerly await each new season and can’t wait to see what exciting twists and turns lie ahead in the ever-evolving Doctor Who universe.

While it’s not strictly necessary to watch each episode in the original airing order, you can certainly enjoy Doctor Who and its spin-offs sequentially. However, some elements from the main series may appear in the spin-offs, so if you want a complete experience, watching them in release order might be more rewarding!

In certain instances, some initial episodes from the Doctor Who series have vanished over time, but select ones have been re-introduced through animated adaptations.

On 1st November 2023, unlike other episodes, Doctor Who’s debut story, “An Unearthly Child,” was not made available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Doctor Who season 1 (1963)
Doctor Who season 2 (1964)
Doctor Who season 3 (1965)
Doctor Who season 4 (1966)
Doctor Who season 5 (1967)
Doctor Who season 6 (1968)
Doctor Who season 7 (1970)
Doctor Who season 8 (1971)
Doctor Who season 9 (1972)
Doctor Who season 10 (1972)
Doctor Who season 11 (1973)
Doctor Who season 12 (1974)
Doctor Who season 13 (1975)
Doctor Who season 14 (1976)
Doctor Who season 15 (1977)
Doctor Who season 16 (1978)
Doctor Who season 17 (1979)
Doctor Who season 18 (1980)
K-9 and Company (1981)
Doctor Who season 19 (1982)
Doctor Who season 20 (1983)
The Five Doctors (1983)
Doctor Who season 21 (1984)
Doctor Who season 22 (1985)
Doctor Who season 23 (1986)
Doctor Who season 24 (1987)
Doctor Who season 25 (1988)
Doctor Who season 26 (1989)

Doctor Who was taken off air in 1989 and wouldn’t return until 1996.

Doctor Who TV movie (1996)

After the TV movie, Doctor Who wouldn’t return until the 2005 reboot, helmed by Russell T Davies.

The series introduced several spins-off, and it regularly aired holiday specials for both Christmas and New Year. Additionally, there were special episodes produced to celebrate different anniversaries.

Doctor Who season 1 (2005)
Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 2 (2006)
Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride (2006 Christmas special)
Torchwood season 1 (2006)
Doctor Who season 3 (2006 to 2007)
Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned (2007 Christmas special)
The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1 (2007)
Torchwood season 2 (2008)
Doctor Who season 4 (2008)
The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2 (2008)
Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special)
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009 Spring special)
Torchwood season 3: Children of Earth (2009)
The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3 (2009)
Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009 Autumn special)
Doctor Who: The End of Time Part 1 and Part 2 (2009 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 5 (2010)
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas special)
The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4 (2010)
Doctor Who season 6 (2011)
Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011 Christmas special)
Torchwood season 4: Miracle Day (2011)
The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5 (2011)
Doctor Who season 7 part 1 (2012)
Doctor Who: The Snowmen (2012 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 7 part 2 (2013)
Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor (2013 mini-episode)
Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013 – 50th anniversary special)
Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 8 (2014)
Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 9 (2015)
Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas special)
Class (2016)
Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 10 (2017)
Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 11 (2018)
Doctor Who: Resolution (2019 New Year special)
Doctor Who season 12 (2020)
Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021 New Year special)
Doctor Who season 13: Flux (2021)
Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (2022 New Year special)
Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (2022 Spring special)
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022 Autumn special)
Tales of the TARDIS (2023)
Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023 – 60th anniversary special)
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas special)
Doctor Who season 14 (coming in May 2024)
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special (coming in December 2024)
Doctor Who season 15 (coming in May 2025)
The War Between the Land and the Sea (release date TBC)

Additionally, you might find interesting “An Adventure in Space and Time” – a docudrama that delves into the origins of Doctor Who. Originally premiered in 2013 as a special episode to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary, it was updated for its 60th anniversary in 2023.