UK fans of Doctor Who were excited to learn that in 2023, to mark the show’s 60th anniversary, all of the original ‘Classic Who’ episodes – from the 1960s to the 1980s – would be released on BBC iPlayer. This huge collection of over 800 episodes would be joined by documentaries, special features, and popular spin-offs like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, creating a complete ‘Whoniverse’ experience.
Fans were disappointed that the 97 missing episodes of Doctor Who – lost when the BBC routinely erased tapes for reuse in the 1970s – weren’t included in this collection. However, having the remaining episodes gathered together was a fantastic surprise. Even after over sixty years, the earliest parts of the show’s history remain unavailable to fans, which is frustrating.
The issue isn’t that the original episodes are lost. It’s a disagreement over who owns the rights to them. Despite all episodes still existing, fans can’t legally stream the very first Doctor Who story – the one that introduced the Doctor, the TARDIS, and the show’s basic idea. An Unearthly Child, the four-part serial from 1963 that started it all, is missing from the BBC’s iPlayer streaming service. This is due to a dispute between the BBC and the son of the episode’s writer, Anthony Coburn. It’s a striking example of how complicated ownership issues can become when dealing with a show’s history, its importance, and the demands of modern streaming, and it shows that even a hugely popular franchise like Doctor Who isn’t protected from these problems.
‘An Unearthly Child’ and the Birth of Doctor Who
I always find it fascinating to learn about how Doctor Who got started! It’s amazing to think that the show we all love wasn’t the original plan at all. Back in the 1960s, the BBC actually wanted a program that would teach kids about history and science – a bit like a school lesson mixed with sci-fi adventures. They wanted it to be educational, and the head of drama, Sydney Newman, specifically told the producer, Verity Lambert, to avoid anything too scary or monstrous. It’s hilarious because, just a few episodes in, the Daleks showed up! Newman was initially worried about them, but when he saw how many people were watching, he quickly changed his mind!
The first episode, ‘An Unearthly Child,’ featured the charming teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright. They grew worried about a puzzling student named Susan Foreman and decided to investigate, following her home. This led them to a strange police box that was surprisingly much larger inside – and that’s how the incredible journey began.
The very first episode, one part of a four-part story written by BBC staff writer Anthony Coburn, introduced key ideas that defined the series: the Doctor as a traveler from another world, and the TARDIS as a vehicle for traveling through time and space. ‘An Unearthly Child’ was truly the foundation of Doctor Who as we know it today.
Despite how significant this four-part story is, it’s currently involved in a legal dispute.
The Dispute Over Doctor Who’s Rights
Fans of Doctor Who were surprised and disappointed to learn that the first four episodes wouldn’t be available on iPlayer with the rest of the collection. The BBC explained this was because they don’t currently have the rights to the first episode, ‘An Unearthly Child’.
Fans were surprised to discover that the rights now seem to be held by Anthony Coburn’s son, Stef. This has become a problem because Stef Coburn has consistently turned down licensing deals from the BBC. He claims his father was mistreated by the BBC in the 1960s and afterward, and accuses them of using his father’s original scripts and ideas without permission or payment.
Coburn previously disputed the BBC’s right to use the TARDIS, claiming his father’s original idea for the police box design meant his family deserved a share of the profits or licensing fees. Although these claims were unsuccessful – the BBC retained control, as Anthony Coburn designed the exterior but Peter Brachaki created the TARDIS’s interior – they highlight the increasingly strained relationship between Coburn and the BBC.
Coburn maintains that his decision to keep the episodes unavailable isn’t meant to upset Doctor Who fans, but rather to ensure his father receives proper credit and the estate is fairly compensated. Despite this explanation, many fans have understandably voiced their frustration and disappointment with how he’s managed the situation.
The BBC hasn’t confirmed or denied discussions with Coburn, but it’s clear they haven’t reached a deal. Coburn says he offered a fair proposal, which the BBC rejected. Reports suggest his proposal included the BBC producing a science fiction project written by his father, something the BBC wasn’t willing to do.
So, for now the standoff continues…
The Cost to Doctor Who’s Legacy
The fact that the very first Doctor Who story, An Unearthly Child, isn’t readily available creates a disconnect for many fans, especially those new to the show. Starting somewhere in the middle feels odd, as it leaves out important background information. While Doctor Who has always been a show you can jump into at any point with its standalone adventures, the Doctor was a much more mysterious, difficult, and morally complex character in those early days. His friendship with Ian and Barbara really softened him, and viewers miss out on seeing that crucial development without the context of those first stories. It impacts how we understand his earliest characterization.
Longtime fans are particularly frustrated by the current situation. Not only can they not stream the original episodes and start from the beginning, which is simply irritating for those who like to watch entire series, but it also feels out of character for the show. Doctor Who has always been widely enjoyed and accessible, and this feels like a departure from its core values. The show is built around themes of change, overcoming adversity, and the enduring power of stories, constantly reinventing itself while still honoring its past. It’s a show that feels both fresh and timeless, a true part of British culture that everyone should be able to experience. It’s disappointing that legal issues and past disagreements are preventing fans from accessing the very beginning of this incredible journey. Making the first story unavailable seems to contradict everything Doctor Who represents.
This disagreement could easily last for years. These kinds of issues rarely have quick solutions, and if both sides don’t find a way to compromise, the show An Unearthly Child might not be available on official services for a very long time – possibly decades.
In the end, this disagreement leaves everyone unsatisfied. The BBC can’t share the complete history of Doctor Who, fans miss out on enjoying a beloved show, and Anthony Coburn’s memory is overshadowed by conflict instead of being honored.
Until this impasse is resolved, the Doctor’s first adventure remains stranded in time.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Bloober Team launches ‘Remosd Neul Serorehso Ovam Ceyerd’ countdown website
- Transformers Powers Up With ‘Brutal’ New Combaticon Reveal After 13 Years
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Stranger Things Creators Confirm Eleven’s Fate After Series Finale
- 5 Xbox 360 Games You Forgot Were Awesome
- 14 Years After His MCU Debut, Marvel Still Can’t Decide What to Do With Thor
- Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Reveals If Eleven Dies (But There’s a Catch)
2026-01-04 18:41