Noticias

In its long, long history, Doctor Who has naturally had numerous spinoffs, but not all of those spinoffs are created equal, with some being far superior to the rest. The universe continues to expand, too, with another Doctor Who spinoff, The War Between the Land and the Sea, having wrapped filming and set for release in 2025. The story will follow the battle between Unit and old Doctor Who foe the Sea Devils. It's just one of many Doctor Who spinoffs planned in the next few years.

With a franchise as sprawling as Doctor Who, the continuity issue of what's canon and what's not is incredibly messy. Spinoffs, tie-ins, non-canonical series, mini webisodes, radio plays, and more have all added to the lore, and it's not always clear what's considered official canon – in the case of Doctor Who, with its wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey nature, it could all be considered part of the lore.

It's not uncommon for TV shows to take huge risks to keep up with the demands and requirements of the ever-changing landscape of television. When a series throws in a character change, plot twist, or unexpected shift in the formula, it can sometimes throw the entire project off balance. However, when executed correctly, these big swings can pay off enormously and serve to cement the show as a classic. While plenty of formulaic shows are popular and high quality, the pieces of TV that will be remembered for years to come are those that weren't afraid to stand out.

While some of these TV shows shocked viewers with great plot twists many times over, there are other ways for series to branch out other than story choices. A common risk that producers and studios are often hesitant to green-light is budget increases or any type of plot point that would alienate or upset audiences.

Christmas specials are normally a time for TV shows to spread some holiday cheer, although some festive episodes have leaned into the darkest sides of the season. While beloved classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas have become annual viewing for families around the world, other viewers would much rather watch a Christmas special that doesn’t shy away from the challenges of the holidays. While it can sometimes be jarring to watch a particularly dark Christmas special, it’s also important that TV shows don’t lose their individuality just because Christmas is considered a time of joy and togetherness.

Many of the greatest Christmas specials of all time address dark subject matters and aren’t afraid to tackle terrifying themes or produce stories of sad sentimentality. While hopeful holiday specials have their merit, there’s something enjoyable about a Christmas special that pushes back against the conventions of the...

Doctor Who showrunners Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat come together to celebrate the "phenomenal" casting of one Doctor in particular. Looking back at the Fourth Doctor era, Tom Baker assumed the role in 1974, leading the show for 172 episodes across 7 seasons. Baker's final battle against the Master (Anthony Ainley) in 1981's "Logopolis" brought his adventures to an end with the Fourth Doctor's regeneration, but he has since reprised the role in one-off appearances and audio dramas.

When speaking to Doctor Who Magazine (via RadioTimes) in a larger retrospective on Phillip Hinchcliffe's producing tenure, Moffat turned attention to the cast of that era, particularly praising Baker, Elizabeth Sladen, and Ian Marter's Tardis team of the Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, and Harry Sullivan. He went so far as to say Doctor Who hasn't a better cast, explaining:

Steven Moffat: I know this was a legacy of the previous producer, but...

Most of the time, kids' TV shows are imported around the world because they require little to no understanding of the native language. For example, icons like Pingu and Mr. Bean have seen a wealth of success over the years because they have managed to tap into a very lucrative audience with their unusual sense of humor. As such, it seems that kids' TV will always be a thriving and dynamic industry.

Although the US often welcomes a ton of British crime dramas and sitcoms, it tends to overlook a lot of shows made for children. Sometimes this is down to differences in diction and humor, but overall, it seems like the rest of the world is missing out. Thus, a lot of fans have yet to discover the hidden gems found on British children's television.

A Perfect Spin-off for Fun Loving Doctor Who Fans The Sarah Jane Adventures

Created...

Other than its Time Lord characters, Doctor Who generally doesn't tend to recast its major players, but one classic companion whose original actor has sadly passed away can now return to the franchise after a suitable replacement has been found. One of the most upsetting and harsh realities about of Doctor Who's classic era is that it was so long ago, some of the original stars are incapable of reprising their roles. So, while there may be a demand to see more from certain characters, it becomes a matter of whether recasting the part is necessary and appropriate.

With a new actor in place for one of Doctor Who's best companions of all time, their story can be added to in the coming run of episodes. So far, very little is known about Doctor Who season 15's story. However, the ending of Doctor Who season 14 proves the show's Disney era...

Doctor Who's Rose Tyler was played by Billie Piper, and was a fascinating character. She encountered the Doctor after an alien attack on the shop where she worked, and she fell completely in love with him. She left her mother Jackie and boyfriend Mickey behind as she traveled with him throughout time and space, dodging dangers and sometimes barely escaping with her life.

Rose had many good qualities, such as being kind, brave and smart, but she also had some bad ones. She often didn't consider the feelings of others, and there were times when she was blinded by her love for the Doctor. Her best episodes showed off all these sides of Rose's personality.

'Boomtown' Highlighted Rose's Selfishness

Release date

Writer

Director

IMDb Score

June 4, 2005

Russell T. Davies

Joe Ahearne

7.1/10

In "Boomtown" Rose has her old boyfriend Mickey meet up with her again, after she left...

Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw return in a new Doctor Who spinoff show. They will be joined by Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient. The actors will play new roles after previously appearing in small roles during the Tennant era.

Russell T. Davies' return to Doctor Who continues to make its mark as a new spinoff has been announced at San Diego Comic-Con, bringing back two forgotten stars from the Tennant era. Screen Rant was at the Doctor Who panel in San Diego, where new details of what is to come from this new expansion in the Doctor Who universe were revealed. Though filming is yet to begin for the series, the confirmed casting of two incredible British actors comes as one of the biggest movie and TV reveals of Sdcc.

The upcoming Doctor Who spinoff will join an already impressive list of shows set in that universe. Since its revival...

Flush with new cash thanks to The Walt Disney Company, Doctor Who is getting another spinoff.

The BBC and Disney+ have ordered The War Between The Land And The Sea, a five-part spinoff series starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw alongside existing Doctor Who stars Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient.

The War Between The Land And The Sea focuses on military organization Unit. Per the logline, when a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, Unit steps into action as the land and sea wage war.

Doctor Who showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies wrote the spinoff with Pete McTighe (A Discovery of Witches) and it features the return of the Sea Devils, classic Doctor Who villains first seen in 1972. It comes after the spinoff was alluded to in the 73 Yards episode,...

Mel will play a key part in tackling the mystery of Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who season 15. Bonnie Langford and Russell T Davies tease reveals about Mrs. Flood's true nature in upcoming episodes. Mel's return in season 15 may finally explore her past and long-held Doctor Who mysteries.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Bonnie Langford confirm Mel Bush will play a key part in tackling the mystery of Anita Dobson's Mrs. Flood in season 15. Langford made her classic series debut in Colin Baker's final season in 1986, and would continue into Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor era before departing in 1987's "Dragonfire". After a brief cameo in Jodie Whitaker's final story "Power of the Doctor", Mel would join Unit and aid both David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor.

While Mel played a pivotal, but tragic role in Doctor Who's season 14 finale, Davies...

Sutekh, a powerful villain, can possess people and has a long history with the Doctor dating back to 1975's "Pyramids of Mars." The Doctor trapped Sutekh in a time tunnel, but he may have found a way to escape by attaching himself to the Tardis for 50 years. Sutekh is the most powerful god in the Pantheon of Discord, feared by other gods for his destructive capabilities and immortal nature.

There are several important things to know about Sutekh, Doctor Who season 14's newest villain. The penultimate episode of the season ended with a dramatic sequence in which Sutekh revealed that he had been possessing the mysterious woman (Susan Twist) who had been following the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and had also infiltrated the Tardis. Sutekh had cruelly allowed the Doctor to believe the mystery woman was the Doctor's granddaughter, only to pull the rug out from under him by revealing his...

Warning: Contains Spoilers for Doctor Who, Season 14, Episode 7, "The Legend of Ruby Sunday"!

Doctor Who season 14 reveals Sutekh as The One Who Waits, linking to classic serials and spinoffs. The Sarah Jane Adventures' villain, The Trickster, is connected to Sutekh, establishing his role in Doctor Who's Pantheon. The Trickster's inclusion in the Pantheon adds depth to his character in the Sarah Jane Adventures, hinting at larger implications.

Doctor Who season 14's big bad and his villainous affiliation was set up by a forgotten Rtd character who was last seen 15 years ago. In Doctor Who season 14, episode 7, "The Legend of Ruby Sunday", the identity of The One Who Waits is confirmed to be Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf), the god of death. Sutekh debuted in the classic Tom Baker serial, "Pyramids of Mars", in which the Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) prevented the godlike alien from bringing his...

Sutekh's past with the Doctor will be recapped in the new Tales of the Tardis episode, highlighting the classic villain's cunning plan. Doctor Who season 14's finale will feature the Doctor and Ruby Sunday facing a perilous situation with Sutekh and his legions. The new Tales of the Tardis episode acts as a bridge to the season 14 finale, offering remastered effects and a classic series introduction.

The Doctor reflects on his first encounter with Sutekh in a new Tales of the Tardis episode ahead of Doctor Who season 14's finale. In "The Legend of Ruby Sunday," it was revealed that many mysteries laid throughout Doctor Who season 14 were part of a trap laid by the Tom Baker-era villain, Sutekh, to lure the Doctor into the right position. Sutekh first appeared in the four-part 1975 story "Pyramids of Mars," where he encountered the Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen...

This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who Season 14, Episode 7, "The Legend of Ruby Sunday."

Sutekh returns ahead of Doctor Who season 14 finale, causing devastation and raising the stakes across generations. The Doctor, Ruby, and Unit face a dire situation as Sutekh's deadly vengeance threatens the universe. Sutekh has taken control of the Tardis in previews for the season 14 finale.

A classic series foe, Sutekh, returns and reigns supreme in the trailer for Doctor Who season 14's epic finale, "Empire of Death." In his debut season, Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday have witnessed a woman named Susan Twist appearing in their adventures, who is later revealed to be tech entrepreneur Susan Triad. However, in the Doctor Who episode "The Legend of Ruby Sunday," Susan is revealed to be part of the "One Who Waits'" plans, as Tom Baker-era villain Sutekh (Gabriel Woolfe) returns to render the universe to dust.

Warning: major plot spoilers ahead for “The Legend of Ruby Sunday”

In the bombshell cliffhanger ending to “The Legend of Ruby Sunday”, we finally found out the identity of the mysterious menace who has been lurking in the shadows throughout this series of Doctor Who.

Click away now if you’ve yet to watch the episode and don’t want the revelation spoiled.

All good? It’s Sutekh, the God of Death.

Whether that name means anything to you depends on how familiar you are with classic Who. Unlike previous returning foes like the Daleks, the Cybermen or even the Master, Sutekh is by no means a household name – but when it comes to the show’s lore, that name carries mythic weight.

Pyramids of Mars

Sutekh’s history has become more expansive, complex and convoluted through various audio dramas, comics and other spin-off media, but the character has only...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 14, episodes 1 & 2, "Space Babies" & "The Devil's Chord."

A Doctor Who spinoff show hints at the new villains in season 14 appearing before, offering deep connections to the main series storyline. The Trickster and Maestro are just the beginning - a new Pantheon villain may present the biggest challenge for the Doctor yet. The mysterious One Who Waits, linked to the Pantheon, poses a major threat in Doctor Who's latest season arc.

Doctor Who has spawned a handful of spinoff shows during its decades-long run, and season 14's villains could share a connection with an introduction to one of these secondary projects. Out of every actor to play the Doctor, several have also reprised the role in the Doctor Who spinoff shows such as Class and Tales of the Tardis. While it's often not necessary to follow the Doctor's adventures outside the flagship show for...

One of the most beloved and long-running British Sci-Fi TV shows may be setting up the return of a fan-favorite character in a spin-off series on Disney+.

This has been the plan from the start, that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor Who production era will feature multiple spin-off series and movies.

The newest Doctor Who era has Ncuti Gatwa taking the reigns as the pivotal character in the show, aka Doctor Who, and bringing a new, fresh take. 

This is what makes the Doctor Who universe last as long as it has, as every couple of years, the Doctor and other characters on the show will get a revamp with new actors. This also means that older stories and plots can be revisited with new ideas and even newer and sometimes old faces.

Making the Doctor Who universe a series that theoretically can run forever while rivaling cinematic...

In 2005, at the end of Russell T Davies' first season of Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston bowed out as the Ninth Doctor and David Tennant made his first appearance as the Tenth Doctor. While Eccleston was a tough act to follow, having enjoyed riotous success in introducing the Time Lord to a whole new generation of fans, Tennant quickly proved himself a firm fan favorite in the role. He shared his first season as the Doctor with Billie Piper's Rose Tyler, who had stayed on after Eccleston's departure. He went on to travel in the Tardis with Freema Agyeman's Martha Jones and Catherine Tate's Donna Noble, as well as an array of other friends and part-time companions.

David Tennant's initial tenure as the Time Lord came to an end with a series of specials following his final season. In "The End of Time," he faced his final fight...

Over its 60-year history, Doctor Who has pitted the Doctor and their companions against all manner of villainy from every corner of the universe and every point in time. Ever since the now-iconic Daleks first rolled onto screens in 1963, fans' imaginations have been captivated by the monsters and villains of Doctor Who. Sometimes, they're extraordinarily alien and sometimes seemingly human. Other times, they're unparalleled forces of destruction and, at other times, they're sinister threats lurking the shadows. Evil has taken many forms in Doctor Who and its classic era was filled with foes of every stripe.

The first seven Doctors -- whose adventures played out in Doctor Who's original 26-year run -- frequently found themselves pitting their wits against powers that threatened all life on Earth and beyond. Sometimes these villains emerged from far-flung planets, sometimes from the Doctor's own Gallifrey and sometimes from Earth itself. Some of the...

In January 2024, Fourth Doctor companion Louise Jameson returned to Doctor Who in the short promotional film Leela vs the Time War for the release of the Season 15 Blu-ray boxset. It showed Jameson’s character on Gallifrey in the final moments of the Time War being threatened with extermination by the Daleks. “This is not how this ends,” says Leela, before transporting herself to the safety of the Tardis.

As reported by RadioTimes.com, writer/director Pete McTighe said at a BFI screening of 1977 episode “Horror of Fang Rock”, that he saw the new scene as “an opportunity to right [the] wrong” of Jameson’s character’s original exit, in which Leela was hurriedly married off to a Gallifreyan Time Lord.

McTighe has written increasingly ambitious promotional films for these series releases with original actors returning to play their roles, though the complexity of producing them means they won’t be done for every boxset.

River Song's absence from Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor is a major disappointment to fans who were hoping for an intriguing dynamic between the two. The new Doctor's energetic and hopeful personality could have meshed well with River's playful demeanor, bringing witty banter to the show. Gatwa's Doctor seems emotionally vulnerable enough to admit their love for River, potentially correcting her previous belief that the Doctor never loved her.

Doctor Who seemingly confirmed in the 60th-anniversary special that Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteen will never get to meet River Song, which is a massive letdown to fans of the franchise. After the 2023 specials, the Doctor Who fandom – affectionately called Whovians – have begun discussing what they’d like to see from Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor. With the original revival Who showrunner, Russell T. Davies, back in charge, fans can expect a return to form for Doctor Who season 14.

Rtd has...

The worst thing that could possibly happen to a Doctor Who fan is for the show to be cancelled again. Or for it to be broadcast again. Depends who you ask, really.

Despite the advent of the 15th Doctor and the anticipation that brings, there are nagging doubts abroad concerning the show’s future. And that’s fair enough, really. Some fans are just naturally pessimistic, some remember previous crushed hopes around Doctor Who’s wilderness years, and some just look at the state of TV streaming and feel that pessimism is a fairly realistic outlook. It’s also not unreasonable to be concerned that David Tennant is kicking around somewhere, especially given that it was raised by the host during Gatwa’s recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

Then there are the folk who simply don’t like Russell T Davies’ writing on Doctor Who. A previous line...

The following contains spoilers for Doctor Who, "Wild Blue Yonder," now streaming on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.

Doctor Who is built on the story of the Doctor's travels in the Tardis. Over the course of its 60 years, the series has seen the Doctor and their companions travel to all corners of the universe and visit moments from the past, present and future. On occasion, the Doctor's magnificent time machine has traveled further than even its Time Lord pilot thought possible. More than once, the Doctor has found themselves traveling further than they've ever been before. In the Tardis, this could mean further into the future, the past or further through physical space than it has been before.

The second of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials, "Wild Blue Yonder," was one such adventure that saw the Doctor declaring he and Donna had gone further than he had been before. However,...

Before its highly successful 2005 revival, Doctor Who already had a long list of iconic stories and characters expanding a little over twenty-five years. The original BBC series became a staple of British television, charming millions of viewers before its cancelation in the last 1980s.

Unlike the new series, which is full of standalone and two-part stories, the classic era of Doctor Who is filled with long serials that range from four to twelve episodes each. Many of these epic multi-parters have become 'essential viewing' for any fan of the series or science-fiction in general.

Inferno Sends The Doctor To A Dangerous Mirror Universe <img alt="Doctor Who starring Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor in Inferno" data-image-id="104708" height="700" src="https://static0.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Doctor-Who-Inferno.jpeg" width="1400" />

Episodes:

7

Director:

Douglas Camfield, Barry Letts

Writer:

Don Houghton

Producer:

Barry Letts

Related Doctor Whos Rose Actor Praises Progressive Trans Story in 60th Anniversary Specials Yasmin Finney discusses the importance of her Doctor Who characters background.

The Third Doctor steps into a deadly parallel universe in "Inferno,...

In celebration of Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary, the Tales of the Tardis microseries brings back many former Doctors and their companions. Critics calling the series empty nostalgia or "member berries" might have a point if the new scenes were executed poorly. Tales of the Tardis is a celebration that honors the people who built the Doctor Who legacy with warm, important character moments that enrich the franchise.

The following contains spoilers from the Doctor Who spinoff series Tales of the Tardis, streaming on BBC iPlayer.

There is a new Doctor Who spinoff series, Tales of the Tardis, that some people may dismiss as empty nostalgia and fan service. Putting aside that there's nothing wrong with Doctor Who storytellers pleasing the fans, such criticism does a disservice to what could become an important part of the Time Lord's overall story. With the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who celebration fast approaching,...

Protesters are demanding answers about alien incursions in Doctor Who, as set videos hint at the show addressing this common plot hole. Ncuti Gatwa's second season of Doctor Who may explore the issue of intergalactic threats being hidden, as shown in the video of protesters outside Unit's headquarters. While Gatwa's first season has yet to air, his second season's stories may already be hinted at in set videos, offering audiences a glimpse into what's to come.

Protesters demand the truth about alien incursions in the world of Doctor Who in set videos from Ncuti Gatwa's second season. While Gatwa's first adventure in 2023's seasonal special "The Church at Ruby Road" has yet to air, filming for his second seasonal special and full season is currently ongoing. Gatwa is expected to be rejoined by Millie Gibson as companion Ruby Sunday for the season expected to air in 2025.

Though Doctor Who season 14 has yet to air,...

Doctor Who spinoffs are rare because the Doctor is often the best part of the series and taking him out would not improve the show. Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures were previous Doctor Who spinoffs that did not heavily feature the Doctor, but did include appearances by past iterations of the character. Future Doctor Who spinoffs may incorporate more of the Doctor, and it remains to be seen if former stars will return to reprise their roles.

Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat explains why spinoffs are rare for the long-running program. The British series follows the Doctor, a traveler through time and space along with human companions. The character, a Time Lord from the distant planet Gallifrey, is known to regenerate and has been portrayed by several actors, including William Hartnell, Tom Baker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker, and soon Ncuti Gatwa. Moffat served as...

Bonnie Langford discusses how her character, Mel Bush, has changed since her last appearance on Doctor Who in 1987. Langford hints that Mel has gone through a difficult time, with something dreadful happening to her and her family. However, she still values her time with the Doctor and maintains a strong connection with him. Classic Doctor Who companions have made appearances in the revived era, and Mel's return is eagerly anticipated as viewers wonder how her tech expertise and tragic past will impact her journey in the Tardis.

Doctor Who season 14's returning classic companion actor Bonnie Langford explains how Mel Bush has changed following her departure from the Tardis since her last major appearance in 1987. First introduced during Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor era in "Terror of the Vervoids", computer programmer Melanie Bush traveled alongside Baker's Doctor briefly, but was more prevalent in the earlier seasons of Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy's tenure.

It’s Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary month, which calls for two things: celebration, and admin. Fittingly, here’s an administrative celebration of the BBC show, featuring every season/series that’s aired so far. After a six-tab Excel file and a lot of overthinking, it’s a big ol’ list arranging each of Doctor Who’s individual runs in reverse order of excellence.

(A note on methodology: this list does not include runs of Doctor Who specials or the TV movie, and Christmas specials are included under the entries for their relevant series.)

There’s good stuff everywhere in Doctor Who. Sometimes it can take a bit of digging to find it, but much of the time, you hardly even have to look – it’s just there, posing as the Commissioner from Sirius 4, or asking “Do I have the right?”. What follows is an attempt to arrange each season...

Contains spoilers for Tales of the Tardis, ‘Earthshock’, ‘The Three Doctors’, ‘Resurrection of the Daleks’, ‘The War Games’, ‘The Trial of a Time Lord’, ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’, ‘Survival’ and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

It’s not even November 25th and already we’re looking for Easter Eggs. Then again time has no meaning in a Remembered Tardis, the enigmatic location for Tales of the Tardis. What is Tales of the Tardis? I’m glad you asked. There are no stupid questions here, despite the best efforts of the comments section (I’m joking. Probably). Tales of the Tardis (I should probably put that on my clipboard now) is a new series of Doctor Who stories, edited to omnibus length with no episode breaks and bookended by appearances from characters connected to the stories. We went into more detail about it here.

A Remembered Tardis appears to be some...

Doctor Who spinoff Tales of the Tardis confirms long-held fan theory that Tegan and Nyssa were more than just friends. The 2022 Doctor Who special "Power of the Doctor" ignored the apparent romance between Tegan and Nyssa, but the new spinoff series re-establishes their relationship. The episode of Tales of the Tardis featuring Tegan mentioning Nyssa confirms their romantic relationship and fixes the mistake made in "Power of the Doctor."

Doctor Who spinoff Tales of the Tardis just confirmed a long-suspected but never official theory held by fans of the original show. Classic Doctor Who companions Tegan and Nyssa, played by Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton, were first introduced during the years of Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor but are most memorable for their appearances during the Fifth Doctor's tenure. The pair were especially close during their on-screen time, leading fans to believe that there was more to their friendship than met the eye.

Tom Baker wanted Miriam Margoyles to be his companion in Doctor Who, but producers declined, highlighting casting challenges in the show's classic era. Margoyles' distinct style and energy would have brought audacity and rebellion to a role that was often constrained by traditional stereotypes. The potential pairing of Margoyles and Baker could have revolutionized the companion role, similar to the dynamic between Catherine Tate and David Tennant's characters in the modern series.

When we think of the sprawling legacy of Doctor Who across decades, specific character partnerships often shine brighter than the rest. While Tom Baker, the iconic Fourth Doctor, is renowned for such partnerships, a recent revelation suggests that a significant opportunity was missed. This missed chance also spotlights broader casting challenges faced during the show's classic era. Tom Baker, celebrated as the longest-serving Doctor, navigated through the series alongside a variety of companions. From the fierce Leela...

Miriam Margoyles' near-miss as a Doctor Who companion highlights the classic era's narrow vision of what companions should be. Margoyles' offbeat personality and refusal to fit into the conventional mold would have brought a unique dynamic to the show. The BBC's refusal to cast Margoyles exemplifies the mistakes Doctor Who has made with its companion characters, but improvements have been made in the modern era.

Tom Baker wanted a famous comic actor as his Doctor Who companion, and this would-be casting highlights a wider issue with the classic series' vision of what Tardis companions should be. As the longest-reigning Doctor in Doctor Who history, Tom Baker enjoyed his fair share of companions, ranging from the wild and untamed Leela to the refined Time Lady Romana. Baker presided over one of Doctor Who's most popular and critically-acclaimed periods, and his companions played a significant part in his success as the Fourth Doctor.

Doctor Who's 60th anniversary will feature the return of behind-the-scenes specials with a new series titled Doctor Who: Unleashed. Doctor Who: Unleashed is a successor to Doctor Who Confidential, offering interviews and production footage of the anniversary specials. Doctor Who: Unleashed is an exciting opportunity for fans to gain insight into the making of the show and potentially explore returning elements.

Doctor Who restores a fondly-remembered post-show tradition after 12 years ahead of David Tennant's new episodes. The series' 60th anniversary celebrations will see the return of Tennant as a new Fourteenth incarnation of the Time Lord, reuniting him with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) for new adventures. Doctor Who's 60th anniversary storyline will consist of three special episodes that will air throughout November, six decades after the show first hit television screens.

In a new post on Instagram, the official BBC Three account confirmed that Doctor Who's...

Jemma Redgrave is excited to return as Unit leader Kate Stewart for one episode in Doctor Who season 14, but she will not work alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor. Kate Stewart has played a major role in defending humanity from threats like Cybermen, Zygon extremists, and Sontarans in the revived series. Redgrave's return confirms the importance of Kate Stewart in the modern Doctor Who show, even though she won't be working with the new Doctor this season.

Doctor Who star Jemma Redgrave celebrates her season 14 return as Unit leader Kate Stewart, though her character will not be working alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in the new story. Redgrave made her debut in the season 7 story "The Power of Three", before playing a major role in the 50th-anniversary story "The Day of the Doctor". The daughter of Nicholas Courtney's classic show companion Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Kate has defended humanity from the wraths of Cybermen,...

The return of Jemma Redgrave's Kate Stewart in Doctor Who season 14 opens the possibility for more classic companions to come back to the show. Kate Stewart's connection to the companion support group means she can easily bring back any living Doctor Who companion as a Unit consultant in season 14. Possible companions who could return alongside Kate Stewart include Susan, the Doctor's granddaughter, and Jamie McCrimmon, who may have his memories restored by Unit.

The presence of an old friend in Doctor Who season 14 means even more classic companions could return to the sci-fi TV show in 2024 and beyond. For any actor, joining the world of Doctor Who means a job for life. Between multi-Doctor stories and Big Finish audios, no actor is ever truly finished with Doctor Who, and that has proven especially true for companions. In the main TV Show, Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane Smith, Sophie Aldred's Ace,...

Russell T Davies' grand return to Doctor Who last left many fans excited for what could be in store. The famous writer demonstrated his incredible imagination during his original run, following Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's Doctors as they journeyed through space and time. The first four series of Doctor Who's 2005 revival are receiving a new Blu-ray release, prompting viewers to disclose their favorite episodes from Russell T Davies's original era.

The Queer As Folk writer's original take on the show featured some of the most thrilling storylines. Doctor Who Series 1-4 reintroduced viewers to some of this universe's most iconic monsters, such as the Daleks and the Cybermen, and established why they are such an intimidating threat. Some of these episodes are among the series' finest offerings, whisking viewers away on many captivating escapades throughout the Whoniverse.

Related: 10 Times Doctor Who's Time Lords Were the Villains...

Jon Pertwee's return to Doctor Who in the 1990s saved the franchise by paving the way for future stories and expanding the show's legacy. The Paradise of Death, a radio drama featuring the Third Doctor, allowed Doctor Who to explore previous eras and add new depths to classic Doctors. The success of Pertwee's radio plays proved that audio was a viable medium to keep Doctor Who alive and continue the story when other avenues failed.

Jon Pertwee's return to Doctor Who in the 1990s ultimately saved the entire franchise by laying the groundwork for its future. 1993 saw Doctor Who celebrate its 30th anniversary in reduced circumstances, following the show's cancelation in 1989. A planned straight-to-video anniversary movie had been abandoned for multiple reasons, leaving fans disappointed. The 1993 charity sketch Dimensions in Time was little consolation for Doctor Who fans who wanted a more substantial celebration than a comedy crossover with...

With almost six decades of traveling through space and time, Doctor Who has introduced the viewing public to different incarnations of the titular character and a variety of companions. Since the first companion in Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford), the companion has been a staple in the history of Doctor Who. Serving as the audience surrogate, the companion is there to ask questions about new worlds and characters they encounter with the Doctor. From Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) to Ace (Sophie Aldred) to Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) to Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), the companion is one of the most vital components of Doctor Who’s success, and that's never more evident than in the case of Rose Tyler.

Doctor Who has once again hinted at a romantic relationship between 1980s companions Tegan (Janet Fielding) and Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), potentially reversing a possible retcon from the Jodie Whittaker era. Russell T Davies' special webisode, "Farewell, Sarah Jane" was designed to say goodbye to the character of Sarah Jane Smith and pay tribute to actress Elisabeth Sladen, featuring many returning companions. The short revealed that Tegan and Nyssa had entered into a romantic relationship at some later point after leaving the Tardis. It's unclear how this was possible, given that Nyssa had been left on the space station Terminus in the far future, while Tegan left the Tardis in 1980s London.

Regardless of this complication, Doctor Who fans were perturbed when this surprise romance wasn't acknowledged when Tegan returned in "The Power of the Doctor" opposite Jodie Whittaker. She revealed that she'd "seen off two ex-husbands" but didn't mention Nyssa.

Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) has a surprising long-awaited reunion with fellow Doctor Who companion Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) along with an old foe in a new short webisode to celebrate the re-release of the classic series' season 20. Fielding and Sutton first joined the long-running sci-fi series in 1981 during the era of Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor, remaining on the Tardis into Fifth Doctor Peter Davison's tenure until 1983 and 1984 respectively. While Sutton has yet to return to the main series, Fielding reprised the role of Tegan alongside Jodie Whittaker's Fifteenth Doctor in 2022's "The Power of the Doctor".

Ahead of David Tennant's return as The Doctor, the Doctor Who trailer for season 20's home media re-release featured a new short film that visited Fielding's Tegan in the present day.

Titled "The Passenger", the webisode seemingly picks up with Tegan after the events of "The Power of the Doctor", where...

Russell T Davies can subvert the nostalgia of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials by breaking the show's oldest rule about regeneration. David Tennant is expected to regenerate into Ncuti Gatwa at the climax of the three special episodes written by Russell T Davies to celebrate 60 years of Doctor Who. However, there are teases and hints that all is not as it seems with David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor, suggesting that Rtd could jettison everything that viewers know about regeneration.

The first teaser trailer for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials ended with Ncuti Gatwa's new Doctor asking someone to tell him "what the hell's going on here?" which implies that he could have a more substantial role than a brief appearance in the closing moments. This would change decades of tradition when it comes to the Doctor Who regeneration story, which usually acts as a heroic final adventure for the outgoing Doctor.

The new era of Doctor Who will see Bonnie Langford return as classic companion, Melanie "Mel" Bush. The BBC recently confirmed that Langford would be reprising her role in 2024's Season 14, opposite Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor. Langford first portrayed Mel opposite Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor in 1986's "The Trial of a Time Lord," and later served as the full-time companion of Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor in Season 24. This isn't the first time returning showrunner Russell T Davies has brought back a companion from Doctor Who's classic era, nor is it the first time a classic companion has returned in recent years.

Given the growing precedent for classic series stars to remain involved with the series, Mel's return could well open the door to other companions coming back. Of course, with a bold new era on the horizon, companions such as Mel might be coming back for more than just Doctor Who.

Legendary 1980s companion Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford) joins the cast of Doctor Who season 14. Ncuti Gatwa's inaugural season of the long-running sci-fi series will see his new incarnation of the Time Lord take the keys to the Tardis under returning showrunner Russell T Davies, with Millie Gibson starring as new companion Ruby Sunday. While Gatwa and Gibson will make their debuts as part of a seasonal episode set to air in the fall of 2023, Doctor Who season 14 is expected to air in 2024.

While recent casting announcements have seen stars including Jinkx Monsoon, Jonathan Groff, and Indira Varma join Doctor Who season 14 as new characters, a new announcement has revealed that Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor will be joined by a face from his past.

Mel-come back!

The Doctor's loyal tin dog K9 (John Leeson) has a numerical link to a monster from Tom Baker's Doctor Who era. Introduced in the 1977 serial The Invisible Enemy, K9 became a regular fixture of the Tom Baker era, until he was written out in 1981's Warrior's Gate. The Doctor has regularly given out K9s as gifts to his companions, as Leela (Louise Jameson), Romana (Lalla Ward), and Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) have all found themselves with a K-9 of their own.

Although it's a pun, K9's name does have a strange numerical link back to the villain from the Fourth Doctor's very first adventure, Robot. In that story, the newly regenerated Doctor helped Sarah Jane Smith and Unit unearth a conspiracy involving an elitist scientific group and an experimental robot called K1. It was a Doctor Who twist on King Kong that ended with the giant...

Doctor Who often returns to previous companions, but doing this in “The Power of the Doctor” killed a fifth Doctor companion romance in the worst way. “The Power of the Doctor” brought back plenty of old companions in Doctor Who in celebration of the BBC’s 100th Anniversary, and it also marked Jodie Whittaker’s final regular appearance as the Doctor. One of the returning companions was Tegan, played by Janet Fielding, who first appeared with the fourth Doctor but was mainly featured with the fifth Doctor and another companion Nyssa (Sarah Sutton).

Tegan was an Australian air flight attendant from Australia, and Nyssa was a young girl from Traken whose father was killed by the Master. Nyssa and Tegan were very close and had plenty of adventures with Peter Davison’s fifth Doctor, but parted ways once their time at the Tardis was done. There have always been rumors...

The new era of Doctor Who is set to have a number of spinoffs, which could be led by former companions. Russell T Davies previously created The Sarah Jane Adventures as a spinoff vehicle for Elisabeth Sladen following her emotional return in Doctor Who season 2, episode 3, "School Reunion". Season 1 companion Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) also led his own spinoff series, Torchwood, and it's expected that Rtd will continue this trend with his new era as showrunner.

Speaking at a BFI event to promote the release of Doctor Who Season 8 on BluRay, Jo Grant actress Katy Manning teased (via Radio Times) that "spinoffs (were) coming" and people were coming back. As a regular on the convention circuit, who also made a guest appearance in The Sarah Jane Adventures and the recent Jodie Whittaker finale "The Power of the Doctor", Manning is a reliable source. Just what companions, and from which eras,...

Carole Ann Ford, the Doctor's original companion in Doctor Who, is responding to the demands that she return to the show she helped create. As the seemingly-teenaged companion to the elderly Doctor (William Hartnell) in the early years of the classic series, Ford's Susan joined the Doctor on his flight from Gallifrey. After arriving on Earth in 1963, she pretended to be a typical human student, before accidentally luring her teachers onto the Tardis for numerous cross-time adventures.

Decades after her stint on the show, there have been calls for Ford to return to her role as the Doctor's granddaughter. Since Doctor Who is obsessed with the First Doctor, it feels like a natural direction for the series to take. In an interview with RadioTimes, Ford responded to her supporters, expressed her gratitude, and shared her thoughts on a return. Check out her quote below:

"That's amazing, I'm absolutely flabbergasted. I'm very honoured!

Returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has finally confirmed spinoffs are officially in the works. The future is bright for Doctor Who, the world's longest-running science-fiction TV show. Davies - the man responsible for its 2005 relaunch - has returned as showrunner, with Ncuti Gatwa cast as the Fourteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as new companion Ruby Sunday. Doctor Who has typically had something of a shoestring budget, but now it's being bolstered by unprecedented co-production and distribution deals with Bad Wolf Studios and Disney+. The franchise is now being marketed as the "Whoniverse," which naturally has fanned rumors of spinoffs.

Davies has finally addressed rumors of Doctor Who spinoff shows head-on, confirming they really are in the works. Speaking to GQ Magazine, he says he believes it's time for the "next stage" of Doctor Who, something apparently only possible with a bigger budget. Check out Davies' full quote below:...

Companions on Doctor Who are almost always tragically removed from their experience from the Doctor, with the only exceptions being Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), and all the 13th Doctor's (Jodie Whittaker) companions, who make it out by choosing to leave on their own. Rose Tyler's (Billie Piper) well-known exit from Doctor Who is often deemed the most tragic departure as she was ripped away into an alternate universe, thus ending her romance with the Doctor. However, Rose was at least able to gain the chance at a life with a clone of the Doctor with a mortal lifespan. That puts Donna Noble's (Catherine Tate) companion arc as the most tragic in the Doctor Who series to date — yes, more than that of Rose, Amy (Karen Gillan), Clara (Jenna Coleman), Bill (Pearl Mackie), Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen), and even Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), one of the few companions to die on Classic Who.