Classic Doctor Who: A Brief History for New Fans
If you've watched all the new episodes since 2005 and you're curious to sample the classic series, here are some episodes that connect directly to episodes in the new series. These episodes aren't always the best (although many of them are), but mainly these are the most *pivotal* to modern continuity.
Also, assuming that many people have only watched the current series and none of the spinoffs, I make some suggestions for a few productions that are off the beaten path of the Whoniverse.
These episodes are not listed chronologically, but according to how and when they get referenced in the new series. This list is particularly good for re-watching the new series with these stories interspersed throughout them.
These are not the only serials worth watching, but they will give you a strong working knowledge of the classic series and of adventures outside the main show.
The 50th anniversary is just behind us, but here are 50+ stories to round out your knowledge of Doctor Who!
Also, assuming that many people have only watched the current series and none of the spinoffs, I make some suggestions for a few productions that are off the beaten path of the Whoniverse.
These episodes are not listed chronologically, but according to how and when they get referenced in the new series. This list is particularly good for re-watching the new series with these stories interspersed throughout them.
These are not the only serials worth watching, but they will give you a strong working knowledge of the classic series and of adventures outside the main show.
The 50th anniversary is just behind us, but here are 50+ stories to round out your knowledge of Doctor Who!
List activity
447 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
52 titles
- DirectorDerek MartinusStarsJon PertweeCaroline JohnNicholas CourtneyAs the newly regenerated Doctor arrives on Earth, so does the Nestene.I'm recommending that you start with this fun episode rather than some of the earlier and less accessible entries. This story is told in 4 half-hours, roughly the length of one of the modrern 2-part entries in the series.
This entertaining romp features Jon Pertwee in his initial appearance as the Third Doctor, and introduces his new companion, scientist Liz Shaw. It also reunites the Doctor with his friend, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who gets mentioned often in the new series.
As if all that weren't enough, this episode also features the first appearance of the Autons and the Nestene Consciousness, both of which would show in the new series' first episode, "Rose" (2005). - DirectorRodney BennettStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenIan MarterThe Doctor's attempt to give Harry a trip in the TARDIS sees the two of them and Sarah arriving onboard a space station in the far future, with some rather deadly security mechanisms.In the second episode of the 2005 series, "The End of the World," we learn that humanity has moved beyond Earth before it gets destroyed. This is a tale about a spaceship that left Earth before the destruction happened.
Tom Baker, the most popular of the classic Doctors, takes the stage as Doctor #4 here. There's some creepy happenings aboard the seemingly empty ship, and then some wacky giant bugs start attacking. It's great campy fun.
This storyline is another 4-part entry. - DirectorMichael HayesStarsTom BakerLalla WardJulian GloverCount Scarlioni reveals his true form as Scaroth, the last of the Jagaroth and uses his time machine to go back in time and rewrite history. The Doctor, Romana and Duggan take to the Tardis in a race against time to stop him.This Fourth Doctor adventure features Julian Glover as the villain. Glover will be recognizable to movie fans as Donovan from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and Imperial General Veers in "The Empire Strikes Back."
While this storyline isn't actually pivotal to modern continuity, the final chapter features a cameo by John Cleese that serves as the single funniest moment in all of classic Doctor Who. - DirectorRichard MartinStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillThe Doctor and Ian are taken to the Dalek saucer while Susan and Barbara join the rebels in planning an attack.The Doctor's most popular and most often recurring villains made their debut appearance in the second storyline *ever* on the show. Worth seeing at least the first episode or two for historical purposes, but be warned: This is a 7-episode slog. You may want to skip to the final installment before too long.
- DirectorRon JonesStarsColin BakerNicola BryantMartin JarvisThe TARDIS makes an emergency landing on Varos, a planet that used to be a penal colony, and where the native Varosians are presently entertained by broadcasts of real violence and death. Mistaken for rebels, the Doctor and Peri learn that Sil, an evil delegate of the Galatron mining corporation, bids to rule Varos and to control supplies of Zeiton 7 ore, which is the TARDIS's only fuel source.Before 2005's "The Long Game," the series satirized the TV industry with this adventure on a planet where people vote in a popularity contest where the losers get executed. The Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) didn't get to star in many gems, but this adventure (two 45-minute episodes) is one. The villain in this episode, a green creature named Sil, is delightfully slimy.
- DirectorRichard MartinStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillIn this completely TARDIS-based story, the crew find themselves and their ship acting very strangely indeed. Blame runs high for the Ship's unusual behavior, until the Doctor realizes the TARDIS itself may be trying to warn them... (Originally broadcast in two parts; also known in fan circles as "Inside the Spaceship.")This surprisingly short classic story (2 parts, just 1 hour) features the crew trapped on board the TARDIS itself, being overcome by some sort of space madness / paranoia. This episode features the first suggestion that the TARDIS might be sentient, a concept later revisited in the new series' "Boom Town" (2005), among others.
- DirectorBrian KellyStarsJohn BarrowmanEve MylesBurn GormanPolice Constable Gwen Cooper comes across the mysterious organization known as Torchwood. While investigating their world, she finds technology and methods she never imagined.Ever wonder what happened to Captain Jack Harkness after the events of 2005's "Parting of the Ways"? Find out in this pilot episode for the spinoff series.
NOTE: This series is not intended for a family audience the way the regular series is. This episode has a lot of language, sexuality and violence. If it were a movie, it would be rated R. It also has an atheist worldview. Parents, consider yourselves warned. - DirectorAlan BromlyStarsJon PertweeElisabeth SladenNicholas CourtneyThe Brigadier asks the Doctor to investigate the disappearance of several scientists, only for him to find they have been abducted back in time.This 4-part story from the Jon Pertwee era introduces one of the Doctor's all-time most beloved Companions, Sarah Jane Smith. It also introduces the warrior race known as the Sontarans, who frequently make appearances in the new series (particularly the friendly and hilarious Strax). Plus, the name of the Doctor's home planet is spoken for the first time: Gallifrey.
Sarah Jane would return to the modern series with 2006's "School Reunion" before starring in her own spinoff, "The Sarah Jane Adventures." - DirectorJohn BlackStarsElisabeth SladenJohn LeesonBill FraserOne time companion of the Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith returns to Earth and carries on with her journalist career. Now, in 1981, she has managed to rebuild her career and has come, a matter of days before Christmas, to her aunt Lavinia's (a famous scientist) house in the sleepy English village of Moreton Harwood to write a book and to rest after her world-travelling assignments. However, her journalist's nose sniffs out another mystery when she arrives to find Aunt Lavinia gone, and nobody knows where she is, but the local rumour is that she was the victim of a local witch coven. Worshipers of a pagan goddess Hecate gather to celebrate a festival by ritually murdering a friend of Sarah's. She needs help - and she gets it from a box from her friend "The Doctor." Inside the box is a metal robotic but almost human-like talking dog called K-9 that is built for Sarah Jane personally and together Sarah and K-9 sets out to solve the mystery and stop the killing of Sarah's friend.This 1-hour pilot from the 1980s for a spinoff series that was never commissioned features the Doctor's former companion Sarah Jane teamed up with a robotic dog named K-9 that also used to work with the Doctor.
This story was treated as canon in "School Reunion." When the Doctor met Sarah Jane again, she still had K9.
This pilot serves as a sort of template for the modern-day spinoff "The Sarah Jane Adventures," which also featured K9. Additionally, since the Doctor doesn't appear in this story, there's a similarity to such modern Doctor-lite episodes as "Blink," "Love and Monsters," and "Turn Left." - 1963–198924mTV-PG8.2 (881)TV EpisodeDirectorMorris BarryStarsPatrick TroughtonFrazer HinesDeborah WatlingThe Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos, where an archaeological group are exploring the Tomb of the Cybermen. But are the Cybermen as dormant as they believe?Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor, takes us on a 4-part adventure into the arctic cold for one of the earliest appearances of the Cybermen. There's a lot of great humor and solid gags throughout the story, and the Cybermen have rarely been creepier, thanks to some great black-and-white cinematography and a chilling musical score.
This is a good episode to watch before 2006's "Rise of the Cybermen" to see why the Doctor is so scared of these guys. - DirectorChristopher BarryStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillIan and Delos manage to escape from Sevcheria and Tavius agrees to help Barbara rejoin them.The Doctor's attempts to avoid being thrown to the lions inadvertently result in Nero deciding to burn down Rome.Jon Pertwee takes us on a 7-part journey (actually from 1970, not 1965 as listed above). The Doctor, stranded on Earth by his fellow Time Lords, tries to get the TARDIS working again--but accidentally blows himself into an alternate dimension, where many of his closest friends are now his enemies.
This story, like "Rise of the Cybermen," is one of the rare forays into an alternate dimension for the series. - DirectorRichard MartinStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillThe Daleks' plan to transform Earth into a giant spaceship and wipe out its inhabitants is nearing completion and the Doctor and his friends face a race against time to prevent them from destroying the planet's core.If you found William Hartnell (the first Doctor) too abrasive in his early appearances (as I did), then I recommend you try this episode, the final installment of a six-part serial known as "The Dalek Invasion of Earth." In this pivotal episode, the Doctor has to say goodbye to one of his Companions for the very first time, and his heartfelt speech is one of the most moving monologues that the series has ever seen.
This scene would be recreated in 2013 in the TV-movie "Adventures in Space and Time," a biography about Hartnell and the early years of the show.
Because this story shows a Companion leaving, it's an excellent choice to watch before 2006's "Army of Ghosts"/"Doomsday." - DirectorJames StrongStarsJohn BarrowmanEve MylesBurn GormanThere's a dark secret in the basement of the Hub. Even Jack is unaware of it, but Ianto knows. And he'll go to any lengths, sacrifice anything and anyone, to protect what's down there.The Doctor has never appeared on this spinoff, but these classic villains do make an appearance in this notable episode, which takes place after the events of "Doomsday."
For some reason, many hardcore fans hate this episode, but I think it's a very chilling sci-fi tale, and in the end, quite moving.
NOTE: Again, this episode is not intended for family audiences. There is a lot of disturbing violence and language. - DirectorRichard MartinStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillThe TARDIS crew's attempts to escape from the Daleks take them to the top of the Empire State Building and a 19th century sailing ship.In this third installment of a six-part Dalek story called "The Chase," the Doctor and his Companions (as well as their enemies) show up on the Empire State Building, hilariously confusing a tourist. The Daleks would return to New York in 2007's "Daleks in Manhattan" two-parter.
Part 4, "Journey into Terror," features a trip by the characters into a haunted house that's equal parts funny and creepy.
And Part 6, "The Planet of Decision," features another touching moment where the Doctor must say goodbye to some more Companions. - DirectorBarry LettsStarsJon PertweeNicholas CourtneyRoger DelgadoWhen a Nestene Energy Unit is stolen and a radio telescope sabotaged, the Doctor is contacted by a Time Lord who tells him his old rival the Master is responsible.Back to Jon Pertwee, who has a second run-in with the Autons and his first run-in with one of his most fearsome nemeses: the Master, a fellow Time Lord.
The Master would return in the three-part 2007 story "Utopia"/"Sound of the Drums"/"Last of the Time Lords."
Story length: 4 half-hours - DirectorPeter MoffattJohn Nathan-TurnerPennant RobertsStarsPeter DavisonJon PertweePatrick TroughtonThe Doctor and his previous incarnations are brought to the Death Zone on his homeworld Gallifrey as part of a renegade Time Lord's scheme.In this 20th anniversary special (2 hrs.), the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) finds that his previous incarnations are being captured and put into a death trap on Gallifrey. He must find out who's doing this and why.
This fun multi-Doctor story features four of the previous versions of the character. (Despite the title, Tom Baker appears only in archived clips.) It also makes a nice lead-in to "Time Crash."
What's "Time Crash," you ask? Well... - DirectorGraeme HarperStarsDavid TennantPeter DavisonFreema AgyemanThe Tenth Doctor meets one of his previous incarnations.This wonderful, short video features David Tennant interacting with Peter Davison when two versions of the same TARDIS accidentally collide in the time stream.
Although many people haven't seen this story because it isn't a full-fledged episode, it's well worth seeking out. (It's a special feature on the Season 4 DVDs.) It's warm and funny, and features one of only two multi-Doctor stories in the new era (the other being 2013's "Day of the Doctor"). - DirectorRodney BennettStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenIan MarterThe Doctor, Sarah and Harry teleports to Earth to ensure the planet is safe for the survivors on-board Nerva Beacon to return to Earth and re-inhabit their world. Only to find a Sontaran named Styre has captured a group of humans and conducting experiments on them to discover the human body's weaknesses, as part of the Sontaran's goal for domination of the galaxy.The Sontarans, who returned to the modern series in 2008, are the villains in this short story (only 2 half-hours) featuring the ever-popular Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor.
- DirectorPaul BernardStarsJon PertweeRoger DelgadoKaty ManningUNIT are invited to observe a demonstration of the new TOMTIT machine, unaware its creator, Professor Thascalos, is actually the Master.This is another tale to feature UNIT, the secret military organization designed to fight intergalactic baddies. UNIT would appear again in 2008's "The Sontaran Strategem" two-parter. The Brigadier also appears again in this story; you'll hear David Tennant briefly mention him in the aforementioned modern story.
- DirectorDavid MaloneyStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenIan MarterThe Doctor and his companions are sent to the planet Skaro by the Time Lords to prevent the creation of the Daleks.The Time Lords order the Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) to go back in time and prevent the Daleks from ever having been created in the first place--but the Doctor wonders if even he has the right to commit genocide on this race.
This all-time fan favorite story (in 6 parts) also features Sarah Jane, and essentially got a sequel in 2008's "The Stolen Earth"/"Journey's End" two-parter. - DirectorPeter GrimwadeStarsPeter DavisonJames WarwickClare CliffordIn the midst of an argument between Adric and the Doctor, the Tardis materializes underground in Earth's distant future where a team of paleontologists and geologists find themselves under attack from a pair of androids.Lest you think that the Cybermen are too silly to be taken seriously after seeing 2008's "The Next Doctor," watch this 4-part adventure with the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison)--one of the few storylines in which a Companion actually dies.
- DirectorJohn HendersonStarsRowan AtkinsonRichard E. GrantJim BroadbentBefore the Doctor can settle down to married life, he must face one last confrontation with his deadly enemy of certain death - the Master.OK, after that last episode, you could probably use a laugh. Try this half-hour spoof, featuring Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) as the Doctor and Jonathan Pryce as the Master.
This special is NOT canon at all, but it is a very funny, affectionate tweak of the show. And it's written by Steven Moffat, who would go on to be the current series' head writer! - DirectorPaddy RussellStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenBernard ArchardThe Doctor and Sarah are drawn off course and, instead of UNIT HQ, they arrive on the same site in 1911.Another 4-part outing for Sarah Jane and the Fourth Doctor. The two adventurers find a portal to Mars through Eygptian relics, and wackiness ensues.
David Tennant would return to Mars (although earlier in that planet's history) in the 2009 story "Waters of Mars." - 2007–201128mTV-PG8.7 (422)TV EpisodeDirectorJoss AgnewStarsElisabeth SladenTommy KnightDaniel AnthonySarah Jane and Peter end up in a white room, a void where Peter tells her that he nearly died but the Trickster saved him and struck up a deal if he married Sarah Jane. He had no idea that any harm would be done to her or her friends. The Trickster explains his plan - to give Sarah Jane a new life so that she would forget her old one as a guardian of the Earth and make it vulnerable to the likes of him. The Doctor, K9, Rani and the boys have been trapped in a similar void but eventually make contact with Sarah Jane. Sadly, the only way for the Trickster to be defeated is for Peter to end the deal and to sacrifice himself. He was only living a half-life but marriage to Sarah Jane would have made it whole. Strengthened by his love for Sarah Jane,he agrees to his death in the knowledge that it will make the world more secure. Sarah Jane is understandably heart-broken but the Doctor consoles her, telling her that she still has a wonderful life ahead of her and asking her never to forget him.The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) reunites with Sarah Jane again in the second half of this story, where he must save her from a suitor (and an alien co-conspirator) with ulterior motives.
- DirectorDavid MaloneyStarsTom BakerLlewellyn ReesBernard HorsfallA mysterious evil is at work on Gallifrey. The President of the Time Lords has been assassinated and the Doctor caught red-handed. An inexorable master plan has been set in motion. There can be no escapeThe Master returns in this 4-part story, unique among the classic stories in that the Doctor (Tom Baker) works without a Companion, as he would do in 2008's "Midnight" and in the 2009 specials.
The Master showed up again on the new series in 2009's "The End of Time." - DirectorDavid CaesarMark DefriestStarsJohn LeesonEmma CliftonPhilippa CoulthardThe first adventure teaming Starkey, Jorjie and Professor Gryffen with the new and regenerated robotic dog: K9.While not directly tied into the overall series, this spinoff features the Doctor's robotic dog off on his own adventures.
Some fans don't like the show, but I think it hits just the right note: a little darker than "The Sarah Jane Adventures" but still very family-friendly. It's at least worth checking out at least this pilot episode. - 1963–198924mTV-G7.6 (723)TV EpisodeDirectorTimothy CombeStarsJon PertweeCaroline JohnNicholas CourtneyThe Doctor and Liz are summoned to the Wenley Moor Research Centre by the Brigadier, after several staff members suffer nervous breakdowns.The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) has his first encounter with the underground warriors in this 7-part story. The Silurians would return in the 2010 two-parter "The Hungry Earth"/"Cold Blood."
- DirectorMichael E. BriantStarsJon PertweeKaty ManningNicholas CourtneyWhile the Doctor plans a holiday to Metebelis Three, Jo and the Brigadier are intrigued by a mysterious death at a coal mine in Llanfairfach, which is being blamed on local company Global Chemicals.This highly acclaimed 6-part story features the final appearance in the classic series of companion Jo Grant.
- 2007–201127mTV-PG8.7 (399)TV EpisodeDirectorAshley WayStarsElisabeth SladenMatt SmithDaniel AnthonyBefore he can die, The Doctor with Jo and Sarah Jane, teleports to the deserted planet. The Doctor swaps places with Clyde, who, with Rani and Santiago, is pursued by the Shansheeths and their ally, Tia Karim, who has helped them as she is bored with life on Earth. The adults return to save them but the two women are caught and held captive in a room containing the TARDIS, the Shansheeth hoping to drain their memories in order to open its door. However, The Doctor, outside the room,communes with them mentally,urging them to recall so many memories it causes overload,destroying the Shansheeths and Karim. The TARDIS then returns everybody to Bannerman Road.Matt Smith teams up with two classic Companions -- Sarah Jane and Jo Grant -- in this fun and sometimes touching two-parter.
- DirectorPennant RobertsStarsTom BakerMary TammBruce PurchaseIn seeking the second segment of the Key to Time, the TARDIS heads for an icy world but lands on a populated planet that shouldn't be there.OK, this one doesn't tie in that directly to the Doctor's 2011 pirate adventure, "Curse of the Black Spot." But it is written by Douglas Adams of the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" books!
- DirectorDavid MaloneyStarsPatrick TroughtonFrazer HinesWendy PadburyThe Doctor, Jamie and Zoe realise they have arrived in the trenches of the First World War, where the sinister General Smythe accuses them of espionage.This Patrick Troughton serial is massive (10 half-hours!) but incredibly pivotal. The Doctor returns to his home planet, where the Time Lords are not too happy with the Doctor for having run off with the TARDIS all those years ago.
Many of the elements introduced in this episode, including the concept of hypercubes as a communication device between Time Lords, would reappear in the popular and acclaimed 2011 episode "The Doctor's Wife." - DirectorNicholas MallettStarsSylvester McCoySophie AldredDinsdale LandenThe Doctor and Ace travel to a naval base off the coast of Northumberland towards the end of World War II, where the Time Lord and his companion become entangled in an old Viking curse.The Doctor in his seventh incarnation (excellently played by Sylvester McCoy) plays chess with a Viking in this story. He would do so again in 2011's "The Wedding of River Song."
- DirectorMichael KerriganStarsSylvester McCoySophie AldredJean MarshKnights from a parallel universe arrive on Earth to find the legendary sword Excalibur. Only the Doctor and Ace with the assistance of Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart can save the Earth from total catastrophe.The Brigadier makes his final on-screen appearance with the Doctor in this classic 4-part serial, starring Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor. (This is the Brig's final time meeting the Doctor, not his absolute final appearance, which is listed next.)
- 2007–201128mTV-PG7.6 (339)TV EpisodeDirectorGraeme HarperStarsElisabeth SladenTommy KnightDaniel AnthonyMrs. Wormwood returns and forces Sarah Jane to meet her in an old warehouse, having abducted Rani's mother as bait. Mrs. Wormwood says that the Bane are after her blood for her failure on her last mission and needs Sarah Jane's help. The two women survive a Bane attack and go to Sarah Jane's house. Mrs. Wormwood explains that the Bane are anxious to locate a scroll divulging the whereabouts of an ancient immortal, Horath.If he is re-animated they could take over the galaxy and she aims to stop them. Sarah Jane contacts old ally the Brigadier and retrieves the scroll from the UNIT archive but back at her house the Sontaran Kaagh suddenly appears and he too wants the scroll.The Brigadier reunited with Sarah Jane in 2008 for this two-part adventure, the absolute final appearance of this character. Watch Nicholas Courtney's fine performance, and then watch "The Wedding of River Song" and prepare to have your heart broken.
- DirectorGraeme HarperStarsPeter DavisonNicola BryantChristopher GableThe Doctor and Peri get involved with drug running after landing on the twin planet of Androzani Minor and getting arrested as gun runners and targeted for execution. Not before Peri stumbles into some highly toxic and lethal plant life.Peter Davison's final regular appearance as the Fifth Doctor (in 4 parts) is a fan favorite. The Eleventh Doctor would meet more people from Androzani in the 2011 episode "The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe."
- 1963–198925mTV-PG8.4 (771)TV EpisodeDirectorAndrew MorganStarsSylvester McCoySophie AldredSimon WilliamsThe Doctor and Ace travel back to London in November 1963 and are caught in the middle of a Dalek civil war.The Doctor travels back to where it all began, November 1963 (the time of the first episode of the show), to prevent a Dalek invasion. Sylvester McCoy is in top form as Doctor #7, and Ace (one of the best classic Companions) gets to take out a Dalek with a baseball bat!
A nice companion piece to 2012's "Asylum of the Daleks." - 1963–198926mTV-PG7.4 (451)TV EpisodeDirectorPaddy RussellStarsJon PertweeElisabeth SladenNicholas CourtneyThe Doctor is rescued from Finch by the Brigadier and Benton and tries to persuade them to stop Grover before millions of people are erased from history.Years before 2012's "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship," the Third Doctor tangled with these prehistoric creatures. Watch this and then be thankful for modern special effects.
- DirectorRex TuckerStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam HurndellMaurice GoodThe TARDIS arrives in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881. Where the Doctor is looking for a dentist when he has a toothache, where The Doctor finds the local dentist is the famous Doc Holliday who is in a feud with The Clanton Brothers and their hired gunfighter Johnny Ringo, whilst local sheriff Wyatt Earp is trying to keep the peace. The Doctor, Steven and Dodo find themselves joining forces with The Clanton Brothers and Sheriff Wyatt Earp.Long before the Eleventh Doctor donned a Stetson in 2011's "The Impossible Astronaut" and 2012's "A Town Called Mercy," the First Doctor wore a cowboy hat in this wacky four-part romp, known collectively as "The Gunfighters."
Note that this story is what's known as a "pure historical"--a story in the classic era where the Doctor isn't fighting any alien baddies. He and his Companions are just traveling through history and getting into scrapes with the locals. - DirectorPeter MoffattStarsPeter DavisonJanet FieldingSarah SuttonWith the TARDIS trapped on a collision course with a strange, orbiting spaceship, locked in time as well as space, the Black Guardian recruits a deceitful and ill-natured British student to kill the Doctor.Even though the Brigadier is gone, that doesn't mean we can't revisit him through reruns. The Brig meets up with the Fifth Doctor in this four-part outing. Watch this to remind yourself why the Brig is so great before watching 2012's "The Power of Three."
- DirectorDouglas CamfieldStarsPatrick TroughtonFrazer HinesDeborah WatlingThe TARDIS becomes trapped in space before ending up in an underground station of a mysteriously deserted London.This classic serial was just found and restored, and is now available to view for the first time since its original airing! This pivotal story features the Great Intelligence, the main villain for the 2012-13 season, starting with "The Snowmen."
- DirectorDavid MaloneyStarsTom BakerLouise JamesonJohn BennettThe Doctor and Leela land in Victorian London, and find themselves in the middle of missing girls, mutilated bodies, and vicious Chinese gangs. The Palace theater, presenting hypnotist Li H'sen Chang seems to be at the center of it all.Did you enjoy seeing the Eleventh Doctor pretend to be Sherlock Holmes in "The Snowmen"? Do you like the BBC "Sherlock" series written by Doctor Who's current head writer Steven Moffat? Then check out the Fourth Doctor getting his Sherlock groove on while traveling with companion Leela, a former cave woman. Another fan favorite.
- DirectorMichael FergusonStarsPatrick TroughtonLouise PajoJohn Witty21st century Earth is entirely dependent on the T-Mat transport system but the control centre on the moon has stopped functioning. Meanwhile, the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe meet the one man who can solve the crisis.Some of the early episodes were lost or destroyed, meaning that this is the earliest *surviving* appearance of the Ice Warriors, who would return in 2013's "Cold War."
- DirectorAlan WareingStarsSylvester McCoySophie AldredIan HoggThe Doctor takes Ace to an old 'haunted' house called Gabriel Chase in the year 1883, 100 years before events that took place within that very house in her personal past.2013's "Hide" seemed to take some of its inspiration from this spooky Seventh Doctor tale.
- DirectorRichard MartinStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillBarbara and the surviving Menoptera take refuge in the Temple of Light while the Doctor and Vicki attempt to escape by taking control of a Zarbi.This Cybermen story featuring the Second Doctor would find some of its elements referenced in 2013's "Nightmare in Silver."
This serial has a couple of missing installments, which are recreated using the original audio and brand-new animation! - DirectorBarry LettsStarsPatrick TroughtonFrazer HinesDeborah WatlingAfter the Doctor is attacked by a group of mysterious gunmen, he discovers he is the physical double of the famous scientist Salamander."Nightmare in Silver" wasn't the only time that an actor playing the Doctor also played the villain. In this story (also recently found and restored), Patrick Troughton plays a dual role as an international terrorist who bears a strong resemblance to the Doctor.
- 1963–198925mTV-G7.3 (473)TV EpisodeDirectorChris CloughStarsColin BakerBonnie LangfordMichael JaystonThe charge against the Doctor changes from mere meddling to inexcusable genocide. His future looks both grim and very short.Speaking of the Doctor's darker side -- the Sixth Doctor battles a dark pseudo-Doctor called the Valeyard in the final two installments of this lengthy serial. These last two parts are referred to as the story "The Ultimate Foe."
The Valeyard would get name-checked in 2013's "Name of the Doctor." - DirectorChristopher BarryStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenPhilip MadocThe Tardis lands in a spaceship graveyard on the bleak planet Karn, where The Doctor and Sarah find a evil scientist called Doctor Solon is constructing a new body for the brain of an evil Time Lord known as Morbius, who The Doctor thought was executed by the High Council on Gallifrey. Morbius plots to rule the galaxy with his new body.In this story, the Fourth Doctor meets the Sisterhood of Karn, who he would meet again in "Night of the Doctor" (more on that below).
Also in this four-part serial, the Doctor seems to see faces of past regenerations that we've never seen before -- a controversial point in the continuity. But after the revelation of John Hurt as the War Doctor, maybe these unknown faces aren't such a stretch after all! - DirectorGeoffrey SaxStarsPaul McGannEric RobertsDaphne AshbrookThe newly-regenerated Doctor takes on the Master on the turn of the millennium, 31 December 1999.An attempt to revive the series in the 1990's that never went anywhere. The storyline with the Master is extremely hokey, but it's well worth watching for Paul McGann's superb performance as the Eighth Doctor.
This was the only on-screen appearance of the Eighth Doctor until... - DirectorJohn HayesStarsPaul McGannEmma Campbell-JonesClare HigginsWith the aid of the Sisterhood of Karn, the Eighth Doctor regenerates into the War Doctor.Paul McGann made a triumphant return to the role in this 7-minute web video that serves as a preamble for "Day of the Doctor."
- DirectorDouglas CamfieldStarsTom BakerElisabeth SladenIan MarterThe Doctor, Sarah and Harry return to Earth in response to an emergency space-time telegraph from the Brigadier, who asks them to investigate the destruction of a series of North Sea oil rigs.Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor) tangles with these shape-shifting villains in this 4-part story, which serves as their one and only screen appearance until "Day of the Doctor."
- DirectorLennie MayneStarsJon PertweePatrick TroughtonWilliam HartnellThe 10th Anniversary Serial has three incarnations of the Doctor meeting up to face the evil Omega in a universe of antimatter.In "Day of the Doctor," when Clara says, "There are three of them," and Kate Lethbridge-Stewart says, "There's a precedent for that," this is the story she's referring to, a delightful 4-part tale that allows the first three actors to have fun bickering with each other via their different incarnations as they try to stop a legendary Time Lord.
- DirectorWaris HusseinDouglas CamfieldStarsWilliam HartnellWilliam RussellJacqueline HillTwo schoolteachers investigate the personal life of one of their brilliant students and her mysterious grandfather.Just before watching the 50th anniversary special, go back and watch this, the very first episode!
I don't recommend watching this episode before all the others, because the script is rather corny and the Doctor is extremely unlikable. Still, if you've watched all the classic stories listed up until this point, you might as well watch this one, and then have fun spotting all the references in 2013's "Day of the Doctor."
This is also a good point to watch the 2013 TV-movie "Adventures in Time and Space" (if you haven't already), a biopic about the first years of the show with William Hartnell.
Don't bother with Parts 2 through 4 of this story, a very silly but boring adventure with cavemen. But watch the first installment to see how it all started.