Dear Whovians - I need your help...

Headingforhealthier
Headingforhealthier Posts: 85
in Chit-Chat
Looking to start watching Dr. Who... problem is that when looking at the episodes in the store, I can't tell where to start!

Is there a basic outline as to which Dr. Who came first (wasn't it a BBC production or something, long ago? I could be wrong.), and do you need to watch them in order from the dawn of time until now? Or can we just start watching randomly because the episodes don't rely on each other?

Is there a "best" Dr. Who actor, or "worst" (like James Bond...)?

Thanks for your help and clarification!
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Replies

  • ChrissyC1985
    ChrissyC1985 Posts: 406 Member
    Tough question. People often have a preference for a particular Doctor Who actor. Entirely personal but my favourite Doctor is Matt Smith. I would suggest starting to watch at the beginning of an actor's time as The Doctor. If you want to get a taste for Doctor Who, a suggestion to start with Christopher Eccleston's series has been made. He wasn't my favourite Doctor but it will give you an insight into the show and it's one series long.

    Hope this is useful. :flowerforyou:
  • mrsjones2point0
    mrsjones2point0 Posts: 332 Member
    Ditto Matt Smith (dr. 11). But I tend to crush all over David Tennant! (Dr. 10)

    I don't think you need to start from the beginning of the entire show (first dr is the original 1964 version). But definitely start with the beginning of the incarnation. Christopher Eccleston was my first Dr (the 9th dr), and that's where I would recommend you start. . . after the 15 yr break from the original.
  • WeepingAngel81
    WeepingAngel81 Posts: 2,232 Member
    Start with Christopher Eccelston and work your way through Matt Smith. Then when you get the chance go back and watch some of the original episodes from the very very start.
  • RLeighP
    RLeighP Posts: 232 Member
    If you want to start with the Classic Doctors, then you've got a couple that you could begin with. I started with the new Doctors, with the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. I'd recommend starting there, you get a bit of backstory and since it's a reboot technically, you don't have to have watched the old episodes to catch up.

    Do yourself a favor and don't start off with 10 or 11 just because you don't want to watch 9.
  • TheSlorax
    TheSlorax Posts: 2,401 Member
    I just recently started it and I began with the ninth doctor, so the first episode of the new series. I really don't think I missed anything from not watching the older version. my favorite doctor is 10, with 9 close behind, and lastly 11 (nothing against him, just not my favorite). be prepared to become addicted!
  • echofm1
    echofm1 Posts: 471 Member
    Start with the reboot in 2005, with Christopher Eccleston. Don't judge until you're midway through season 2, because a good portion of new Whovians prefer David Tennant to Christopher. If you like it, watch the new series. They made it expecting people to not know about Doctor Who because it was off the air for like two decades or something. Also, New Who (as the reboot is often called) is all on Netflix and Hulu Plus.

    If you like it, then start looking at Classic Who. The episodes at the beginning are super spotty and the series goes on for pretty much forever, so that can be quite the undertaking.
  • kanens
    kanens Posts: 12
    Ditto on the Christopher Eccleston recommendation.
  • kenzietate
    kenzietate Posts: 399 Member
    Start with Christopher Eccelston and work your way through Matt Smith. Then when you get the chance go back and watch some of the original episodes from the very very start.

    I agree with this. The ones before Eccelston are cool but not necessary to understand the story. Most people find the newer ones easier to watch and then as they get more into the show go back and watch the original doctors.
  • kattaw
    kattaw Posts: 30 Member
    I'd definitely start with Eccleston (the ninth Doctor, first Doctor of the reboot); the new ones are way more accessible than the older ones for beginners in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the originals are fantastic, but the comedic timing takes some getting used to.

    Also, quick pet peeve. His name is "Doctor" not "Who," so the name of the show isn't his title, but a question about who he is. "Doctor Who?" and never "Dr. Who." Though he does hold a handful of doctorates, so I guess it could technically be "Dr. Doctor." ;)
  • PhoenixStrikes
    PhoenixStrikes Posts: 587 Member
    Start with the first episode of the new series with the 9th doctor. The episode is called Rose. Do not start with 10 or 11 you will miss story lines! Classic Doctor Who (not Dr. Who) is good but not really necessary because the modern series explains things too you. once you are caught up then try and find all the classic episodes, Netflix has some but they're are so many it's nearly impossible to watch ALL of them, especially since some were destroyed or recorded over.
  • AndyRogan
    AndyRogan Posts: 195 Member
    Use a site like tv.com to check the order of the episodes
  • jackpotclown
    jackpotclown Posts: 3,275 Member
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  • Headingforhealthier
    Headingforhealthier Posts: 85
    Thanks everyone. I'll start with the reboot like you said, and then move onward (and then backward...) Thanks for the clarification about the name - I'm a n00b!
  • LVCeltGirl
    LVCeltGirl Posts: 473
    Each episode is a stand alone but they are all based on the same character "The Doctor" (so very James Bond in a way, there's always a 007 that seems to be named James Bond played by different actors). I watched Dr. Who during the Tom Baker days (he was the doctor with the long scarf) and then fell off the Who bandwagon. Watched the Christmas Carol episode with Matt Smith and loved his portrayal of The Doctor. Saw the 50th anniversary and now I have to go back and watch David Tennant. I like the idea of starting with Eccleston and moving forward. Go back and catch up as you wish.

    Each actor brings out a different aspect of The Doctor. Matt Smith's Doctor was very childlike, full of wonder. What I remember of Tom Baker, he was more of the goofy scientist. Also if you really get into it and become a Whovian yourself, you might start to form opinions like other Whovians which means that you'll not want the Doctor to regenerate because you've become attached to a certain Doctor. So basically, the best or worst Doctor depends on which Whovian you talk to unless it's someone like me that tries to find the interesting in each actor's portrayal.

    I think you'll have fun with it no matter where you start.
  • Shizzman
    Shizzman Posts: 527 Member
    Start with 9. I'd almost suggest even going to 8 since that is just the movie, but there isn't much there and it'd probably be more confusing than anything. Although after while I'm sure you could circle back around it'd be fine
  • mjrkearney
    mjrkearney Posts: 408 Member
    It USED to be on the BBC...?

    Netflix. They have what they can get. The new reboot kind of restarts a lot of things, so I guess one thing you should know about old vs. new is that the Time Wars occurred during the series' hibernation period. Old episodes won't reference it, and the new Doctors will be a lot less silly and a bit more moody.

    That being said, if you want to stick with modern Who, all advice has been given by previous posters.
  • AndyRogan
    AndyRogan Posts: 195 Member
    Start with the first episode of the new series with the 9th doctor. The episode is called Rose. Do not start with 10 or 11 you will miss story lines! Classic Doctor Who (not Dr. Who) is good but not really necessary because the modern series explains things too you. once you are caught up then try and find all the classic episodes, Netflix has some but they're are so many it's nearly impossible to watch ALL of them, especially since some were destroyed or recorded over.

    How did I know your Who Radar would go off as soon as this was posted lol
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I would honestly start with Christopher Eccelston. That is when the "reboot" started. There are a few jokes/references to classic Doctor Who, but not so much that you'll be confused. But a lot of the new builds on (at least by reference) previous episodes. You definitely want to watch each season in order, because they build on meta stories throughout the season. (You could start with any of the seasons, but I think the most enjoyable would be watching them in order :smile:)

    When you decide to go back to classic Doctor Who, I don't know that it will matter which actor you start with. Each story is 4-6 episodes long (~30 minutes per episode), so be prepared for a lot of "to be continued." But when they made the classic, it was a lot more self-contained within each story.
  • BokBagok
    BokBagok Posts: 345
    Start with Christopher Eccelston and work your way through Matt Smith. Then when you get the chance go back and watch some of the original episodes from the very very start.

    This is the best answer - just don't bounce around, make sure you watch them in order. As far as the classic episodes, start with Tom Baker, you won't be disappointed.
  • Shuuma
    Shuuma Posts: 465 Member
    Ditto with starting with Christopher Eccelston as Doctor 9. My favorite Doctor is David Tennant (10), but Matt Smith definitely grew on me!
  • tmm_0127
    tmm_0127 Posts: 545 Member
    There is no best Doctor, you just need to watch and decide which is your favorite for yourself. :P

    They're all on Netflix. I personally would suggest starting with Eccelston and work through Smith, and then go back for the oldies (but definitely do NOT skip the old series!!!) - just looked and someone else suggested the same. xD

    Some say your first will be your favorite, but it's not always true. :)
  • IronPlayground
    IronPlayground Posts: 1,594 Member
    Start with Christopher Eccelston and work your way through Matt Smith. Then when you get the chance go back and watch some of the original episodes from the very very start.

    Completely agree with this. They brought Dr. Who back in 2005 with Eccelston as the Doctor for that season only. You have plenty of time before season 8 starts later in 2014 to catch up.

    Once you do, you can go back and watch the classic Dr. Who episodes. Tom Baker, the 4th Doctor, was a good one.
  • Kellllog
    Kellllog Posts: 81 Member
    Start with Christopher Eccelston and work your way through Matt Smith. Then when you get the chance go back and watch some of the original episodes from the very very start.

    This :)
  • doctorsookie
    doctorsookie Posts: 1,084 Member
    Do you want the original series or do you want the reboot beginning with the 9th doctor. There is no one best as they are all great in my mind but my favorite is Matt Smith and it was sad to see him go. The hottest by far is IMO David Tennant. My pulse just picked up.

    http://www.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/doctorwho/episodes/

    this has all the original and the reboot series. I don't suggest jumping in anywhere. Go in order, you'll thank me later. ;-)

    Keep Calm and Don't Blink!
  • BokBagok
    BokBagok Posts: 345
    There is no one best as they are all great in my mind but my favorite is Matt Smith and it was sad to see him go.

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  • miss_jessiejane
    miss_jessiejane Posts: 2,819 Member
    Another one who agrees with starting with nine. Partially because I love the relationship between him and Rose.



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  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Each episode is a stand alone...

    Although as part of the reboot there are significant story arcs so the seasons need to be watched in order to appreciate where they're going.

    Ecclestone was the Doctor that was needed for the 2005 season, and the whole tenor of his portrayal became a lot clearer in the 50th anniversary show.

    Have to say I'm rather looking forward to Capaldi at the moment.

    Personally I'd recommend sticking with the reboot for a period, the original Hartnell seasons are quite a painful experience if one isn't already into the theme.
  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    If you want to get in with the more current incarnation I'd strongly suggest starting with Eccleston. His Doctor only lasted one season, but after Tom Baker, he is my absolute favourite Doctor. Then work your way through Tennant and Smith.

    If you have the time, money, and patience start at the very beginning. Lots of the old episodes are coming out on dvd now so you can enjoy William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, John Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davidson, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, and Paul McGann. The main issue is you might not be able to find all the originals. Some were lost and resurface but are not complete.
  • Kimdbro
    Kimdbro Posts: 922 Member
    Ditto Matt Smith (dr. 11). But I tend to crush all over David Tennant! (Dr. 10)

    I don't think you need to start from the beginning of the entire show (first dr is the original 1964 version). But definitely start with the beginning of the incarnation. Christopher Eccleston was my first Dr (the 9th dr), and that's where I would recommend you start. . . after the 15 yr break from the original.

    Pretty much exactly what I was thinking. You can always go back and check out some of the classic Doctor Who once you've already established fan-hood. I cannot pick a favorite between Matt Smith (11) and David Tennant (10) I go back and forth all the time. When I've watched a few Tennant eps. I'm all: "Tennant is the best!!!" but then I watch some Matt Smith again and I'm all "Smith is the best!" I guess gun to my head I'd pick Tennant if for no other reason than I love him to bits. I couldn't stand Eccleston, but I do agree it's the best place to start, with the New Doctor Who series, and he only lasts one season. Then again everyone has different favs... you may love him. Cheers, and enjoy.

    **Edit to add: Don't spend money buying DVDs until you know you're in love with it.... you can watch on Netflix, the Canadian Netflix has more episodes, but American has it as well and if you have an account ($10 a month) you can bounce between the two versions by changing your DNS numbers. Also Netflix has both the Original Doctor Who and the New series. There's a few sites including the Space Network online that streams for free as well.
  • Mazella55
    Mazella55 Posts: 10 Member
    Netflix has the first four season of doctor who. This is from Christopher Eccleston to a season of Matt Smith. The USA has two more seaons of doctor who than the UK, which is utterly ridiculous, seeing as the programmes is BRITISH.
    I have recently started watching it again, I used to watch it as a child. It's great to pick up on the detail I missed as a kid.
    It's a great programme.





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