Doctor Who Viewing Order and FAQs

People ask me about the viewing order for new Doctor Who all the time. I figured it would be easier to have this on my blog so I can link them easily and update the list as needed. I have also included a short section with responses to questions I frequently get asked by people new to the show. I do not in any way claim to be an expert on this. I just figured this would be helpful for new fans. If you notice any mistakes or have any questions let me in know in comments.

Doctor Who Series 1

Doctor Who Children in Need Special 2005  

Doctor Who Christmas Special 2005: The Christmas Invasion

Doctor Who Series 2

Doctor Who Christmas Special 2006: Runaway Bride

Torchwood Season 1

Doctor Who Series 3

Doctor Who Children in Need Special 2007: Time Crash

Doctor Who Christmas Special 2007: Voyage of the Dammed

Sarah Jane Adventures Season 1

Torchwood Series 2

Doctor Who Series 4

Sarah Jane Adventures Season 2

Doctor Who Christmas Special 2008: The Next Doctor

Doctor Who Easter Special 2009: Planet of the Dead

Torchwood Season 3: Children of Earth

Sarah Jane Adventures Season 3

Doctor Who Special: Waters of Mars 

Doctor Who Special Christmas 2009: End of Time Part 1

Doctor Who Special New Years Day 2010: End of Time Part 2

Doctor Who Series 5

Sarah Jane Adventures Season 4

Doctor Who Christmas Special 2010: A Christmas Carol

Doctor Who Comic Relief 2011 Specials: Space and Time

Doctor Who Series 6 Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 7)

Torchwood Season 4: Miracle Day

FAQs

Wow that’s a lot of shows. Do I really have to watch Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures?

No. You don’t need to watch Torchwood to understand Doctor Who or vice-versa, however, some details of plot lines will makes more sense if you do. Sarah Jane Adventures generally stands apart from Doctor Who and can be skipped. I would, however, recommend watching Season 3 Episodes 5/6 “The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith” and Season 4 Episode 5/6 “The Death of the Doctor” as they include guest appearances by the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, respectively.

Is Torchwood any good?

Personally, I only recommend watching Season 3 of Torchwood which is a five part mini series entitled “Children of Earth.” Season 4 is taking a similar format with a ten part story; hopefully it will be good as well.

Isn’t Sarah Jane Adventures a children's show? Is it any good?

Yes, Sarah Jane Adventures is specifically targeted at younger children. In general it’s a bit hit-and-miss. I generally use it to fill the space between seasons of Doctor Who.

What comes before “New Who?”

The Classic series aired from 1963 - 1989 and includes the adventures of the 1^st to 7^th Doctors. “Doctor Who: The TV Movie” aired in 1996 and deals with the 8^th Doctor.

Where should I start?

If you’re not sure if you are going to like the show or if you are introducing the show to a sceptical friend I suggest starting with Series 3 Episode 10 “Blink”. 

In generally, however, I recommend starting with Series 5 Episode 1 “The Eleventh Hour.” This episode marks the beginning of a new Doctor, new companion, and new head writer. As a result it covers most of the basics. The “Eleventh Hour” gives you much more a feel for the current show than 2005 pilot “Rose” does. If you enjoy the Eleventh Hour and series 5, I would definitely recommend going back and watching series 1 to 4 and the various specials along the way.

I don’t really want to sit down and watch all of these. Can you just tell me what the really good episodes are?

Sure, check out my top ten episodes list here.

Love the show but are they any podcasts you’d recommend?

(Ok no one has ever asked me this but I always wanted to give an answer).

My favourite is Radio Free Skaro. I’ve also recently started listening to The Oddcast. There are a number of other Doctor Who podcasts, a directory of which can be found can be found here.