‘Doctor Who’ Watch Order: All Series & Specials

Have you tried finding the right way to watch ‘Doctor Who’? Believe me, it can feel like a puzzle more intricate than the TARDIS itself. Whether you’re a new companion or returning to relive the magic, navigating through its episodes, specials, and movies is crucial. Here’s my personal guide to ensuring you get the most out of every timey-wimey moment. Let the journey begin!

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in November 2023 to include 60th anniversary specials.

‘Doctor Who’ series in order by the release date

Diving into the world of Doctor Who is like entering a vast, exhilarating, and complex universe. There have been 39 mesmerizing seasons of ‘Doctor Who’. The initial stretch, known to many as the ‘Classic Era,’ graced our screens for 26 series from 1963 to 1989. Then, after a pause that left many Whovians eagerly waiting, the show returned triumphantly in 2005, rejuvenating the saga with a fresh perspective.

In addition to the main series, the ‘Doctor Who’ universe has expanded to include spin-offs like ‘Torchwood‘, ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures,’ and ‘Class.’ To help you navigate this expansive realm, I’ll lay it all out for you, ordered by release date. It’s the ideal way to watch and truly appreciate the depth and evolution of this iconic series.

Classic Era ‘Doctor Who‘ (1963-1989)

Embarking on the ‘Doctor Who’ journey starts with its Classic Era. Running from 1963 to 1989, the foundational phase sets the stage for everything to come. While the effects might feel dated, the stories and characters are timeless. To truly grasp the essence of ‘Doctor Who,’ beginning with this watch order is essential.

1. ‘Doctor Who’ Season 1
2. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 2
3. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 3
4. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 4
5. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 5
6. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 6
7. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 7
8. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 8
9. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 9
10. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 10
11. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 11
12. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 12
13. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 13
14. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 14
15. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 15
16. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 16
17. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 17
18. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 18
19. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 19
20. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 20
21. ‘The Five Doctors’ – special feature-length episode
22. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 21
23. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 22
24. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 23
25. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 24
26. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 25
27. ‘Doctor Who‘ Season 26
28. ‘Doctor Who: The Movie‘

Modern ‘Doctor Who‘ (2005-Present)

After the Classic episodes, the ‘Doctor Who’ narrative takes a modern turn from 2005 onwards. This phase breathes new life into the series, introducing fresh faces and modern storytelling techniques while building on its storied past. For those eager to catch up with the latest, this watch order captures the Doctor’s more recent escapades and evolutions.

1. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 1
2. ‘Doctor Who: Children in Need‘ – 7-minute mini-episode
3. ‘The Christmas Invasion‘ – Christmas special
4. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 2
5. ‘Torchwood‘ Series 1
6. ‘The Runaway Bride‘ – Christmas special
7. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 3
8. ‘Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest‘ – animated serial
9. ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures‘ – spin-off
10. ‘Time Crash‘ – mini-episode
11. ‘Voyage of the Damned‘ – Christmas special
12. ‘Torchwood‘ Series 2
13. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 4
14. ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ Series 2 – spin-off
15. ‘The Next Doctor‘ – special episode
16. ‘Planet of the Dead’ – special episode
17. ‘Torchwood Series 3‘ – spin-off
18. ‘Dreamland‘ – animated serial
19. ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ Series 3
20. ‘The Waters of Mars‘ – special episode
21. ‘The End of Time Part 1 & 2‘ – special episodes
22. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 5
23. ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ Series 4
24. ‘A Christmas Carol‘ – Christmas special
25. ‘Torchwood‘ Series 4
26. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 6
27. ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ Series 5
28. ‘The Doctor, The Widow, and the Wardrobe‘ – Christmas special
29. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 7
30. ‘The Snowmen’ – Christmas special
31. ‘The Day of the Doctor‘ – 50th anniversary special episode
32. ‘The Time of the Doctor‘ – Christmas special
33. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 8
34. ‘Last Christmas’ – Christmas special
35. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 9
36. ‘The Husbands of River Song‘ – Christmas special
37. ‘Class‘ Season 1
38. ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio‘ – Christmas special
39. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 10
40. ‘Twice Upon a Time‘ – Christmas special
41. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 11
42. ‘Resolution‘ – New Year’s Day Special 2019
43. ‘Spyfall‘ – New Year’s Day Special 2020
44. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 12
45. ‘Farewell, Sarah Jane‘ – ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ mini-episode
46. ‘Daleks!‘ Season 1 – animated series
47. ‘Revolution of the Daleks – New Year’s Day Special 2021
48. ‘Doctor Who‘ Series 13
49. ‘Eve of the Daleks’, ‘Legend of the Sea Devils’, ‘The Power of the Doctor‘ – specials
50. ‘The Star Beast’, ‘Wild Blue Yonder’, ‘The Giggle‘ – specials
51. ‘Doctor Who’ Series 1
52. 60-th Anniversary Specials “The Star Beast” (2023)
53. 60-th Anniversary Specials “Wild Blue Yonder” (2023)
54. 60-th Anniversary Specials “The Giggle” (2023)
55. 60-th Anniversary Specials “The Church On Ruby Road” (2023)
56. Supelemental Episode ‘Destination: Skaro’ (2023)

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