All Doctor Who Doctors In Order

As a devoted fan of “Doctor Who,” I must say that each incarnation of the Doctor brings something unique to the table, reflecting the times and the experiences of the actor portraying them.

The iconic science fiction series “Doctor Who” on BBC, which has been running for decades, can be both captivating and intimidating to newcomers. One aspect that might make viewers feel disconnected from the show, apart from its extensive history, is the frequent changing of the lead actor due to the concept of regeneration in the storyline. This means that when you become fond of a particular portrayal of the Doctor, the character transforms again.

But this tradition doesn’t just enrich the lore of one of literature’s most renowned characters, it also offers 15 distinct, almost flawless opportunities for new readers to jump into the series. All you need is to pick the Doctor that resonates with you and embark on a thrilling voyage through space and time. To facilitate your exploration, we’ve systematically reviewed each significant incarnation of the character in order of their appearance.

Fugitive Doctor (Jo Martin)

Main Series: 12-13 (Modern)

Notable Companion: Lee Clayton

Best Story: Series 12, Episode 5, “Fugitive of the Judoon”

In my gaming world, I’ve stumbled upon some fascinating lore about “Doctor Who.” You see, it turns out that before the version we first met in 1963, there were other Doctors, lives they lived before regeneration. These are the ones we call the original incarnations. And then, there are these characters known as Timeless Children, who seem to be forgotten young versions of the Doctor. It’s a bit mind-bending, but that’s what makes exploring this universe so thrilling!

Currently, the most recognized Doctor before the First Doctor is known as the Fugitive Doctor, portrayed by Jo Martin. This Doctor is significant as she marks the first Black incarnation of the Time Lord. In an interview with the official Doctor Who magazine, Martin described her character as “a bit cranky, a touch moody.” She added that there might be similarities to 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi in this regard. The Fugitive Doctor possesses a sharp edge and a mysterious dark side, but she also has a playful and charismatic side. One of the more morally complex Doctors, she was employed by Gallifrey’s organization, The Division – responsible for wiping the Doctor’s earliest memories from existence.

First Doctor (William Hartnell)

Main Series: 1-4 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Susan Foreman, Barbara Wright, Ian Chesterton

Best Story: Series 3, “The Destruction of Time”

Originating in 1963, we trace “Doctor Who” back to its beginnings where we encounter the initial numbered Doctor, also the first overall, portrayed by 55-year-old Shakespearean actor and radio star, William Hartnell. With most of his career devoted to stern old man roles, Hartnell was intrigued by the part of the Doctor because it offered him an opportunity to portray a gentler, more curious, and quirky character that he rarely got to play before.

As a gamer immersed in this incredible universe, I’d say the show artfully combined the established character of Hartnell with his untapped potential, shaping the First Doctor’s transformation from a jaded time-traveler into an open-hearted, deeply empathetic intellectual. Battles against monstrous beings from other dimensions like Daleks and Cybermen were numerous, but in the end, the toll on his body became too great, leading to what many thought was his first regeneration in Series 4.

Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton)

Main Series: 4-6 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Jamie McCrimmon, Zoe Heroit

Best Story: Series 6, “The War Games”

After William Hartnell left the show, the actor recommended Patrick Troughton to take his place. At that time, Troughton was mainly known for guest appearances in British dramas. Initially, he proposed a controversial interpretation of “Doctor Who” that could have potentially ruined the series. However, he eventually assumed the role and is now fondly remembered as one of the greatest Doctors.

In the role of the first regenerated Doctor, Troughton set a precedent that each incarnation would have its unique identity and character traits, while still remaining familiar to viewers. Instead of embracing the Sherlock Holmes-like persona that producers envisioned, he opted for a more relaxed portrayal, focusing more on listening than speaking. The show’s run with Troughton came to an end when the Second Doctor was captured by the Time Lords and punished for his transgressions against their order. His punishment was exile and immediate regeneration.

Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee)

Main Series: 7-11 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Jo Grant, Sarah Jane Smith

Best Story: Series 10, “Carnival of Monsters”

By chance, the Time Lords exiled the Doctor to 20th Century Earth. Upon regenerating into the Third Doctor, portrayed by Jon Pertwee, an actor and comedian, he found himself without his TARDIS and had to confront threats. Later, he managed to repair his space-time craft and resumed his journeys, encountering his archenemy, the Master (Roger Delgado), for the first time.

In 1974, during its 11th season, Pertwee decided to part ways with the program. Later, he mentioned in interviews that he felt confined by playing the same role for such an extended period in the TARDIS. With the departures of producer Barry Letts and script editor Terrance Dicks, he believed it was an appropriate time for his own farewell. Unfortunately, contract negotiations for Series 12 couldn’t be resolved with a larger salary, leading to his departure from the show. On the show, Pertwee’s character met a tragic end when he came face-to-face with a terrifying radioactive spider queen.

Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker)

Main Series: 12-18 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Sarah Jane Smith, Harry Sullivan, K9

Best Story: Series 12, “Genesis of the Daleks”

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share an interesting fact: When Tom Baker took on the role at age 40, he was approximately ten years younger than any Doctor who had graced our screens before him. Embracing this youthful energy, both he and the show managed to create a vibrant and charming portrayal of the Doctor that was brimming with whimsy and endearing madness.

As a dedicated gamer, one of the reasons I can’t forget his stint on the show is how they delved deeper into the universe’s backstory by introducing new characters, ideas, and building upon what was already there. One standout episode from the Doctor Who series during the Baker-era that left a lasting impression is “Genesis of the Daleks.” This story took a darker, more psychological approach to our arch-nemeses, venturing beyond the show’s initial premise as a children’s program.

Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison)

Main Series: 19-21 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Adric, Vislor Turlough, Peri Brown

Best Story: Series 19, “Earthshock”

Following Tom Baker’s departure from the show, they opted for a younger actor to take over his role instead of revisiting the older, wise Doctors. So, they chose Peter Davison, a 31-year-old comedic actor, to play the Fifth Doctor. This version of the character is first presented alongside the Fourth Doctor as a mysterious figure known as the Watcher. Later, in an unconventional and perilous regeneration, the Watcher assimilates the Fourth Doctor.

During Baker’s tenure in “Doctor Who,” the series expanded its scope, but Davison reduced it substantially by focusing on more concise narratives that largely moved away from the fantasy elements previously explored – think less of George Lucas’ fantastical universe and more of Isaac Asimov’s science-based stories. In the end, he made a selfless sacrifice to save his companion Peri Brown (played by Nicola Bryant) from a lethal toxin.

Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker)

Main Series: 21-23 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Peri Brown, Mel Bush

Best Story: Series 22, “Vengeance on Varos”

In his new form as the sixth Doctor (portrayed by the more sober and dramatic actor Colin Baker), the Time Lord’s initial action upon regeneration was nearly causing harm to Peri Brown in a bout of confusion and anger. This peculiar beginning set the stage for his character, as the Sixth Doctor is often recalled by fans as one of the least favorable versions to have existed so far.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “His character, reminiscent of the First Doctor’s borderline antisocial traits but lacking the charm and the narrative arc that came with him, was a significant factor in my experience. The Sixth Doctor met an off-screen demise, leaving his exact fate still up for debate in the canon.

Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy)

Main Series: 24-26 (Classic)

Notable Companions: Mel Bush, Ace

Best Story: Series 25, “Remembrance of the Daleks”

With the introduction of Scottish comedic actor Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor, “Doctor Who” aimed to rejuvenate its style by making the character more endearing and occasionally clumsy, with his significant imperfections being amusing rather than off-putting.

Subsequently, following a severe backlash from both fans and critics about this character’s reintroduction, the writers started giving him a more layered persona, suggesting a troubled past. Regrettably, he and the show didn’t have much opportunity to delve into these aspects due to “Doctor Who” approaching its initial termination. Tragically, he was fatally wounded by a stray bullet in a TV movie which marked the apparent end of the series.

Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann)

Main Series: TV Movie

Notable Companion: Grace Holloway

Best Story: “The Night of the Doctor”

In 1996, the TV movie featuring “Doctor Who” was intended to usher in a new phase for the show, with Paul McGann taking on the role of the Doctor. McGann, among his contemporaries, was perhaps the most traditional actor selected for this part, bringing a heroic and dashing swashbuckler-like portrayal of the character. It seems that “Doctor Who” aimed to present a more grounded and believable protagonist as the 21st century approached.

I was truly disappointed when the Eighth Doctor’s journey didn’t continue beyond the film, as no follow-up series were produced. Yet, my anticipation was rekindled in 2013 during the 50th Anniversary Special, where we learned that he proactively triggered his regeneration to transform into a warrior, equipped to end the Time War.

War Doctor (John Hurt)

Main Series: None

Notable Companions: Rose Tyler (The Moment)

Best Story: “The Day of the Doctor”

In the Time War, the Eighth Doctor opted to participate, leading to his rebirth not as a Doctor but as a warrior who rejects the title due to his violent destiny. Initially, this narrative could have been seamlessly integrated into the Ninth Doctor’s (Christopher Eccleston) backstory. However, since Eccleston declined to reprise his role, showrunner Steven Moffat decided to develop an alternate version of the Doctor, one that could serve as a formidable adversary on the big screen and was played by renowned British actor John Hurt.

A significant part of the War Doctor’s storyline revolves around his choice to destroy Gallifrey during the Time War, an action he once considered a source of shame in the Doctor’s history. However, it is disclosed that by collaborating with his future selves, including the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, he manages to prevent the planet’s destruction. Instead, he forgets about this brave deed upon regenerating into his former Ninth incarnation.

Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston)

Main Series: 1 (Modern)

Notable Companions: Rose Tyler, Captain Jack Harkness

Best Episode: Series 1, Episode 6, “Dalek”

In 2005, after a long break since the 1996 TV movie, I found myself re-immersed in the captivating world of “Doctor Who.” This time around, it was more vibrant and appealing than ever, managing to enthrall a whole new crop of enthusiasts like me. The contemporary Doctor, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor, was actually a regeneration of the War Doctor, though he seemed fresh and uncharted for those just joining the journey.

The new team wasn’t daunted by the established lore of the series, but when classic characters and themes reappeared, they were presented with consideration for those who might need background information to fully enjoy them. Eccleston’s Doctor is essentially a typical sci-fi action hero with occasional hints of charm — an ideal leading man to attract new viewers without alienating them. The actor wasn’t particularly fond of the role and departed after a single series, his character regenerating at the end following a self-sacrifice to save Rose Tyler (Billie Piper).

Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)

Main Series: 2-4 (Modern)

Notable Companions: Mickey Smith, Donna Noble

Best Story: Series 3, Episode 10, “Blink”

As a devoted fan, I was captivated when Christopher Eccleston introduced me to the enchanting universe of “Doctor Who.” His subtle portrayal paved the way for newcomers, and shortly after his departure, an even more flamboyantly eccentric Doctor emerged: David Tennant. Known for his intriguing role in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Tennant was a secondary breakout, trailing behind Robert Pattinson who later became famous as Edward Cullen and Batman’s voice. However, the versatility that Tennant brought to the Doctor has earned him a place among the most adored actors to don the role. Some might argue that he shares an equal portion of credit with his successor, Matt Smith, for transforming the modern version of this show into one of the most popular television series globally.

During the time that The Tenth Doctor was in role, several beloved characters were introduced, such as Donna Noble, portrayed by Catherine Tate, and the fearsome Weeping Angels – terrifying alien statues. His departure was dramatized over two parts of the Christmas special “The End of Time.” In these episodes, he confronted his own mortality, prepared for regeneration, and bid farewell in a way that reflected Tennant’s impact on the series. This poignant sendoff also served as an introduction to the concept of regeneration for new fans while providing a fitting goodbye for this significant character.

Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)

Main Series: 5-7 (Modern)

Notable Companions: Amy Pond, Rory Williams, River Song

Best Story: Series 5, Episode 10, “Vincent and the Doctor”

Initially, when two relatively inexperienced actors were chosen to portray the Doctor, there was an anticipation among producers and viewers for a revival of the traditional, older character style that had been prevalent during most of the show’s classic era. Even Steven Moffat, who took over from Russell T. Davies as showrunner, openly expressed his intention to find a middle-aged man for the role. However, he ended up casting Matt Smith, a nearly unknown 26-year-old actor, whose selection was met with criticism due to his lack of professional experience and public recognition, as well as the fact that he was the youngest actor ever to play the Doctor.

However, it’s common knowledge that the remainder of the tale unfolds as we all know – Smith’s unconventional portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor significantly shaped the show during its contemporary period, much like David Tennant did. Yet, some debatable writing decisions by Moffat added to the mix. In a symbolic manner, viewers witnessed the youngest Doctor undergo a dramatic aging process while safeguarding the colonial planet Trenzalore. Eventually, he was granted respite and prepared to regenerate afresh.

Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi)

Main Series: 8-10

Notable Companions: Clara Oswald, Bill Potts

Best Story: Series 8, Episode 4, “Listen”

The combination of David Tennant and Matt Smith, powerfully demonstrated through the War Doctor storyline that brought them together, made choosing a new Twelfth Doctor a challenging task due to their strong influence. To avoid comparisons to these two predecessors, especially Matt Smith who was described as ‘perfect’ by Steven Moffat in an interview with Radio Times, Moffat opted to cast someone very different.

This path eventually brought them to Peter Capaldi, a 55-year-old Scottish actor, renowned at that time mainly for his role in the dark comedy series “The Thick of It” as the tempestuous and unendingly vulgar political communications director Malcolm Tucker. He imbued this character with a fiery spirit, yet one tinged with empathy, which set him apart from other actors but could have shifted the show’s tone too dramatically for fans who had grown up during the modern era. His swan song saw him join forces once more with the First Doctor, following which he submitted gracefully to a regeneration that left a lasting mark in history.

Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker)

Main Series: 11-13

Notable Companions: Ryan Sinclair, Yasmin Khan, Dan Lewis

Best Story: Series 11, Episode 6, “Demons of Punjab”

Previously, the character of the Doctor in “Doctor Who” wasn’t fixed to any specific gender, race, or ethnicity; however, for fifty years, they were primarily portrayed as white European males. In Series 11, with the departure of Steven Moffat and his replacement by Chris Chibnall, the series broke new ground by introducing a female-presenting Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.

Despite the expected outbursts of sexism that surfaced after the casting news, Whittaker’s series have been characterized by a noticeable drop in quality, yet they maintain a commendable emphasis on optimism and good energy. The Thirteenth Doctor seems to lack the intrigue and danger that defined her predecessors, but she manages to stand out uniquely nonetheless. Similar to past Doctors, however, she ultimately meets her end at the hands of the Master (Sacha Dhawan), only to be reborn in a familiar guise once more.

Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant, again)

Main Series: None

Notable Companions: Donna Noble

Best Story: “The Giggle”

Indeed, it has been confirmed that David Tennant will reprise his role as the Fourteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who,” just ahead of a series of specials planned to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary in 2023. The three specials are designed to bring back popular elements, featuring Tennant’s beloved doctor alongside his companion Donna, while also incorporating ideas from classic “Doctor Who” into the contemporary series.

Unlike other doctors on this list, the Fourteenth is uniquely perpetuated indefinitely through a distinctive bi-generation method, where he splits into two instead of being replaced. He achieves the elusive “happily ever after” that has often eluded his predecessors, while his successor readies to assume the role for an extended period ahead.

Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)

Main Series: 14-present

Notable Companions: Ruby Sunday

Best Story: Series 14, Episode 4, “73 Yards”

In a groundbreaking move, actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education,” has become the first Black lead in the long-running series “Doctor Who.” While Matt Smith holds the title of the youngest Doctor to date, the show is poised to present Gatwa as the most energetic and carefree version of the character. This is evident not only in Gatwa’s acting but also in the lighter, more playful environment created by the writers for the series.

So far, we haven’t learned much about the Fifteenth Doctor because only one season of his has been broadcast at this point. I hope he has a great time in his role before the unavoidable regeneration that lies ahead.

2024-12-01 18:31