List of Doctor Who episodes (2005–present)

In 2005, the BBC relaunched Doctor Who after a 16-year absence from episodic television, with Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner and Mal Young as executive producers, Phil Collinson as producer, and Christopher Eccleston taking the lead role of the Ninth Doctor.

The revival is a continuation of the original series. The new series is formatted to a 16:9 widescreen display ratio, and a standard episode length of 45 minutes. For the first time since the 1965–1966 season, each episode has a title, and most stand alone as complete stories. The show also returned to its traditional Saturday evening slot.

The 2005 series constitutes a loose story arc, dealing with the consequences of the Time War and the mysterious Bad Wolf.

The Tenth Doctor was portrayed by David Tennant, who was cast before the first series aired.[10]

The back-story for the spin-off series Torchwood is "seeded" in various episodes in the 2006 series. Each episode also has an accompanying online Tardisode.

This series introduces Martha Jones and deals with the Face of Boe's final message, the mysterious Mr. Saxon, and the Doctor dealing with the loss of Rose Tyler.

This series explores the coincidences binding the Doctor and Donna together. There is also the loose story arc of the planets disappearing and bees also disappearing.

The specials focus on the "four knocks" and the death of the Tenth Doctor. From "Planet of the Dead", episodes were filmed in HD.[11]

The Eleventh Doctor was portrayed by Matt Smith. Steven Moffat took over as showrunner from the fifth series.

This series deals with cracks spreading throughout time, the Pandorica and the Silence which is mentioned in various episodes.

The series centres on River Song's relation to the Doctor, the Doctor's "death" and discovering what the Silence is. The original transmission of series 6 was split into two parts, with the first seven episodes airing April to June 2011 and the final six from late August to October 2011.

Series 7 started with five episodes and a Christmas Special in late 2012, followed by eight episodes in 2013. The series dealt with the exit of the Ponds, the Great Intelligence and the mystery of Clara Oswald, the impossible girl.

The specials focus on various incarnations of the Doctor, including the reveal of the War Doctor and his actions during the Time War.

The Twelfth Doctor was portrayed by Peter Capaldi.

For Series 8–10, the episode count was reduced from thirteen to twelve. This series dealt with the mystery identity of the character "Missy" and the mystery around "The Promised Land".

This series dealt with the consequences of the Doctor and Clara’s relationship, and the Doctor’s confession about the Hybrid.

This series dealt with the mystery of the vault and the Doctor’s oath, later exploring the Doctor and Missy’s relationship, and the possibility of Missy "turning good". This season introduces Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and Nardole (Matt Lucas) as The Doctor's companions.

The Thirteenth Doctor is portrayed by Jodie Whittaker.[12] Chris Chibnall took over as showrunner from the eleventh series.

For Series 11, the episode count was reduced from twelve to ten. The Thirteenth Doctor initially searches for her lost TARDIS, inadvertently bringing her companions with her on her travels, who contemplate returning to their lives but decide to continue travelling. The series also deals with grief. This series also saw the time slot change to Sunday.

This series deals with a new incarnation of the Master, the return of Jack Harkness, the appearance of an unknown incarnation of the Doctor who existed at some point before the Time War, and the "lone Cyberman", while following the destruction of Gallifrey and the secret of the Timeless Child. The special marked the last regular appearance of Graham and Ryan.

For Series 13, the episode count will be reduced from ten to eight episodes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also set to introduce Dan (John Bishop) as a new companion.