How to watch
Doctor Who Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch Doctor Who in order — the complete modern series guide
Last updated: July 7 2026
Written by: ChronoChris
Doctor Who is the longest-running science fiction TV show in history, following a time-travelling alien known only as the Doctor. With multiple actors playing the role and decades of lore, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
Doctor Who has been thrilling audiences since 1963, but most newcomers start with the revived 2005 series — and that's exactly where this guide focuses. From Christopher Eccleston's brooding Ninth Doctor to Ncuti Gatwa's vibrant modern take, the modern era is a complete and rewarding journey on its own.
🕐 Release Order
Watching in release order is the recommended approach for Doctor Who. Each Doctor's era builds on the last, and the emotional payoffs are greatest when experienced as originally broadcast.
- Series 1 (2005) — The Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston)
- Series 2 (2006) — The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)
- Series 3 (2007)
- Series 4 (2008)
- The End of Time Parts 1 & 2 (2009–2010)
- Series 5 (2010) — The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)
- Series 6 (2011)
- Series 7 (2012–2013)
- The Day of the Doctor (2013) — 50th Anniversary Special
- Series 8 (2014) — The Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi)
- Series 9 (2015)
- Series 10 (2017)
- Twice Upon a Time (2017)
- Series 11 (2018) — The Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker)
- Series 12 (2020)
- Series 13: Flux (2021)
- The Power of the Doctor (2022)
- 60th Anniversary Specials (2023) — David Tennant returns
- Series 1 (2024) — The Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)
Because Doctor Who is a time-travel series, there is no single 'correct' chronological order — the show deliberately plays with time. For most viewers, release order is the only order that makes sense.
📖 Story Chronology
The Doctor travels through time freely, so a strict in-universe chronology is nearly impossible to establish. However, certain specials and stories are best watched in their broadcast positions rather than rearranged.
- Series 1–4 + Specials (2005–2010) — The RTD Era
- Series 5–7 + Day of the Doctor (2010–2013) — The Moffat Era begins
- Series 8–10 + Twice Upon a Time (2014–2017) — The Capaldi Era
- Series 11–13 + The Power of the Doctor (2018–2022) — The Chibnall Era
- 60th Anniversary Specials + Series 1 (2023–2024) — The New RTD Era
Which Order Should You Choose?
Start with Series 1 (2005) and follow release order — it's that simple. Each Doctor's debut episode is designed as an accessible entry point. If you fall in love with a particular Doctor, you can always go back and watch more of their era. Avoid jumping around until you have a solid grounding in the show's mythology.
🔗 Related Guides
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