While streaming has its issues, it has proven to have positives. The BBC’s iPlayer will be the streaming home to classic Doctor Who episodes for the first time for the 60th anniversary. Over 800 episodes, including spinoffs like Class, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Torchwood, will be available for U.K. audiences.
Celebrate 60 Years of Doctor Who By Watching Classic Episodes Through BBC’s Streaming Service
In the announcement made by the BBC, the U.K. will receive these Doctor Who episodes on November 1. There has been no clarification if the rest of the world will get to see the old episodes.
The classic episodes of Doctor Who were before the 2005 revival of the series. The original run went from 1963 to 1989. After the initial run, movies were made to continue the franchise in the ’90s and ’00s. For many modern audiences, Doctors like David Tenant and Matt Smith were who they imagined. Now, they will get to see the people who laid the foundation.
The 60-year history of the series is getting a big celebration this year. On top of this news, the BBC will also debut an archive for fans to explore. It will feature behind-the-scenes interviews, documents and notes on the series, and notes from ex-BBC head of drama, Sydney Newman.
The timing comes perfectly as Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa is about to become the new lead. He will take over the role with a return from Tenant for three Doctor Who specials for the holiday season. In 2024, the next season will premiere, giving Gatwa full reign as the next Doctor. It will be historic for the series when he makes his debut as the first Black Doctor, following the path of diversifying the Doctors after Jodie Whittaker became the first woman Doctor in 2017.
