Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series produced by the BBC since 1963. It follows the adventures of a mysterious time-traveling alien known only as "The Doctor," a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine that looks like a British police box on the outside but is much larger inside
. The character of the Doctor has been portrayed by multiple actors over the decades, with the ability to "regenerate" into a new form when near death, allowing for changes in appearance and personality but retaining the same memories. As of 2025, the Fifteenth Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is the first black actor to headline the role. Notable past Doctors include William Hartnell (the original), Tom Baker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker, who was the first woman to play the Doctor
. The show has had a continuous run from 1963 to 1989, a TV movie in 1996, and a revival starting in 2005 that continues today. The Doctor often travels with companions who play significant roles in the narrative, and the series explores themes of justice, adventure, and the fight against oppression across different times and planets
. In addition to the main series, spin-offs like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures have expanded the universe. The show is known for its imaginative storytelling, iconic villains, and its cultural impact as one of the longest-running sci-fi series in television history
