It seems so, so long ago now, but the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who was a landmark event in television history, and we were so fucking spoilt. I just thought I'd take a moment to write down what I enjoyed about this time!
SERIES 7
First up we had the rest of Series 7 to finish off in the Spring of 2013. I mean 7B is often ridiculed, but we still had eight regular episodes of Doctor Who. Although we probably didn't get any classics we still had some solid Who to start the year. I also think the 2012 Christmas special was a banger!!
PROGRAMS CELEBRATING DOCTOR WHO
We had Pointless Celebrities: Doctor Who Special, and a show that went through all the great monsters and villains of the show.
Then we had the Doctor Who Proms which was broadcast once, and then twice, with additional content on the Red Button and iPlayer.
They went big with other shows.
The Science of Doctor Who
Hosted by Professor Brian Cox and broadcast in November on BBC Two this special explored the real-world science behind some of the concepts featured in Doctor Who. Renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox delved into the possibilities of time travel, the nature of black holes, and the concept of parallel universes, linking them to the adventures of the Doctor. The show was both educational and entertaining, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the science fiction elements that have become so integral to the series.
The Ultimate Guide
Broadcast in November on BBC Three The Ultimate Guide was a two-part special designed as an introduction (or reintroduction) to the world of Doctor Who. It covered the history of the Doctor, his companions, and his enemies, featuring clips from past episodes, interviews with the cast and crew, and lots of trivia.
Doctor Who: The Afterparty
Broadcast on 23rd November after The Day of the Doctor on BBC Three. This live event featured interviews with the stars of the show, including Matt Smith, David Tennant, and Jenna Coleman, as well as special guests from the show's history. The program included behind-the-scenes footage, fan interactions, and a celebration of the show's impact over 50 years. It also had plenty of awkward moments and wasn’t well loved, and it had Steven Moffat with his head in his hands! One Direction also turned up having never watched the show!! Whoops! You win some, you lose some!!
The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot
Written and Directed by Peter Davison and broadcast in November on the Red Button and iPlayer. This was comedy gold!! The Fifth Doctor actor Peter Davison paid a funny and loving tribute to the show along with fellow former Doctors Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann as they hilariously attempted to sneak their way into the 50th anniversary special. There were a lot of cameos in this and it was a riot.
Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor
In August we had a whole special to introduce us to the next Doctor. I was thrilled with the choice!! The program was broadcast live and featured interviews with past and present stars of the show, as well as a live audience. Rufus Hound nearly let the cat out of the bag early - Peter Eccleston.
It’s hard to believe how much fanfare was involved after the simple way Ncuti announced himself last year.
Blue Peter Specials
Broadcast throughout 2013 on CBBC Blue Peter, the long-running children’s television show, aired several Doctor Who themed episodes. These specials included competitions for fans to design monsters that would appear in the series, behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the show, and segments featuring past and present Doctors.
The Culture Show: Me, You and Doctor Who
Broadcast in November BBC Two this documentary took a more academic look at the cultural impact of Doctor Who over the past 50 years. Hosted by historian and broadcaster Matthew Sweet, the program examined how Doctor Who reflected and influenced British society, its storytelling techniques, and its place in the broader world of science fiction.
Who Is the Doctor?
This was a Radio 2 documentary that delved into the history of the show, featuring interviews with actors, writers, and fans. It explored the cultural phenomenon of Doctor Who and its evolution over the decades.
An Adventure in Space and Time
This was bloody brilliant!! A docudrama that chronicled the creation of Doctor Who in 1963. Written by Mark Gatiss, this touching film took us back to the show's origins, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing the Doctor to life. With David Bradley delivering a poignant performance as William Hartnell, the First Doctor, the film was both a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the original creators and a reminder of how far the show had come. The ending will never not get me!!
CELEBRATING THE FANS
In addition to all of that television and radio goodness there were numerous events and celebrations throughout the country (and world) that brought the fan community together. The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Convention in London, held at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, was a particular highlight. Featuring panels with current and former cast members, special screenings, and exhibitions showcasing props and costumes from the show's history.
Terminal 5 at Heathrow had a variety of Doctor Who themed experiences. Appearances from Cybermen, TARDIS photobooths, displays of props and augmented reality hotspots. Music from the series was performed in Terminal 5 by the London Philarmonic Orchestra and Jenny Colgan did a signing there for her Dark Horizons book.
Talking of books we also got a fascinating insight into Doctor Who in the 1980’s with The Life and Scandalous Times of JN-T.
RAMPING UP THE EXCITMENT
In the lead up to the broadcast of The Day of the Doctor we also had two mini-episodes released on iPlayer and YouTube.
The Last Day set the tone for the Time War, but the one that really got people talking was The Night of the Doctor.
Paul McGann made a surprise return as the Eighth Doctor and fans finally got to see his regeneration in this brilliant seven minute piece of history. This was one of the highlights of the whole celebration.
We also had one the greatest trailers ever made!!
THE MAIN EVENT
Broadcast simultaneously around the world on the 23rd November 2013, The Day of the Doctor united three Doctors—Matt Smith, David Tennant, and John Hurt—in an epic, time-bending adventure that celebrated the past while also looking to the future. The special was filled with Easter eggs, surprise appearances (including a brief cameo by Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor), and a storyline that ultimately redeemed the Doctor's darkest hour by revealing the truth behind the destruction of Gallifrey. It was a masterful blend of nostalgia and storytelling that left fans both old and new in awe.
What a time to be alive!!
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