Doctor Who

10 Best Episodes of Doctor Who - Season 1

Are you a fan of time travel, thrilling adventures, and saving the universe from imminent destruction? Then you're in for a treat with the long-running TV show, Doctor Who. This beloved series has captured the hearts of millions since its revival in 2005, taking viewers on a wild ride through time and space. With its unique premise and captivating storytelling, Doctor Who has become a cult classic and a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.

At the center of Doctor Who is the enigmatic character known simply as the Doctor. This Time Lord, portrayed by a talented cast of actors, is a 900-year-old alien with two hearts and an insatiable desire to explore the cosmos. Armed with a trusty time-traveling spaceship called the TARDIS, the Doctor embarks on thrilling adventures across different planets and time periods. Whether it's battling sinister creatures, solving complex mysteries, or righting the wrongs of the universe, the Doctor's mission is to save lives and protect the fabric of reality itself.

Since its inception, Doctor Who has garnered a dedicated fan base, known as Whovians, who eagerly await each new episode. With a whopping 15 seasons under its belt, the show has amassed an impressive catalog of episodes that span a wide range of genres and themes. From heart-pounding action to heartwarming character moments, Doctor Who offers something for everyone. So, grab your sonic screwdriver and get ready to dive into the best episodes this iconic series has to offer.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 22, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Doctor Who - S1E5

#13 - World War Three (2) (Season 1 - Episode 5)

Time is running out for the Doctor as Downing Street announces mankind's first Interplanetary War.

The episode was rated 7.37 from 1558 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E4

#12 - Aliens of London (1) (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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Rose is taken home, but a spaceship crashes in the Thames and London is closed off... Enter the Slitheen!

The episode was rated 7.41 from 1630 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E3

#11 - The Unquiet Dead (Season 1 - Episode 3)

Charles Dickens and the Doctor team up as corpses stalk the streets of Victorian Cardiff.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 1739 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E7

#10 - The Long Game (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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Adam catches a glimpse of the wonders of travelling in the Tardis, as they head to a future, where Satellite 5 broadcasts to the entire Earth Empire. But anyone promoted to Floor 500 is never seen again, and the Doctor suspects mankind is being manipulated.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 1451 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E11

#9 - Boom Town (Season 1 - Episode 11)

The Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack stop off in present-day Cardiff to recharge the TARDIS on the Rift they formerly encountered in 1869. Whilst there, they come upon a since-thought-long-dead enemy of theirs, who is hatching yet another plan to destroy Earth.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 1335 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E1

#8 - Rose (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called the Doctor, and realises Earth is in danger.

The episode was rated 7.56 from 2727 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E2

#7 - The End of the World (Season 1 - Episode 2)

The Doctor takes Rose on her first voyage through time: to the year five billion, when the Sun is about to expand and swallow the Earth. She is cautious and soon starts to question her reasons for joining The Doctor. But amongst the powerful alien races gathering to watch on Platform One, a murderer is at work. Who is controlling the mysterious and deadly metal spiders?

The episode was rated 7.64 from 2086 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E8

#6 - Father's Day (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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Rose requests a trip back to the day her father, Pete Tyler, died. Reluctantly, the Doctor agrees, but he realises he has made a mistake, when Rose saves Pete from being run over by a car. This has now changed the timeline, and Reapers are transposing themselves all over the Universe. However, this time, the Doctor doesn't have a plan…

The episode was rated 7.94 from 1433 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E6

#5 - Dalek (Season 1 - Episode 6)

The Doctor is shattered and Earth is in danger as he and Rose discover the Time Lords' deadliest enemy beneath Utah.

The episode was rated 8.12 from 1588 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E12

#4 - Bad Wolf (1) (Season 1 - Episode 12)

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In a seemingly futuristic world, the Doctor wakes up in the Big Brother house during an eviction, Rose wakes up on the Weakest Link with the Anne-Droid, and Captain Jack gets a make over with Trin-E and Zu-Zana. But something unusual is happening, and the losing contestants are being disintergrated. Obviously, it's time for the Doctor to investigate. Who or what is behind this?

The episode was rated 8.28 from 1448 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E9

#3 - The Empty Child (1) (Season 1 - Episode 9)

After chasing an unexplained capsule through time, the TARDIS lands in London, during an air raid. Rose investigates when a small child wearing a gasmask, standing on a rooftop, continuously calls out for his mummy. After floating above the city on a barrage balloon, Rose is swept off her feet by another time traveller – Captain Jack Harkness. Meanwhile, The Doctor follows a teenaged girl to a meeting of the homeless children of the Blitz. Here, the child in the gasmask is terrorising them with a parade of strange events, constantly asking for his mother.

The episode was rated 8.36 from 1511 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E10

#2 - The Doctor Dances (2) (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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After narrowly escaping the gas mask monsters, The Doctor, Rose, and Captain Jack try to stop the mutated people from infecting other victims. But it soon becomes apparent that one of the group may indirectly responsible for the virus. The answer lies at the bomb site, but time is running out...

The episode was rated 8.40 from 1464 votes.

Doctor Who - S1E13

#1 - The Parting of the Ways (2) (Season 1 - Episode 13)

In the thrilling Doctor Who episode "The Parting of the Ways," the fate of the Universe hangs in the balance as the Dalek fleet begins their invasion of Earth. The Doctor is faced with an impossible decision: sacrifice all of humanity to save the rest of the universe from the Daleks. Meanwhile, he knows he must send Rose home, but can he bear to do it? This action-packed season finale is filled with heart-stopping moments, emotional performances, and mind-blowing special effects. It's no wonder that it is considered one of the best Doctor Who episodes of all time.

The episode is divided into two distinctive halves. The first half cleverly places the characters within fictionalized versions of popular reality TV shows, adding a unique twist to the story. The second half ramps up the tension and stakes as the Daleks become an unstoppable force. The emotional impact of the scenes, the complex relationships between the characters, and the thrilling interactions between the Doctor and the Daleks make this episode truly unforgettable.

One of the highlights of "The Parting of the Ways" is the stellar performances from the entire cast. Christopher Eccleston delivers a powerhouse emotional performance as the Doctor, while Billie Piper brings depth and determination to her role as Rose. The supporting characters, such as Lynda with a Y, played by Jo Joyner, add another layer of intrigue and likability to the story.

With its epic music, stunning production design, and gripping storytelling, "The Parting of the Ways" is a must-watch episode for Doctor Who fans. It sets the bar high for modern era season finales, combining exhilarating action with a deeply emotional finale. Don't miss out on this thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The episode was rated 8.61 from 1507 votes.

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