Watch Classic Doctor Who

Classic Doctor Who, available on BritBox, is a British television series that first premiered in 1963 and aired until 1989. It is a science fiction show that follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as The Doctor, who travels through time and space in his iconic blue police box known as the TARDIS. Classic Doctor Who is a pre-revival version of the show, featuring the first seven Doctors, starting with William Hartnell, until Sylvester McCoy.

The show follows The Doctor as he navigates through different periods in history, visiting various planets, and encountering a range of creatures and villains while battling to save the universe. Classic Doctor Who is often recognized for its low-budget special effects, which have since become a staple of Doctor Who's identity.

Throughout the series, The Doctor gets aided by his companions, often humans, who travel with him through his different journeys. Classic Doctor Who features some iconic companions including, but not limited to, Sarah Jane Smith, Romana, and Tegan Jovanka.

The show's main focus is on The Doctor, his travels, and character development; however, Classic Doctor Who is also known for its elaborate and complex storylines. The show takes the viewers on an adventure with The Doctor that requires careful attention to keep up with the plot. The narrative frequently interweaves different characters, and plots across various episodes, making it an engaging and immersive experience.

The Doctor character has always been a fan favorite, with each actor's portrayal offering something unique to the show. William Hartnell was the first Doctor, playing The Doctor in 1963-1966, establishing the iconic character his style, and laying the foundation of what later became a franchise.

Patrick Troughton succeeded Hartnell in 1966-1969, creating a lovable, yet comical character who endeared the audiences. Jon Pertwee followed as the third Doctor in 1970-1974, bringing a more dashing and serious character to the show. Tom Baker is perhaps the most popular of the classic Doctors, who took over from Pertwee in 1974-1981, playing the role for seven years. Peter Davison played the fifth Doctor in 1981-1984, portraying a more human Doctor. In 1984-1986, Colin Baker took over as the sixth Doctor, and Sylvester McCoy played the seventh Doctor for three seasons, eventually ending the show in 1989.

Classic Doctor Who was produced during the pre-CGI era, and was reliant on practical effects and props to bring the universe to life, thus fostering an environment for many memorable moments. It exemplifies old-school special effects with gear taped onto actors to create various creatures, and model making for spacecrafts, which today may seem crude, but has given it a cult status among the show’s loyal fan base.

Classic Doctor Who also explores various themes, including social issues of the time, such as race, colonialism, and feminism. While it is a science-fiction show, it does not shy away from delving into deeper topics and posing ethical questions. Thus, the show often has timeless relevance, still resonating with audiences today, despite its age.

In conclusion, Classic Doctor Who is an iconic sci-fi show, offering a mix of humorous, adventurous, and intense moments through the different time and space travels. It is a show that stands the test of time and has developed a cult following over the years. It is a must-watch for those who love the sci-fi or Doctor Who universes, with, engaging narratives, memorable characters, and exciting adventures to keep viewers hooked.

Classic Doctor Who is a series that is currently running and has 27 seasons (643 episodes). The series first aired on November 23, 1963.