Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that has been broadcast by the BBC since 1963. It was created by Sydney Newman, Donald Wilson, and C. E. Webber. The show follows the adventures of an extraterrestrial being known as the Doctor, who is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor travels through time and space in a time machine called the TARDIS, which looks like a British police box on the outside but is much larger inside. The Doctor works to save lives and fight injustice throughout the universe, often accompanied by companions
. The character of the Doctor has been portrayed by fourteen different actors since the series began. The role involves a unique ability called regeneration, where the Doctor's body can heal and change into a new form with a different appearance and personality, while retaining the same memories. This allows the series to continue with new actors playing the Doctor. The current Doctor, as of 2025, is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is the fifteenth incarnation and the first black actor to headline the role. Previously, Jodie Whittaker was the first woman to play the Doctor
. The series has a rich history and has been revived several times, most notably in 2005 after a hiatus since 1989. It is known for its imaginative storytelling, exploration of scientific and historical themes, and a wide array of alien species and villains such as the Daleks and Cybermen. The Doctor often travels with companions who play significant roles in the narrative, helping to explore the universe and face various challenges
