Let me be honest with you.
Rating every single season of Doctor Who from 2005 to 2022 is no small task. The show has been running for more than a decade, spanning multiple Doctors and countless adventures through time and space.
But not all seasons are created equal. Some will blow your mind, while others might leave you checking your watch. So how do you know which seasons are worth your time?
That’s exactly what this guide is here for. I’ve watched, analyzed, and rated these seasons so you can find the absolute best Doctor Who has to offer.
Ready to find out which seasons deserve a spot on your watchlist?
Doctor Who (2005-2022) Plot Summary: Story Arc and Era Changes
Doctor Who (2005-2022) is a revival of the classic British sci-fi series, following the thrills of the Doctor, a mysterious, ancient Time Lord who can regenerate into new forms.
Traveling through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine disguised as a British police box, the Doctor fights to protect civilizations, often accompanied by human companions.
Each era brings a new Doctor through regeneration. And with each change comes fresh companions, enemies, and storylines. The Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master keep returning to challenge our hero.
The show balances standalone episodes with bigger story arcs. The Time War haunts the Doctor’s past. Gallifrey’s fate weighs heavily. The Timeless Child revelation shakes everything we thought we knew.
Tone shifts happen with each Doctor. Sometimes it’s lighter, almost whimsical. Other times it gets dark, exploring heavy themes like sacrifice and morality.
But one thing stays constant: the Doctor fights for justice and protects innocent lives.
Major Plot Developments and Theme Shifts Across All Seasons
The reboot series of Doctor Who changed dramatically. Each era brought distinct themes and storytelling styles, evolving from trauma-focused narratives to complex mythology and social awareness.
- 2005-2009: Time War trauma defined the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, exploring redemption, loss, and hope through companions like Rose and Martha
- 2010-2013: Moffat introduced complex serialized storytelling with the Eleventh Doctor, focusing on memory, identity, and destiny through intricate arcs
- 2014-2017: Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor brought darker themes of moral ambiguity, responsibility, and the weight of immortality with mature storytelling
- 2018-2022: Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor emphasized optimism, inclusivity, and social awareness with ensemble-driven narratives and contemporary themes
- Evolution: The show shifted from monster-of-the-week adventures to layered mythology, balancing classic sci-fi elements with emotional character development
- Tone Changes: From darker, brooding narratives to whimsical complexity, then to socially conscious storytelling reflecting changing audience expectations
Iconic Cast and Characters Over the Years of Doctor Who
Doctor Who’s success comes down to one thing: the cast. Each Doctor brings something unique, and the companions make the journey unforgettable. Here’s who brought these beloved characters to life.
| Actor | Character | Era |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Eccleston | Ninth Doctor | 2005 |
| David Tennant | Tenth Doctor / Fourteenth Doctor | 2005–2010 / 2023 |
| Matt Smith | Eleventh Doctor | 2010–2013 |
| Peter Capaldi | Twelfth Doctor | 2014–2017 |
| Jodie Whittaker | Thirteenth Doctor | 2017–2022 |
| Ncuti Gatwa | Fifteenth Doctor | 2023–2025 |
| Billie Piper | Rose Tyler | 2005–2006, 2008, 2010 |
| Freema Agyeman | Martha Jones | 2007–2008, 2010 |
| Catherine Tate | Donna Noble | 2006, 2008–2010 |
| Karen Gillan | Amy Pond | 2010–2012 |
| Arthur Darvill | Rory Williams | 2010–2012 |
| Jenna Coleman | Clara Oswald | 2012–2015 |
| Mandip Gill | Yasmin Khan | 2018–2022 |
| Bradley Walsh | Graham O’Brien | 2018–2021 |
| Tosin Cole | Ryan Sinclair | 2018–2021 |
| John Hurt | War Doctor | 2013 |
| Jo Martin | Fugitive Doctor | 2020, 2022 |
| Nicholas Briggs | Voice of Daleks & Cybermen | 2005–present |
Doctor Who Ratings and Critical Reception
Doctor Who has received mixed reactions over the years. Critics and fans generally loved the earlier seasons, but recent years have sparked debate. Here’s how the show ranks across major platforms.
- IMDb: 8.5/10 based on over 260,000 votes, with episodes like “Blink” (9.8) and “Heaven Sent” (9.6) ranking among the highest
- Rotten Tomatoes: Strong fresh ratings for early seasons, particularly Season 1 and 2, though recent seasons show more polarized scores
- Metacritic: Recent 2024 season scored around 3.0 (user score), indicating divided opinions, while older seasons fared better
- The Guardian Critics: Mark Lawson praised the revival for reinvigorating sci-fi TV, Lucy Mangan commended character development
- RadioTimes: Patrick Mulkern favored classic and Tennant eras, expressing concern over showrunner transitions
- Peak Episodes: “Blink,” “Heaven Sent,” and “The Day of the Doctor” consistently rank as fan and critic favorites
- Viewer Consensus: Tennant and Smith eras received widespread acclaim, while recent seasons under new leadership face criticism
My Take: Doctor Who Ratings and Season-wise Reviews
After watching every season from 2005 to 2022, here’s my honest take. Some seasons soared, others stumbled. Let’s break down what worked and what didn’t.
1. Season 1 (2005) Eccleston revived the franchise brilliantly. “The Empty Child” delivered chills. Uneven pacing hurt some mid-season episodes, though.
2. Season 2 (2006) – (BEST SEASON) Tennant’s charisma elevated everything. “The Girl in the Fireplace” showcased incredible writing. A few fillers slightly weakened momentum.
3. Season 3 (2007) “Blink” became an instant classic. Strong writing throughout. Companions felt underdeveloped, and some episodes missed the mark.
4. Season 4 (2008) Donna brought humor and heart. Epic finale in “Journey’s End.” The ending dragged slightly for some viewers.
5. Season 5 (2010) Matt Smith took bold risks. “Vincent and the Doctor” hit emotionally. The initial adjustment period challenged longtime fans.
6. Season 6 (2011) Moffat’s intricate storytelling shone. Creative narratives with emotional depth. Complex plots occasionally confused viewers, frustratingly.
7. Season 7 (2012-2013) “The Angels Take Manhattan” stood out. Experimented with structure. Fragmented feeling left some fans feeling disconnected.
8. Season 8 (2014) Capaldi brought darker maturity. “Listen” and “Dark Water” impressed. Clara’s arc received mixed reactions from audiences.
9. Season 9 (2015) “Heaven Sent” showcased Capaldi’s brilliance. Bold storytelling choices paid off. Filler episodes weakened the overall season quality.
10. Season 10 (2017) Bill Potts brought fresh energy. “The Pilot” delivered a strong start. Critics found the overall arc inconsistent and uneven.
11. Season 11 (2018) Whittaker made history as the first female Doctor. Diverse storytelling opened new perspectives. Episodes felt uneven and inconsistent overall.
12. Season 12 (2020) “Spyfall” returned to darker themes. Complex moral questions added depth. Narrative heaviness slowed the pacing noticeably.
13. Season 13 (2021 – Flux) – (WORST SEASON) Ambitious serialized scope attempted something different. Rushed pacing and incomplete arcs disappointed fans and critics alike.
14. Season 14 (2022) Nostalgic moments returned to classic themes. Special episodes brought mixed responses. Unresolved storylines frustrated dedicated viewers.
Recent Controversies and Their Ratings Impact
Doctor Who hasn’t been without its share of controversy. Some episodes sparked heated debates that directly affected ratings and viewer reception.
- “The Time of Angels” (2010) faced backlash over an intrusive ad during a cliffhanger moment. Thousands complained to the BBC about the timing.
- “Can You Hear Me?” (2020) drew criticism for how the Doctor handled a companion’s cancer anxiety. Viewers felt the response lacked empathy, though the BBC clarified the intent.
- “The Timeless Children” (2020) divided fans deeply. The episode retconned major mythology about the Doctor’s origins. Some praised the bold move; others felt betrayed. Ratings dropped noticeably.
- Graphic content in episodes like “Dalek” prompted complaints about child appropriateness. The BBC occasionally issued edits or apologies.
Controversial episodes create polarized reactions; passionate engagement but sometimes reduced mass appeal.
Recent and Upcoming Doctor Who Seasons: What to Expect Next
Doctor Who’s future looks bright with Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Season 15 premiered on April 12, 2025, starting with “The Robot Revolution.” New companions like Bel and Ruby bring fresh dynamics to the TARDIS crew.
Russell T Davies returns as showrunner, joined by writers Kate Herron, Briony Redman, and Steven Moffat. This creative team balances classic elements with modern innovation.
Disney+ partnership changed broadcasting, with episodes streaming early before BBC One airings. Wolf Studios Wales hosts new production phases.
While Season 16 hasn’t been confirmed, strong plans suggest continued universe-building. Expect nostalgic callbacks mixed with original thrills, keeping the Doctor ready for new generations.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at nearly two decades of Doctor Who, the journey has been remarkable. From Eccleston’s haunted Ninth Doctor to Gatwa’s vibrant Fifteenth, each era brought something unique to the table.
Season 2 remains my personal favorite while Season 13 struggled with rushed storytelling, but that’s the nature of a show constantly reinventing itself.
The beauty of Doctor Who lies in its ability to change while staying true to its core: protecting the innocent and fighting injustice across time and space.
What’s your favorite season? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss which Doctor deserves the top spot. The TARDIS awaits your verdict.
