The Doctor Who fandom is buzzing, and not just because of its imminent 60th anniversary on 23rd November 2023. With anticipation running high for the specials accompanying this milestone, BBC iPlayer has dropped a thrilling surprise for Whovians.
Binge-Worthy Content Awaits: BBC Bolsters Doctor Who Catalogue
BBC iPlayer is making waves by beefing up its Doctor Who content. Fans can now immerse themselves in a rich trove of the show’s classic tales. We’re talking over 800 episodes of time-traveling adventure!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Russell T Davies, celebrated for his tenure as the show’s head writer, is christening this expanded collection as the “Whoniverse.” This Whoniverse also flaunts a slew of spin-offs that will captivate both new and longtime fans.
Quoting Davies,
“I’d like to thank the BBC for all the hard work to get this massive back catalogue under one roof, at long last. I’m so excited for new viewers – imagine being eight years old, spending winter afternoons exploring the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and beyond. And we’re determined this won’t be a dusty museum – we have exciting plans to bring the back catalogue to life, with much more to be revealed!”
Navigating the Stars: Watching Doctor Who on iPlayer
While the recent 13 seasons of Doctor Who have graced BBC iPlayer for a while, the addition of classic series episodes and the 1996 TV film, starting from 1st November 2023, is set to elevate the streaming experience. For fans itching to begin their binge journey, the complete library awaits.
Inclusivity in the TARDIS: New Accessibility Options
For a more inclusive viewing pleasure, BBC iPlayer has equipped all Doctor Who episodes with enhanced accessibility features:
- Subtitles
- Audio Description
- Sign Language
Broadening the Whoniverse: Spin-offs and More on iPlayer
Beyond the Doctor’s main escapades, the Whoniverse encompasses other mesmerizing stories. From fan-favorites like “Torchwood” and “The Sarah Jane Adventures” to new gems like “Tales of the Tardis,” the content list is expansive. Here are some highlights:
- Tales of the Tardis
- K9 & Company: A Girl’s Best Friend
- Doctor Who: Dreamland and The Infinite Quest
- Torchwood and Class
- Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and the Legendary Tapes
- The Science of Doctor Who and Doctor Who at the Proms
- Whose Doctor Who
Beyond iPlayer: Where to Stream Doctor Who
Though BBC iPlayer is a premier destination for Doctor Who content, there are alternative platforms to explore the series. Viewers can purchase episodes on sites like Amazon Prime. Britbox is another treasure trove with classic Doctor Who episodes, offering a 7-day free trial. For US fans, past Doctor Who segments are available on Max, with future episodes reserved exclusively for Disney Plus.
However, a note for the purists: “An Unearthly Child,” the very first Doctor Who serial, is missing from BBC iPlayer due to rights issues. But fear not, guidance on how to watch “An Unearthly Child” can be found here.
So, gear up, Whovians! Whether you’re a newcomer or a die-hard fan, the expanded Whoniverse on BBC iPlayer promises a timey-wimey experience like no other!
