National Doctor Who Day

A person wearing a fez and holding a sonic screwdriver, exploring a vibrant and whimsical sci-fi landscape of time and space.. — National doctor who day illustration

Ah, National Doctor Who Day! Time to don your fez, grab your sonic screwdriver, and venture into the wibbly-wobbly world of the Doctor. Whether you're a seasoned Whovian or just someone who enjoys a bit of timey-wimey fun, this day is one for all fans of the iconic British sci-fi show.

When is Doctor Who Day?

It's national doctor who day on the 23rd November.

The Internet History of National Doctor Who Day

Every Whovian knows that November 23rd is a special day in the Doctor Who universe. It was on this day, way back in 1963, that the first episode of Doctor Who, entitled 'An Unearthly Child,' aired on BBC1. Little did anyone know at the time that this humble beginning would spark a global phenomenon that is still going strong almost six decades later.

Since its debut, Doctor Who has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences around the world with its unique blend of science fiction, time travel, and quirky British humor. The show has undergone several regenerations, with each new Doctor bringing their own charm, wit, and sonic screwdriver to the role.

Thanks to the power of the internet, National Doctor Who Day has spread far and wide, uniting Whovians across the globe in their love for the Doctor. From fan forums and social media groups to cosplay gatherings and themed watch parties, the online Doctor Who community is as vast as the universe itself.

A Fun Fact to Whet Your Whovian Appetite

Did you know that Doctor Who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running science fiction television show in the world? That's right! The Doctor has been adventuring through time and space for over 50 years, making it a true television legend.

So, whether you're a fan of the Tenth Doctor's snappy one-liners, the Eleventh Doctor's bow ties and fezzes, or the Thirteenth Doctor's fierce energy, National Doctor Who Day is your chance to celebrate all things Whovian. Grab a bowl of fish fingers and custard (if you're feeling brave) and settle in for a day of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey fun!

History behind the term 'Doctor Who'

1963

Birth of Doctor Who

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that was first broadcasted on November 23, 1963. Created by Sydney Newman, C.E. Webber, and Donald Wilson, Doctor Who follows the adventures of a Time Lord, known as the Doctor, who can regenerate into a new form when near death. This unique ability has allowed different actors to portray the Doctor over the years, making the character and the show iconic.

1964

Introduction of the term

In the early years of Doctor Who, the term 'Doctor Who' was used to refer to the character played by William Hartnell. It was frequently used in promotional material and even appeared on the show's title sequence. However, in the show itself, the Doctor was simply referred to as 'the Doctor.'

1966

The Abominable Snowmen

In the 1967 Doctor Who episode 'The Abominable Snowmen,' the term 'Doctor Who' was used as a title by a character in reference to the Doctor. This marked one of the earliest uses of the term within the show and sparked some debate among fans about the Doctor's actual name.

1972

Introduction of 'Doctor Who?' phrase

In the 1972 episode 'The Sea Devils,' the line 'Doctor Who?' was spoken for the first time within the show. It was asked by a character in reference to the Doctor. This phrase would go on to become a recurring theme throughout the series, with various characters questioning the Doctor's true identity.

1981

The Five Doctors

'The Five Doctors,' a special episode aired in 1983 to celebrate Doctor Who's 20th anniversary, featured the term 'Doctor Who' prominently in its title. The episode brought together multiple incarnations of the Doctor, solidifying the term as a popular reference to the character.

1996

Doctor Who TV movie

In 1996, a Doctor Who TV movie was produced as a co-production between the BBC and Universal Television. The movie introduced the concept that the Doctor's true name might be 'Doctor Who,' further fueling speculation and discussion among fans.

2005

Doctor Who revival

After a hiatus, Doctor Who returned to television screens in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor. The revival of the series brought a new generation of viewers who embraced the term 'Doctor Who' as both referencing the character and the show itself.