While there have been many iconic episodes in Doctor Who, newcomers to the series might want to begin with these episodes.
Doctor Who is a show spanning many years, many seasons, and many Doctors. Fans of the science-fiction series vary from die-hard Whovians, Classic Who devotees, Doctor specific viewers, and casual episode audiences. For viewers within the casual category who don't have time to watch the entire series or want to get into the show but need a great starting point, there are some episodes that are better suited than others.
These episodes can reveal important plot points, have brilliant contained stories, or show moments of vital character progression. For those wanting a feel for each Doctor, the first episode combined with one right in the middle of their season shows a fresh and mature take on their personality.
Updated on October 21st, 2021 by George Chrysostomou: Doctor Who is returning to screens with a brand new miniseries; Flux is unlike anything audiences have seen before from the modern reboot! With the potential for newer viewers to watch the show, it's important to revisit some of the best Doctor Who episodes from past seasons that happen to be standalone, in order for fans to get easily introduced to a range of characters and storylines.
Mummy On The Orient Express (New Who - Series 8)
Peter Capaldi's time as the Time Lord is perhaps one of the most underrated eras of the show. His seasons boasted a number of standalone episodes including "Mummy On The Orient Express" which acts as a great combination of a horror and murder mystery piece.
The episode is perfect for newcomers as it plays around with themes and narrative arcs already familiar to audiences thanks to the work of Agatha Christie and Universal with their monster franchises. The eighth episode of the season sees the Doctor and Clara board the space train and begin to uncover the murderous secrets within.
The Lodger (New Who - Series 5)
Episode 11 of its season, "The Lodger" actually features one of James Corden's best performances on screen. New fans will of course be familiar with the actor, but the comedic dynamic that he has with Matt Smith's Doctor has forged a fan favorite connection.
The standalone episode, which sees The Doctor move in with Corden's Craig, actually inspired another episode down the line featuring the Late Night Host returning to the show. Craig's life has been impacted by alien interference more than he realizes though as The Doctor finds a ship above his house!
The Doctor's Wife (New Who - Series 6)
The T.A.R.D.I.S. and The Doctor have a special relationship; the time machine is the only companion who has joined him on almost every adventure after all. This Matt Smith era episode–interestingly written by Neil Gaiman–does the unthinkable though.
New fans will appreciate the alternative take on the T.A.R.D.I.S. as the blue box actually gets transformed into a woman. Episode 4 dives into his connection to the T.A.R.D.I.S. helping new audiences effectively understand the dynamic. It's really one of the best Doctor Who episodes for those who want to see more of the Time Lord's home.
Dalek (New Who - Series 1)
The Daleks are a menacing threat and one of Doctor Who's most famous aliens. Of course, the arch-nemesis of The Doctor had to make a return in New Who and this Christopher Eccleston era episode, number 6 of its season, is a great introduction to the metallic beast for modern audiences.
Rose is at the heart of the story as she starts to feel sympathetic to the mangled monster. As the piece begins to take shape though, this standalone story cements itself as one of the best Doctor Who episodes ever due to the twist ending that sees the Dalek unleashed.
The Girl In The Fireplace (New Who - Series 2)
"The Girl In The Fireplace" is still considered one of the best Doctor Who episodes ever, let alone in the David Tennant era. The fourth episode of the second series boasted a love story unlike anything seen in the show before or since. Not to mention a great use of time travel with this historical setting.
The clockwork people were absolutely terrifying and the premise of time passing upon each meeting of The Doctor and Madame Du Pompadour was both genius and heartbreaking. This is definitely the perfect place for new fans to begin.
The Fugitive Of The Judoon (New Who - Series 12)
"The Fugitive of The Judoon" was one of the best episodes in the thirteenth season, as it takes everything within Doctor Who's history and turns it upside down. Throughout the series, there have been hints that The Doctor has had more incarnations than shown in the series, as shown with The War Doctor, but the timeline is "wibbly-wobbly."
In "The Fugitive of The Judoon," a new Doctor is revealed, but is "new" the right word? In the words of River Song - "spoilers." Viewers will just have to watch and see for themselves.
Silence In The Library/Forest Of The Dead (New Who - Series 4)
David Tennant's Tenth Doctor featured in some iconic episodes. But one that had fans on the edge of their seats was "Silence In The Library" and "Forest Of The Dead." These were particularly important episodes as they introduced viewers and The Doctor to the character of River Song.
River Song might have only appeared once in The Tenth Doctor's era, but she was a regular companion during The Eleventh Doctor's seasons and even interacted with The Twelfth Doctor. River Song's first appearance is packed full of emotional punch and leaves viewers wanting to know more about her mysterious origins.
Vincent & The Doctor (New Who - Series 5)
Doctor Who is a show with a lot of heart – two, to be exact. But sometimes the emotional impact of science fiction is discredited and overshadowed by other more prominent elements of the genre. The season 5 episode "Vincent and The Doctor," was one of the best-scripted episodes.
It is also one of the more emotional Eleventh Doctor adventures, showing his brilliant Doctor-companion dynamic with Amy Pond. For lovers of art looking for something on the softer side, this is the one to watch.
Midnight (New Who - Series 4)
The episode "Midnight," is considered one of the best Doctor-centric episodes of New Who. That alone makes it worthy of viewing. But what really makes the episode memorable is the Midnight entity.
"Midnight," revolves around interactions, panic, and fear. Strangers are locked together and facing an unknowable threat that never makes an appearance in its true form. The Midnight entity has The Doctor struggling for control. It steals voice and body and is never really defeated at all. It's also one of those rare occasions where The Doctor loses to the enemy.
City Of Death (Classic Who - Series 17)
"City of Death," is one of the wittiest scripted episodes of Doctor Who starring The Fourth Doctor and Romana. Any Fourth Doctor episode is worth watching for the antics of his era. It was also the beginnings of fleshed-out companions within Doctor Who. This is especially apparent with the companion Sarah Jane Smith.
Other episodes to watch with The Fourth Doctor include the all-important "Genesis of the Daleks," "The Seeds of Doom" for the fantastic chemistry between The Doctor and Sarah Jane, and "The Ark in Space," which had a strong plot.
Rosa (New Who - Series 11)
Doctor Who originally began as a historical and educational show (with a little bit of science-fiction added. In one of Chris Chibnall's first episodes, "Rosa" was seen to bring the show back to its original roots.
The episode pays respect to the important figure of Rosa Parks and her impact on history. This episode also gives viewers a feel for the tonal scheme and vivid cinematography of The Thirteenth Doctor's seasons.
Blink (New Who - Series 3)
"Blink" is a unique episode as it is both companion and Doctor lite, and breaks the fourth wall. The Doctor and Martha are trapped in the past after an encounter with the Weeping Angels and they need someone to save them. The Angels' first appearance is one of their most raw and chilling. The main protagonist, Sally Sparrow, is a character who has never previously appeared in the series.
Sally's only communication with The Doctor is through a message on a wall and a DVD's pre-recorded easter egg. Fans will immediately be on the edge of their seats once they hear the words "Don't blink" uttered.
The Day Of The Doctor (50th Anniversary Special)
For the answer to Gallifrey's fate, "The Day Of The Doctor," brings all things Time War to the surface. The 50th anniversary special combines the forces of three Doctors: The War Doctor, The Eleventh Doctor, and The Tenth Doctor.
The Twelfth Doctor makes a cameo as himself, as well as The Fourth Doctor appearing as the caretaker of the museum. For another multi-Doctor story, the feature-length episode, "The Five Doctors," brings five Classic Doctors together.
Heaven Sent (New Who - Series 9)
Regarded as one of the best episodes of The Twelfth Doctor era, "Heaven Sent" is captivating and praiseworthy. For viewers who have never seen The Twelfth Doctor in action and need a reason to start, this performance captures the essence of his Doctor incarnation.
The episode revolves around The Doctor's attempt to escape a ruthless pursuer while trapped in a castle in the middle of the ocean. He's grieving, angry, confused, and afraid, but just as sharp and brilliant as he ever was.
The End Of Time Parts 1 & 2 (New Who - Series 4 Special)
The anticipation created by the regeneration of The Tenth Doctor was a widespread phenomenon. Many fans struggled with the transition from one Doctor to the next, while others couldn't wait to see a new face in the role.
The two-part episode "The End Of Time," wrapped up the Tenth Doctor's reign as the current runaway Time Lord in a spectacular and heartbreaking finale. For viewers wanting more context to the unraveling of The Tenth Doctor, "The Waters of Mars," shows the fall of Time Lord victorious.
