Where to Watch Doctor Who: A Complete Guide
“Doctor Who,” one of the most iconic and longest-running science fiction television series, has captivated audiences for over six decades. Originally airing in 1963, the show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with numerous incarnations of the Doctor, the Time Lord protagonist, traveling through time and space. The series’ rich storytelling, imaginative alien worlds, and thought-provoking themes have earned it a devoted fanbase across the globe.
However, with its long history, many viewers wonder: where can they watch “Doctor Who”? Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a longtime fan wanting to catch up, this guide will provide you with the most comprehensive list of streaming platforms, digital purchase options, and broadcast channels where you can watch “Doctor Who” today.
1. BBC iPlayer
The easiest and most direct way to watch “Doctor Who” in the UK is through the BBC iPlayer. As the home of the show’s original airing, iPlayer provides both the latest episodes of the series, as well as a library of older seasons. The BBC frequently uploads new episodes following their original broadcast, so viewers in the UK can catch the newest adventures of the Doctor almost immediately.
BBC iPlayer also offers classic episodes of “Doctor Who,” spanning the entire history of the show, from the first season in 1963 to more recent ones. Whether you want to watch the episodes from the first-ever Doctor, William Hartnell, or catch up on the modern revival starring David Tennant and Matt Smith, iPlayer is your go-to service in the UK.
Accessing BBC iPlayer requires a BBC account, which is free to create, and you must be a resident of the UK to use the platform. However, there are ways for international viewers to access the service, such as through a VPN, though this may violate the platform’s terms of service.
2. HBO Max (Now Max)
In the United States, the rights to “Doctor Who” have changed hands over the years, but HBO Max, now branded as Max, is the platform where you’ll find the series today. Max offers a significant portion of the modern “Doctor Who” series, starting from the 2005 revival with Christopher Eccleston through to the most recent seasons.
Max hosts the entire modern series, including David Tennant’s iconic run and Matt Smith’s tenure, along with episodes featuring fan-favorite companions like Rose Tyler, Amy Pond, and Clara Oswald. It also features specials, such as the multi-Doctor episodes and holiday specials that have become a staple of the series.
As the streaming service is home to a variety of Warner Bros. content, fans can also explore spinoffs like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, both of which are tied to the “Doctor Who” universe. Accessing Max requires a paid subscription, and the service is available in various plans, including ad-supported and ad-free versions.
3. Amazon Prime Video
For viewers in many countries, Amazon Prime Video is another key platform for watching “Doctor Who.” Prime Video offers access to a broad range of seasons from both the classic and modern eras of the show. Depending on the country, this service may have different seasons available for streaming.
In the United States, for example, Prime Video has the entirety of the modern era (2005 onwards), including specials and the most recent seasons of the show. Older episodes from the classic series may also be available for purchase or rental.
For Amazon Prime members, many “Doctor Who” seasons are available to stream at no extra cost as part of their subscription, but others may require an additional purchase or rental fee. Internationally, Amazon Prime also provides the series in multiple languages, catering to a global audience.
4. Apple TV (iTunes)
For those who prefer to own their favorite episodes of “Doctor Who” and have the ability to watch them on demand at any time, Apple TV and iTunes offer a digital purchase option. Through the Apple ecosystem, users can buy individual episodes or entire seasons of both classic and modern “Doctor Who.”
Purchasing through iTunes or Apple TV also provides the benefit of offline viewing, as you can download episodes to your device and watch them without an internet connection. This is an ideal option for people who want a permanent collection of the show, as it ensures that you will always have access to the episodes, regardless of future changes to streaming availability.
Apple TV’s interface is user-friendly, and you can access your purchased content across various Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even smart TVs. Although not part of any streaming subscription, buying the show from Apple TV ensures you can revisit your favorite adventures at any time.
5. BritBox
BritBox is a streaming service that specializes in British television content, making it a must-have for “Doctor Who” fans who enjoy other BBC programming as well. BritBox offers both classic and modern episodes of “Doctor Who” to its subscribers.
The service has many classic episodes dating back to the 1960s, allowing you to watch the original adventures of the Doctor. Additionally, BritBox frequently updates its library to include recent seasons and specials, making it a great option for fans who want to experience both the historic and contemporary aspects of the series.
BritBox is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, with subscription fees varying by region. It can be accessed on multiple devices, including smart TVs, phones, and tablets.
6. Tubi (Free Streaming)
For those who don’t mind watching ads in exchange for free content, Tubi offers a selection of “Doctor Who” episodes for streaming. Although Tubi’s library is not as extensive as some other paid platforms, it provides access to both classic and modern seasons of the show at no cost.
Tubi’s model is ad-supported, meaning that viewers will encounter occasional commercials during the viewing experience. However, for fans who are willing to deal with these interruptions, Tubi offers an easy way to access “Doctor Who” without committing to a subscription or rental fee.
Tubi is available for free in several countries and can be accessed via its website or app on various devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, and streaming boxes.
7. Vudu
For those who prefer to rent or buy episodes individually, Vudu offers a solid option for accessing “Doctor Who” on a per-episode or season basis. Vudu features the modern series, including all of the specials, and allows users to either rent individual episodes or purchase entire seasons to own.
As with iTunes and Amazon, Vudu’s digital purchase model offers the benefit of owning your episodes indefinitely. This is perfect for viewers who want to collect their favorite seasons and revisit them at any time. Vudu also supports offline viewing, so you can download your purchases and enjoy them on the go.
8. PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)
In the United States, PBS has been a longstanding broadcaster of “Doctor Who” and continues to offer the series as part of its programming lineup. While PBS doesn’t typically offer a complete streaming library of the show, it does provide episodes through its PBS Video app, which includes recent seasons and specials.
PBS often airs “Doctor Who” episodes as part of its special programming schedule, with new seasons being shown on TV and made available online shortly after. If you prefer traditional television viewing, you can check your local PBS station for air times. Additionally, many PBS stations offer episodes through their digital platforms, making it possible to watch “Doctor Who” on-demand.
9. YouTube
YouTube is another platform where you can find “Doctor Who” episodes available for purchase. Various seasons and episodes are offered for digital rental or purchase, including special episodes and entire seasons from both the classic and modern series.
The availability of episodes on YouTube can vary by region, so it’s worth checking if your desired seasons are available in your country. YouTube also provides the option to watch trailers and clips from the show, which can be a great way to preview episodes before committing to a purchase.
10. The Doctor Who Experience (Merchandise and Collectibles)
In addition to watching “Doctor Who” through the above services, some fans enjoy purchasing exclusive merchandise and collectibles related to the show. Many platforms, such as the BBC Shop, offer limited-edition DVDs and Blu-ray collections that come with bonus content, behind-the-scenes features, and even physical memorabilia like action figures and posters.
While this doesn’t directly pertain to watching the show, owning these items allows fans to connect with the series in a deeper way and support the franchise’s continued success.
Conclusion
“Doctor Who” is more than just a TV show—it’s a beloved institution with decades of history. Fortunately, thanks to a variety of streaming platforms, digital purchases, and broadcast services, fans have more options than ever to watch their favorite Time Lord in action.