Doctor TV Series isn’t just a show, it’s a phenomenon. Since 1963, it’s hopped through time and space, reinventing itself with every regeneration. When the series roared back to life in 2005, it sparked a new era of storytelling that’s ranged from thrilling to downright baffling. With thirteen full modern series behind us, fans have cheered, cried, and occasionally scratched their heads wondering, “What just happened?”
So, let’s settle the debate, at least for today. Here’s one take on ranking every modern Doctor Who series from best to worst, considering story arcs, character growth, iconic episodes, and, yeah, the occasional Dalek.
1. Doctor TV Series 4 (2008) – David Tennant & Catherine Tate
If you’re only going to watch one modern series, make it this one. Tennant is peak Doctor—funny, fierce, and just the right amount of tragic. And Catherine Tate’s Donna? She’s not your typical companion. She’s loud, flawed, wonderfully human, and that’s exactly why we love her. From the chilling “Silence in the Library” to the emotionally devastating “Journey’s End,” this series nails it all. It’s the gold standard.
2. Doctor TV Series 5 (2010) – Matt Smith & Karen Gillan
A new face, a new TARDIS, and a showrunner shake-up. Steven Moffat’s first season brings in fairytale vibes and mystery-laced storytelling. Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor is all flailing limbs and ancient sadness beneath the bow tie. Amy Pond is a puzzle herself, and that’s half the fun. With standouts like “Vincent and the Doctor” (have tissues handy) and “The Big Bang,” this one’s a strong contender.
3. Doctor TV Series 1 (2005) – Christopher Eccleston & Billie Piper
The season that brought the Doctor TV Series back from the dead, and thank goodness. Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was tough, battle-worn, but layered with warmth. Billie Piper’s Rose was the perfect way back in for viewers. From the eerie gas-mask kids in “The Empty Child” to the emotional “Parting of the Ways,” it set the tone for everything that followed.
4. Doctor TV Series 3 (2007) – David Tennant & Freema Agyeman
Often underrated, Series 3 gave us “Blink.” Need I say more? But there’s plenty more to love. Martha Jones grows immensely through the season, and Tennant continues to shine. The “Human Nature” two-parter is haunting and beautiful, and “Utopia” kicks off one of the most jaw-dropping finales in the show’s history.
5. Doctor TV Series 9 (2015) – Peter Capaldi & Jenna Coleman
Capaldi finally got to stretch his legs, and wow, did he deliver. “Heaven Sent” is a masterclass in acting and storytelling (it’s a one-man show), and the Zygon two-parter sneaks in timely political commentary. The Doctor TV Series and Clara’s relationship hit complex new highs… and a gut-wrenching low. It’s bold, cinematic, and emotionally rich.
6. Doctor TV Series 10 (2017) – Peter Capaldi & Pearl Mackie
Enter Bill Potts: relatable, curious, refreshingly real. She brings out a warmer side of Capaldi’s Doctor. Episodes like “Oxygen” and “Extremis” flirt with high-concept sci-fi, while the finale—featuring a double Master twist—is a total punch to the gut (in a good way). Not every episode’s a banger, but the highs are memorable.
7. Series 8 (2014) – Peter Capaldi & Jenna Coleman
A darker Doctor TV Series, a more complicated Clara. Series 8 takes risks, and while not all land, some, like “Listen” and “Mummy on the Orient Express”, are absolute gems. Capaldi’s gruff “am I a good man?” phase adds a philosophical edge to the usual space hijinks.
8. Series 2 (2006) – David Tennant & Billie Piper
Rose and Ten are electric together, which makes their goodbye in “Doomsday” all the more heartbreaking. There’s a romantic undercurrent that sometimes overshadows the plot, but episodes like “The Girl in the Fireplace” and “School Reunion” are emotional heavyweights. A solid series, though a bit uneven.
9. Series 7 (2012–13) – Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Jenna Coleman
This one’s a bit all over the place. The first half waves goodbye to Amy and Rory (cue tears in “The Angels Take Manhattan”), while the second half brings in the impossible Clara. There are standout moments, but the split tone and uneven pacing keep it from ranking higher.
10. Series 6 (2011) – Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill
Ambitious to a fault. River Song’s arc dominates, and while episodes like “The Doctor’s Wife” (thank you, Neil Gaiman) shine, the overall story can feel like homework. Great ideas, but it sometimes forgets to have fun.
11. Series 12 (2020) – Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh
Better than Series 11, for sure. “Fugitive of the Judoon” threw us all for a loop (hello, Ruth Doctor!), and “The Haunting of Villa Diodati” had gothic flair. But the “Timeless Child” twist? Still dividing fans like a Dalek splits atoms.
12. Series 13 (2021) – Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop
“Flux” was… ambitious. Sometimes, too much so. There are flashes of brilliance buried under rushed pacing and undercooked ideas. Visually, it’s stunning, but emotionally, it feels a little flat. A frustrating one, because you can see what it wanted to be.
13. Series 11 (2018) – Jodie Whittaker & Ensemble
Jodie Whittaker deserved better writing, plain and simple. The “back to basics” approach stripped out a lot of what makes Doctor Who sing: overarching arcs, tension, and big stakes. A few strong episodes like “Demons of the Punjab” offer hope, but overall, it’s the weakest of the bunch.
Final Thoughts
Doctor Who’s modern run has had its ups and downs, but that’s kind of the point. Like the TARDIS itself, it’s full of surprises, bigger on the inside, sometimes messy, but always brimming with heart. Whether you’re here for the monsters, the metaphors, or the madman in a box, there’s a series for you somewhere in this list.
