Doctor Who (1963): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Doctor Who first went out in November 1963 on BBC One. It ran until 1996, with 26 series and 694 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

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Why it is worth your time

The original run, from William Hartnell in a junkyard in 1963 to Sylvester McCoy in 1989. Wobbly sets, brilliant ideas and the Daleks; many early episodes are lost, and some survive only as audio with animation.

The details

First broadcast: 23 November 1963
Originally on: BBC One
On air: 1963–1996
Series: 26
Episodes: 694
Typical length: 25 minutes
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science-Fiction
First episode: “An Unearthly Child (An Unearthly Child, Part One)”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

Doctor Who: quick answers

When did Doctor Who start?

On 23 November 1963, on BBC One.

How many episodes of Doctor Who are there?

694 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 26 series. The last aired in 1996.

Where can I watch Doctor Who now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.