Doctor Who. Where should I start?

[LobsterFeng]

The main topic with some of my lady friends over the last couple of days has been Doctor Who. Or rather they talk about Doctor Who while I awkwardly sit there trying to figure out what they're talking about. I never really got into Doctor Who because 1.) I don't generally watch tv unless it's a cartoon. 2.) I'm American.

So where's a good place to start. I mean it all looks pretty confusing, I only understand the very basics.

 

[HerbertTheHamster]

Start with William Hartnell, 1963.

LIKE A FUCKING MAN

your avatar is the attitude you should have for the 776 episode ahead

 

[Bobbovski]

I'm no Doctor who expert... but I started to watch it from the beginning of the new series (the one that started in 2005 or whichever year it was). And I didn't have any problem following the plot. The series doesn't make that many references to pre-2005 episodes that I know of.

 

[Ben Simon]

Either the series one opener (Rose) or the series 5 opener (The Eleventh Hour). They both do a good job of introducing the basic concepts, which are expanded upon in the following episodes.

 

[CrystalShadow]

Depends what your friends are talking about.

The current series is quite distinct from the various stuff from the 60's through the 80's.

But that notwithstanding the modern series is on it's 6th season.

If they reference old stuff, I guess you'd have to start at the beginning.

If not, the first season of the new series would be a better starting point.

 

[Flailing Escapist]

Maybe you start at the beginning?

Spoiler: That said:

 

[Bagle]

If you just want to watch the new series, start with the reboot. If you want to also see the old series, the reboot is a good place to start. It's just easier to get into.

 

[suitepee7]

personally, my favourite new season was the first, with christopher eccleston. so yeah, start with the latest ones, but from the beginning ^^

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

When it comes to the new ones, there are few instances where it ever references to heavily to the old stories and continuity, so if you start from the new series one you should find it enjoyable even if you know nothing about the older stuff (like me).

IMO the thing that works really well about the newer series is that they work on several levels. The heavy sci-fi dialouge is still there for the hardcore fans but even if all that stuff goes way over your head you can still find what the characters say and do both engaging and funny. You know that scary shit's gonna go down and your kept guessing at how exactly the Doctor will think his way out of THIS one until almost right at the very end. I hope you enjoy it.

(I'm surprised being an American is listed as a reason, I thought Dr Who was one of our most popular exports over there from what I've heard.

 

[Quaxar]

2005 re-roll, go on from there. If you like it you are going to watch the whole sreies anyway (or so I hope), if not you can quit after a few episodes so you know basics. And if you want to impress them watch certain episodes so you can randomly mention stuff from there.

Blink, Silence in the library, ...
Weeping Angels are important enemies to know. Also, you'll never look at a statue the same.

 

[ScoopMeister]

Well, being only sixteen, I started with the new series, and they pretty much made that so it would be as accessible as possible for newcomers to get into (being a reboot and all). So, start with the Chris Ecclestone Doctor and move on from there.

 

[LobsterFeng]

Depends what your friends are talking about.

The current series is quite distinct from the various stuff from the 60's through the 80's.

But that notwithstanding the modern series is on it's 6th season.

If they reference old stuff, I guess you'd have to start at the beginning.

If not, the first season of the new series would be a better starting point.

I'm not sure which one they're talking about either, that's why I'm confused.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

I could use this advice too actually...

[HEADING=2][user]Timelord[/user], TIMELORD! Get over here![/HEADING]

 

[artanis_neravar]

Depends what your friends are talking about.

The current series is quite distinct from the various stuff from the 60's through the 80's.

But that notwithstanding the modern series is on it's 6th season.

If they reference old stuff, I guess you'd have to start at the beginning.

If not, the first season of the new series would be a better starting point.

I'm not sure which one they're talking about either, that's why I'm confused.

Start with the reboot (2005 I think?) that is what your friends are most likely talking about. I'm making that assumption because generally if people talk about something often it is something that is still on going (you don't talk everyday about the original Hawaii 5-0, you would talk about the knew one because every week there is something new to talk about)

 

[TimeLord]

I could use this advice too actually...

[HEADING=2][user]Timelord[/user], TIMELORD! Get over here![/HEADING]

Hello there.

I would suggest starting with the 1996 movie for giggles. Then the 2005 series 1.

 

[Ursus Buckler]

I'm not exactly a Doctor Who expert (despite being able to name all eleven actors of the Doctor in order), but I can say that I've taken the time to watch an old Jon Pertwee episode, and I'd recommend it to anyone. That shit was HILARIOUS.

 

[Vault Citizen]

For the newer episodes I'd recomend you start at

Series 1 with Christopher Eccelston
or
Series 5 with Matt Smith

for classic episodes I can't say as I only have a couple myself.

 

[A Pious Cultist]

You can basically start with any season, though the first with a particular actor as the doctor is probably best since there's more of an introductory character arc.