This iconic science fiction series sits in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running sci-fi show in history. It began its run on BBC One in 1963, and although it took a break, it is once again in production. It features a time-traveling humanistic alien (a Time Lord) called “The Doctor”, whose ability to regenerate a new body has allowed the show to continue through ten actors in the lead role. William Hartnell was the first to step into the police box that disguised the time travel machine (a.k.a. TARDIS: Time And Relative Dimensions In Space) in November 1963 and he completed his turn as The Doctor in 1966. Before his doctor died, he regenerated a new body, played by Patrick Troughton, who played the second doctor for three years. John Pertwee followed to portray the time-traveler from 1970 through 1974. The fourth doctor, Tom Baker, is one of the most recognizable, having played him from 1974 to 1981. He was characterized by a full head of curly hair, a floppy hat, and a long scarf wound around his neck. He was succeeded by Peter Davison, who filled the shoes until 1984, and was followed by Colin Baker until 1986. Syvester McCoy was The Doctor until 1989. The eighth was the most short-lived, yet beat out Baker for years perceived as the current doctor. Paul McGann appeared just once in the TV special Dr Who: The Movie but was considered to be The Doctor until the show began again in 2005. With a slight makeover that retained the spirit of the original, the show starred Christopher Eccleston from March until June 2005. Eccleston left after just one season for fear of being typecast, so current doctor, David Tennant (Cassanova), was pulled in, becoming one of the most popular incarnations. The Doctor’s first and main adversary was introduced in 1963 and became a huge icon of British culture. The short robot-like villains, which were actually mutants in metallic tank-like shells, were called Daleks and even rolled on to a British stamp in 1999. The Doctor has also been accompanied by companions throughout the series, with more than 35 actors and actresses taking part. His most recent sidekicks have included Billie Piper, Freema Agyemen, and Catherine Tate. The show has also been lampooned by many popular shows including Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and Family Guy. Doctor Who is set to go on another break after the 2008 season until 2010, during which time Tennant will be working on stage.
