The Doctor Who Show

For our 51st episode of THE LIST MAKERS, long-time listener Neilers has asked us for our top Davo stories. That's the 5th Doctor to people who haven't been listening to us for very long. Naturally Rob's over the moon.  What are our top Davo stories? What are yours? Why not write in and let us know? Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Mark and Rob from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave's place and watching the debut story of Season 16 - the Key to Time season - of classic era Doctor Who from 1978 - The Ribos Operation by Robert Holmes. How long has it been since any of them watched the story? What do they think of it, here in 2025? And yes, there's a musical number at the end ;) Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

In the 28th outing for the ALTERNATE GALAXIES mini-podcast on our feed, we've been watching Star Wars: Andor Season 2, and give our thoughts on it. Diego Luna as Cassian Andor Kyle Soller as Syril Karn Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael Denise Gough as Dedra Meero Genevieve O'Reilly as Mon Mothma Faye Marsay as Vel Sartha Varada Sethu as Cinta Kaz Elizabeth Dulau as Kleya Marki What did we make of it? Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, Rob's on Reddit to read the comments and has found a post from a fan who thinks it's time for RTD to move on. How will other fans respond? Tune in, find out. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Battle rages across the skies as the Unholy Trinity unleash their deadly ambition. The Doctor, Belinda and Ruby have to risk everything in their quest to save one innocent life. What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

This month, we're diving into the 1970 Jon Pertwee serial, The Ambassadors of Death. Before that, we kick things off with the usual mix of news and short topics you've come to expect. Then, after the Ambassadors chat, we open the mailbag for some cracking thoughts from our listeners.  Just another month here at the Doctor Who Show! Enjoy, dear listener. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Traps are sprung and old enemies unite as the Doctor and Belinda finally arrive home to find a very different world. Can the Doctor see the truth before midnight arrives? What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

The Doctor's quest to get Belinda back home to Earth leads to a space station hosting the famous song contest. But a harmless night of fun soon becomes a battle to survive. What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Well folks, the episode has arrived. The List Makers is 50 episodes young and to celebrate we're going to tackle the list of all lists. The list every fan carries in their head. The list that is totally subjective. The list that can cause the most arguments. Our Top Doctors. Who are our top Doctors? Why are they our top Doctors? What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

In Lagos, the mysterious Barber reigns supreme. The Doctor discovers a world where stories have power, but can he stop the Spider and its deadly web of revenge? What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Ruby Sunday faces life back on earth without the Doctor. But when a dangerous new threat emerges, can Ruby and UNIT save her new boyfriend, Conrad, from the terrifying Shreek? What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, Rob's on Reddit to read the comments and has found a post from a fan who's just not 'feeling' the RTD2 era. How will other fans respond? Tune in, find out. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

This month, we're diving into the 2001 BBC Books Eighth Doctor novel, Father Time. Following on from our recent synopsis episode, this is the main event: a full discussion of the novel—what works, what doesn't, and how it fits into the broader Eighth Doctor era. We also explore the plot, the tone, and some standout characters, including the Doctor's daughter, Miranda! Before all that, we kick things off with the usual mix of news and short topics you've come to expect. Then, after the book chat, we open the mailbag for a bumper listener feedback section—nearly 25 minutes of your thoughts, theories, and reactions. Our listeners are the best. And if you enjoy our musical moments, don't skip the end! Inspired by some of that listener feedback, we play a very special song after the closing credits—one that was nearly lost to time after its chance to appear in a recent episode of Gin & TARDIS came and went. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Far in the future, on a tough, brutal planet, a devastated mining colony has only one survivor. To discover the truth, the Doctor and Belinda must face absolute terror. What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

This episode is a full synopsis of the 2001 BBC Books Eighth Doctor novel, Father Time. Given the book's age—almost 25 years old—we know many listeners might not have read it recently, or perhaps ever. So we're here to help! With Father Time being discussed on Sunday's main show, this episode isn't a discussion itself, but a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the novel's events—perfect for refreshing your memory or getting up to speed before the conversation. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, everyone's talking the consolidated figures for the first episode of Season 2 of Doctor Who, The Robot Revolution, and Rob's on Facebook, on the official Radio Times page... to read the comments. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

The Doctor's quest to get Belinda home takes the TARDIS to Miami in 1952, where an abandoned cinema is hiding a terrifying secret. Can the Doctor uncover Lux's power? What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, 'Lux' is the episode everyone's talking about, which drops in four days time and Rob's on YouTube, on the official Doctor Who channel... to read the comments. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

When robots from outer space kidnap nurse Belinda Chandra, the Doctor embarks on an epic intergalactic quest to get his new friend back home to Earth. What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Top Doctor Who guest stars we'd date (The List Makers) In possibly the strangest episode of the List Makers ever committed to tape, this month we push the boat out - and then some - to answer a (modified) suggestion from a listener, plucked from Turlough's Hat of Rassilon. Who are the top Doctor Who guest stars we'd date? Why would we date them? Where would we go for said dates? What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Hello dear listener! Dave's taken a leave of absence (we'll do the planned FATHER TIME episode next month), and tonight Rob is talking to the self-professed 'Pip & Jane Baker of co-hosts', Mike Solko, on a missing story from Season 23 of Doctor Who, PARADISE 5. Before then, all the usual news and short topics you've come to expect – including surprise showrunner talk from RTD, and new trailers for Season 2 of the show. In Short Topics, Mike covers the changes coming to Gallifrey One (the world's largest and longest-running annual Doctor Who fan convention), in the years ahead.  Later on, after the Paradise 5 section, we have a ton of listener feedback and what we've been watching this past month. Something for everyone! Fill your boots! You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net For more of Mike on our podcast feed, check out: August 21, 2022: Primary Sources – December 1995 August 26, 2018: 40 Companions in 40 Minutes (Almost) May 28, 2017: Season 27, Big Finish Style March 5, 2017: The DW Show Presents: Gallifrey One

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, 'Nu Who', 'Modern Doctor Who' whatever you personally like to call it, has turned 20 today and Rob's on Facebook, on the official Doctor Who page... to read the comments. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Welcome to Don't Read the Comments, a podcast where we ignore the show's title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who. Tonight, we've had the episode titles for Season 2 of Doctor Who drop and Rob's on Facebook, on the official Doctor Who page. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Mark from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave's place and watching two Peter Davison stories, The King's Demons and The Awakening.  How long has it been since any of them watched these? What do they think of them in 2025?  You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Well dear listener, it had to happen. After appearing with us separately on various podcasts, a long-time and genuine friend of the podcast - Too Hot for TV's Dylan Rees - joins BOTH of us to discuss the BBC television adaptation of Douglas Adams' THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY on tonight's episode of ALTERNATE GALAXIES. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy aired between 5 January and 9 February 1981 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom. The adaptation follows the original radio series in 1978 and 1980, the first novel and double LP, in 1979, and the stage shows, in 1979 and 1980, making it the fifth iteration of the guide. The series stars Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, David Dixon as Ford Prefect, Mark Wing-Davey as Zaphod Beeblebrox, Sandra Dickinson as Trillian and Stephen Moore as the voice of Marvin. The voice of the guide is by Peter Jones.  Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Moore and Wing-Davey reprised their roles from the original radio series in 1978/80, as did supporting actors Richard Vernon and David Tate. In addition, the series features a number of notable cameo roles, including Adams himself on several occasions. You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.net or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net For more of Dylan with us, check out: Aug 29, 2021 - Dylan discusses Doctor Who coffee table books with Rob Dec 26, 2021 - Rob discusses DWM December 1988 with Dylan Jul 31, 2022 - Rob discusses Dennis Spooner with Dylan Nov 5, 2023 - Dylan discusses The Star Beast & The Light at the End with Rob Oct 20, 2024 - Dylan discusses the 20th Anniversary Radio Times Magazine and Lords of the Storm with Dave

This month we think about and discuss the best extended universe stories that should be made for Doctor Who on TV. For a show that has literally thousands of stories across audio, novels, and comics (among other sources), how on earth will we narrow these lists down? What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.bsky.social or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Hello dear listener! Here we are, tonight taking a deep dive into the 1975 classic Tom Baker episode, THE SEEDS OF DOOM. Before then, all the usual news and short topics you've come to expect - including Chris and Billie re-uniting for Big Finish, unsubstantiated rumours about Doctor Who's future and we take a moment to discuss the TOLKIEN biopic on the back of us doing the Lord of the Rings trilogy in our Alternate Galaxies stream at the close of 2024. Later, after the Seeds of Doom section, we have a ton of listener feedback and what we've been watching this past month. An absolutely jam-packed episode, you'll agree! Tune in! Contact us any time at: hello@theDWshow.net

This month we think about and discuss the best funny stories in Doctor Who. For a show that has lots of funny scenes and witty lines, are there as many funny stories as we think? What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? You can follow us on X @theDWshow or Bluesky @thedwshow.bsky.social or email us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

The last Podcast of Decision - its fifth installment - dropped on January 29, 2023. Hard to believe two years have gone by since then, but it has! So before another year or two slips by again, tonight we have the Podcast of Decision VI. Dave is joined at his home by Mark (42 to Doomsday), and Richard (Space Fall: A Blakes 7 Podcast), for a fun general discussion about Doctor Who framed by whatever gets pulled from the Bowl of Rassilon across a number of rounds. You might know the drill! Before then, some news and short topics - all the stuff you expect from one of our monthly episodes. By the way, if you like the Podcast of Decision concept, you can find the first four times the Podcast of Decision was played in episodes released on November 11, 2018; August 25, 2019; April 12, 2020; and January 30, 2022. Rob will be back next month! Contact us anytime - hello@theDWshow.net

This month we think about and discuss the best uses of time in Doctor Who. For a show that's all about time, are there as many options as we think there are? What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Hello dear listener! Here we are, saying goodbye to 2024 with a look back at the 2013 telemovie, An Adventure in Space and Time. Before then, all the usual news and short topics you've come to expect and, after the Adventure in Space and Time section, we have a ton of listener feedback and what we've been watching this past month. A jam-packed episode! Tune in! Contact us any time at: hello@theDWshow.net

When Joy opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel, she discovers danger, dinosaurs and the Doctor. But a deadly plan is unfolding across the earth, just in time for Christmas. What did we make of it? This is our HOT TAKE. You can contact us anytime via hello@theDWshow.net

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Mark from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave's place and watching The Happiness Patrol, special edition. How long has it been since any of them watched it? What do they think of it in 2024? How about those new scenes and effects? Tune in, find out, dear listener. And stay tuned at the end for some BONUS CONTENT. Contact the podcast anytime: hello@theDWshow.net

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was released in 2003 and tonight, The Doctor Who Show team ends its trilogy of Alternate Galaxies episodes begun two months ago with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and continued last month with The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. We again examine the film in question from two different angles, with Dave not having seen the production before. What are our thoughts on this film, its writing, its production, and its ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Karl Urban, and Andy Serkis, here in 2024? If you've got an hour to spare, sit back, relax, and join us in an ALTERNATE GALAXIES episode that travels to Middle Earth for the final time - unless we do the Hobbit, but does anyone really want that? Contact us any time: hello@theDWshow.net

This month we put our thinking caps on and discuss our top female villains in the series. Will we be obvious? Will we go off-piste? Maybe somewhere in between. Who would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know? You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Bob Baker and Dave Martin were a writing partnership that contributed many Doctor Who stories during the 1970s across the Pertwee and Baker Doctors including The Claws of Axos, The Mutants, The Armageddon Factor, and The Hand of Fear. They were also responsible for the creation of K9, who first appeared in The Invisible Enemy and went on to become one of the most beloved characters in the Doctor Who universe. Tonight, we examine how Bob and Dave came together, how they began writing for Doctor Who, what they wrote over a near decade partnership, and give some comment on each of the stories they wrote. Before then, all the usual news and short topics you've come to expect, and after the Bob and Dave segment, we have listener feedback and what we've been watching this past month. A jam-packed episode! Tune in!

Dave took a quick visit up to Sydney recently, and the 16th of November saw him catch up with Rob, in-person. For this latest meeting, our fun, lo-fi, hotel room recording vibe is back. Strap in for, ‘Rob and Dave Unplugged 4' where, this time around, the guys canvassed their social media followers for questions about anything and everything! Come and spend some time with the guys, talking everything from favourite movies to why Rob doesn't go to live Doctor Who events. Have a comment? hello@theDWshow.net

This month we combine a couple of suggestions from listeners and examine Doctor Who adventures that would have made a good yarn to set a regeneration in, versus what we actually got at the end of a Doctor's era. Can you think of any stories that fit this category? You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was released in 2002 and tonight, The Doctor Who Show team continues its trilogy of Alternate Galaxies episodes began last month with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and again examines the film from two different angles, with Dave not having seen the production before now. What are our thoughts on this film, its writing, its production, and its ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Brad Dourif, Karl Urban, and Andy Serkis, here in 2024? If you've got an hour to spare, sit back, relax, and join us in an ALTERNATE GALAXIES episode that again travels to Middle Earth. Contact us any time: hello@theDWshow.net

We threw a vote on X for which classic Doctor Who season you would like us to discuss on the next episode, from a list of four options. The results were: Season 24 (MCCOY) 39.6% Season 9 (PERTWEE) 29.7% Series 3 (TENNANT) 18.9% 2013 Specials (SMITH) 11.7% So here we are, tonight, to discuss Season 24, comprising: Time and the Rani Paradise Towers Delta and the Bannermen Dragonfire Before then, of course, we also talk some recent Doctor Who news, and Dave takes us on his recent Big Finish journeys. Tune in, drop out, and contact us anytime, hello@theDWshow.net

An interesting one this month, as you'll hear by the end of the show... well, at least we hope so! What are the top Doctor Who stories where the Doctor overthrows the government? There's more than you think... You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Mark from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave's place and watching The Gunfighters, as voted for by... YOU. What do they think of it in 2024? Tune in, find out. And do stay to the end for a very special musical number! Contact the podcast anytime: hello@theDWshow.net

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was released in 2001 and tonight, The Doctor Who Show team examines it from two very different angles. Rob saw it in the cinema, 23 years ago. And Dave saw it last Friday. Regardless of those angles, what are our thoughts on this film, its writing, its production, and its ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Sean Bean, Ian Holm, and Andy Serkis, here in 2024? If you've got an hour to spare, sit back, relax, and join us in an ALTERNATE GALAXIES episode that travels to Middle Earth for the first in a three-part series that will also include The Two Towers and The Return of the King from 2002 and 2003, respectively. Contact us any time: hello@theDWshow.net

This month you voted for us to look at the 1965 William Hartnell-era story, The Crusade, which only has two (of four) episodes in the archives. Your wish is our command, and here we are! Before then we have news and short topics and, after our thoughts on The Crusade, we have some listener emails, and what else we've been consuming in the world of entertainment.  In short, all the usual stuff you've come to know and love from us.  You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

About a year ago we looked at our top overrated DOCTOR WHO stories. It caused quite a stir with some of you! Today's episode is the flipside of the same coin where we look at the opposite. What have been the most underrated stories in Doctor Who's long and storied history? Come at us! You can also follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

This month we discuss the 1965 stage production, Curse of the Daleks, which was adapted into a Big Finish Audio in 2008. Before then we have news and short topics and, after our thoughts on Curse of the Daleks, we have some listener emails, and what else we've been consuming in the world of entertainment. The usual shtick you've come to know and love from us.  You can follow us on X @theDWshow and write to us about anything you like at: hello@theDWshow.net

In today's episode we consider what historical eras we'd like to see in Doctor Who. What would YOU pick for your list? Why not reach out and let us know? Contact us any time: hello@theDWshow.net

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Mark from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave's place and watching Carnival of Monsters. What do they think of it in 2024? Tune in, find out. Contact the podcast anytime: hello@theDWshow.net

We threw a vote on X for which season would like us to discuss on the next episode, from a list of four options. The results were: Season 18 - 11% Season 19 - 17.9% Season 3 - 34.5% Season 12 - 36.6% So here we are, tonight, to discuss Season 12, comprising: Robot The Ark in Space The Sontaran Experiment Genesis of the Daleks Revenge of the Cybermen Before then, of course, we also talk some recent Doctor Who news, including the upcoming release of Season 25 on Blu-ray; Will Disney renew its contract with the BBC?; The War Between Land and Sea creeps closer; and Jodie Whittaker comes to Big Finish... in 12 month's time. Tune in, drop out, and contact us anytime, hello@theDWshow.net

In today's episode we dive into season openers from the classic era of Doctor Who. Which ones are best? And do we have different criteria for what makes them 'the best'? What would YOU pick for your list? Why not reach out and let us know? Contact us any time: hello@theDWshow.net

As is traditional after we do a season of hot takes on the podcast, we regroup to discuss the season as a whole. Did some episodes go up or down in our estimation, after the initial hot take viewing? What did the rest of fandom think? How do we feel it went overall? Featuring fantastic contributions from our listeners via X, Facebook, email, Instant Messenger, carrier pigeon, our website, and more, this is our definitive - for now - take on Ncuti Gatwa's first season as the Doctor. Before then, news from the past month including our thoughts - and the BBCs - on Doctor Who ratings, as well as saying goodbye to legend of the show, William Russell. We also catch up with some classic Doctor Who in the form of the Celestial Toymaker animation, and a re-watch of The Ark. And Rob's really selling off his Doctor Who collection in earnest! You can contact us anytime via hello@theDWshow.net