History of Doctor Who

Lore & Background

The series originated from a March 1962 feasibility study requested by Eric Maschwitz and prepared by Alice Frick and Donald Bull. A follow-up report in July recommended time travel as a format. In December 1962, Sydney Newman became Head of Drama and, in March 1963, initiated development to fill a Saturday evening schedule gap. A brainstorming session involving Wilson, Braybon, Frick, and C. E. Webber led to early outlines. Webber's first outline, dated 29 March 1963, titled The Troubleshooters, featured Earth-based humans. Newman personally proposed a time machine larger on the inside and the mysterious 'Dr. Who'; however, Donald Wilson claimed to have named the series, and Newman did not dispute this.

Reader's Guide

Doctor Who became a landmark of British television, running for over six decades across two distinct eras. Its significance lies in its innovative use of time travel as a narrative device, allowing stories set in any historical period or fictional future. The show's longevity and cultural impact are evident in its dedicated fan base and its influence on subsequent science fiction. The 1996 television film, co-produced with Universal Pictures, attempted to revive the series for an American audience. The show's educational roots, though quickly abandoned in practice, informed its early approach to blending factual history with science fiction. The collaborative creation of the series, involving multiple BBC staff members and disputed contributions, reflects the institutional process behind its development.

Did You Know?

• The first pilot episode, 'An Unearthly Child', had to be re-recorded due to technical problems and errors.
• The TARDIS was originally intended to change shape to blend in with each time period, but budget constraints led to the 'malfunctioning Chameleon Circuit' explanation.
• Delia Derbyshire created the iconic theme music using tape recorders and oscillators but was denied co-composer credit by the BBC.
• William Hartnell was cast after actors Hugh David and Geoffrey Bayldon turned down the role.