1. First Doctor: William Hartnell
image source: ign.com
From 1933 to 1966, the very first Doctor was played by William Hartnell, who lasted for four seasons. The first incarnation of the iconic character was a very stubborn one, not quick to trust people, though he developed into a nicer character as the show progressed.
2. Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton
image source: bbc.co.uk
From 1966 to 1969, the second incarnation of the Doctor was played by actor Patrick Troughton. Patrick emerged as the new face after the first doctor decided to renew his body into a new person rather than die after a battle with the Cybermen – and we thank him for it!
3. Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee
image source: imdb.com
Jon Pertwee was then the third face of the Doctor, playing the character from 1970 to 1974. This version of the doctor was a lot more sophisticated and suave than his predecessor – who had been a little childish – and his story told us about the Doctor’s time stranded on earth.
4. Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker
image source: reddit.com
One of the best known Doctors is Tom Baker, the fourth Doctor, appearing from 1974 to 1981. Tom Baker is actually the actor to play the Doctor for the longest, over a period of seven seasons of the show. His hat and scarf remain iconic costume pieces to this day!
5. Fifth Doctor: Peter Davison
image source: blogtorwho.com
The Fifth Doctor was then very different indeed, now with blonde hair and a differing taste in suits! Actor Peter Davison took over, from 1982 to 1984, playing a Doctor that was willing to help pretty much every passerby, and chose to wear an Edwardian cricket outfit just because he liked it!
6. Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker
image source: imdb.com
Colin Baker played the Doctor from 1984 to 1986, and even though he did manage to last three seasons, he wasn’t a fan favourite – and a lot of that was down to the writing. Aside from the very bright and gaudy suits, he was also very arrogant and more brash than previous Doctors – which didn’t go down well.
7. Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy
image source: scifinow.co.uk
Enter the Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy. McCoy played the character from 1987 to 1989, and this version of the Doctor was much more whimsical and quirky, with more of a comedy side, than previous versions had been. But don’t let his cheerful demeanour fool you: this Doctor was known for being a great manipulator.
8. Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann
image source: blogtorwho.com
Paul McCann played the Eighth Doctor in 1996 only, for a TV film of Doctor Who instead of the full series. The reason for the TV film – and McCann’s casting – was to try and reel fans back in after the series was first cancelled in 1989. McCann would reappear as the doctor for short roles, including the mini-episode Night of the Doctor.
9. Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston
image source: digitalspy.com
Away with the bright suits, and hello to the broody leather jacket! Christopher Eccleston played the lead role in 2005, for only a few months, in an attempt at a more modern revival of the show. Eccleston’s Doctor was more angry, guilty and had a habit of using humour to deflect.
10. Tenth Doctor: David Tennant
image source: cnn.com
One of the most popular Doctors of all is David Tennant, who portrayed Ten from 2005 to 2010. In stark contrast to the brooding Eccleston, Tennant’s version was much more upbeat and charming – though he was known to get angry and deeply sad in reaction to certain events.
11. Eleventh Doctor: Matt Smith
image source: digitalspy.com
From 2010 to 2013, Doctor Who was played by Matt Smith, with his adorable bow tie and hair goals. The Eleventh Doctor was portrayed to be more of a thrill-seeker than the previous, and often more childlike in nature. Despite him acting like a child – and looking young to boot – he has the world-weary attitude of a very old man!
12. Twelfth Doctor: Peter Capaldi
image source: telegraph.co.uk
Peter Capaldi then came in to fill the Doctor’s boots in 2014 to 2017, as the Twelfth Doctor. This version of the Doctor was more pragmatic, and a little less concerned about the human race as a whole, though he still has his two hearts in the right place – and he does soften over time, thanks to his companions.
13. Thirteenth Doctor: Jodie Whittaker
image source: deadline.com
Actress Jodie Whittaker then took over the role in 2018, until 2022, and was the first woman ever to play Doctor Who. Jodie’s Doctor was known for being very bubbly and energetic, talking fast and being a more approachable person. She was also so likeable she had a ton of companions!
14. Fourteenth Doctor: David Tennant
image source: skynews.com
It’s no surprise that the nation’s favourite Doctor made a welcome return, when David Tennant delighted fans by revealing his face – again – for the 60th anniversary celebrations. In Jodie Whittaker’s final moments before her regeneration, we see Tennant’s familiar features come through. It’s believed his special episodes will air in November this year.
15. Fifteenth Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa
image source: theguardian.com
After Tennant has played the Fourteenth Doctor, he will make way for Ncuti Gatwi, who is set to play the Fifteenth Doctor in 2024 onwards. All we’ve seen him of him so far are some photos and a clip of him in a teaser trailer, but it’s enough to get us excited about this new face (and new suit!).
16. Valeyard: Michael Jayston
image source: tardis.fandom.com
The Valeyard is another incarnation of the Doctor, played by Michael Jayston in 1986. The character appeared in ‘The Trial of a Time Lord’ serial, and Valeyard was supposed to be a manifestation of the Doctor’s ‘darker side’, rather than your usual regeneration.
17. Meta-Crisis Doctor: David Tennant
image source: tardis.fandom.com
The Meta-Crisis Doctor – also played by Tennant – appeared in 2008, as a result of the Tenth Doctor’s severed hand, touched by companion Donna, turning into another version of the Doctor known as a biological meta-crisis. The Tenth Doctor leaves the Meta-Crisis Doctor with Rose to keep an eye on him.
18. The War Doctor: John Hurt
image source: blogtorwho.com
Legendary actor John Hurt (RIP) took up the mantle of The War Doctor in 2013, for the special anniversary episode, The Day of the Doctor. In the timeline, the War Doctor was said to exist sometime between the Eighth and Ninth Doctors, and tasked with finding ‘The Moment’ superweapon.
19. The Fugitive Doctor: Jo Martin
image source: radiotimes.com
In 2020 until 2022, actress Jo Martin played The Fugitive Doctor, alongside Jodie Whittaker’s version of the character. The Fugitive Doctor starts out as a mystery, before it’s revealed she’s a version of The Doctor from the past that was wiped from the Doctor’s memory.
20. The film version of the Doctor: Peter Cushing
image source: cultbox.co.uk
Bonus mention: there was also a spin-off Doctor Who movie in 1965, and 1966, where the lead character of the Doctor was portrayed by legendary actor Peter Cushing. The movies saw Doctor Who face off against his besties, the Daleks, accompanied by his granddaughters.
