Doctor Who archive to drop on BBC iPlayer to celebrate show's 60th anniversary
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Doctor Who is set to release an archive of past material to mark the show's 60th anniversary.
Ahead of David Tennant's return as the Doctor next month for three specials, the BBC has confirmed that over 800 past episodes of the show will launch on iPlayer from November 1.
These include episodes from First Doctor William Hartnell through to the 1996 TV movie starring Paul McGann, as well as spin-off shows Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood and Class, and documentary series Doctor Who Confidential.
Related: Kylie Minogue addresses Doctor Who return possibility
The BBC is also launching an online archive that includes interviews with the show's cast, written documents, long unheard audio, as well as behind-the-scenes photos.
The archive will launch with "curated journeys" for fans, and over time more content will be added, such as a special collection of photos in 8k resolution, alongside memos, correspondence, designs, audience research and orchestral scores of sheet music, and audio clips such as radio programmes, documentaries, interviews and music.
The old episodes will also have numerous accessibility options, including subtitles, audio descriptions and sign language.
Related: Doctor Who specials' theme tune gets BBC Radio 2 air date
“I’d like to thank the BBC for all the hard work, to get this massive back catalogue under one roof, at long last," showrunner Russell T Davies said.
"I'm so excited for new viewers - imagine being 8 years old, spending winter afternoons exploring the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. And we’re determined this won't be a dusty museum - we have exciting plans to bring the back catalogue to life, with much more to be revealed!”
The new Doctor Who specials will see the returns of Tennant and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, before Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the Doctor in series 14.
Doctor Who returns later in 2023 on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Meanwhile, in the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on Max.
You Might Also Like
