Common Sense Media Review
Inclusive, long-running British sci-fi series thrills fans.
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Doctor Who
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 109 parent reviews
Based on 486 kid reviews
Kids say that this long-running sci-fi series is entertaining and family-friendly, though some episodes can be quite scary for young viewers, particularly those involving suspenseful themes or frightening monsters. While most find it suitable for children aged 8 and up, parents are encouraged to preview episodes, as some contain darker elements or mild innuendos.
- scary moments
- family-friendly
- age recommendation
- preview episodes
- diverse role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DOCTOR WHO is a long-running British sci-fi series that tells the story of an alien Time Lord known as the Doctor, whose mission it is to defend the peaceful residents of the galaxy against invading threats. The Doctor does this by traveling through time in a machine called the TARDIS (which looks like a blue telephone booth) to key moments of villain insurgencies. The Doctor is always joined by an associate (collectively known throughout the series as "companions") who helps defeat the invaders and gets the time stream back to normal. Thanks to a plot device that lets the Doctor go through physical changes called "regeneration" to avoid death, the show has cast many actors of various races, ages, and genders in the title role.
Is It Any Good?
Some incarnation of this captivating show has endured on the small screen since the early 1960s, resulting in a diverse viewer base. Each character regeneration in Doctor Who has paved the way for a new and unique version of the title character, and though longtime fans are sure to have their favorites, the variety gives the show a certain freshness that enables its longevity. Though many of the plots hint at complicated concepts—such as the mind-boggling interdimensional capabilities of the TARDIS (that's Time and Relative Dimensions in Space, if you must know)—the basic concept remains unchanged: An unflappable adventurer goes where they are needed to prevent a rotating cast of interplanetary villains from pursuing their evil agendas.
As a sort of anti-action hero, the Doctor uses charm and quick thinking to disarm foes, rather than guns or fists. Among other likable traits, this gives the character strong appeal and broadens the show's potential fan base. There's still a fair amount of sci-fi violence and plenty of tense moments, but they're offset by a real joviality that viewers of most ages will enjoy. The interactions between the Doctor and companions are fun, and the colorful cast of aliens always promises some surprises. Though Doctor Who's low budget can show in its CG effects at times, the entertaining stories and iconic lead have inspired a longstanding cult following for good reason.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the basic concepts of right and wrong, especially how they play out in Doctor Who. Do the Doctor's actions ever fall into a gray area? Do the ends ever justify the means, even if the future of the entire world is at stake?
Talk about the concept of time travel. Should certain events in history be changed? Do you think the world would be different if something like World War I had never happened? Where in the past would you choose to go if you could?
How does this show compare to other sci-fi media? What does it do better? What could be improved? What makes a show a winner for you? For your tweens?
How do the characters in Doctor Who demonstrate courage, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 23, 1963
- Cast : Peter Capaldi , Jenna Coleman , David Tennant , Jodie Whittaker
- Networks : BBC America , Syfy
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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