Doctor Who is a show spanning many years, many seasons, and many Doctors. Fans of the science-fiction series vary from die-hard Whovians, Classic Who devotees, Doctor specific viewers, and casual episode audiences. For viewers within the casual category who don't have time to watch the entire series or want to get into the show but need a great starting point, there are some episodes that are better suited than others.
These episodes can reveal important plot points, have brilliant contained stories, or show moments of vital character progression. For those wanting a feel for each Doctor, the first episode combined with one right in the middle of their season shows a fresh and mature take on their personality.
Updated on October 21st, 2021 by George Chrysostomou: Doctor Who is returning to screens with a brand new miniseries; Flux is unlike anything audiences have seen before from the modern reboot! With the potential for newer viewers to watch the show, it's important to revisit some of the best Doctor Who episodes from past seasons that happen to be standalone, in order for fans to get easily introduced to a range of characters and storylines.
Mummy On The Orient Express (New Who - Series 8)
Peter Capaldi's time as the Time Lord is perhaps one of the most underrated eras of the show. His seasons boasted a number of standalone episodes including "Mummy On The Orient Express" which acts as a great combination of a horror and murder mystery piece.
The episode is perfect for newcomers as it plays around with themes and narrative arcs already familiar to audiences thanks to the work of Agatha Christie and Universal with their monster franchises. The eighth episode of the season sees the Doctor and Clara board the space train and begin to uncover the murderous secrets within.
The Lodger (New Who - Series 5)
Episode 11 of its season, "The Lodger" actually features one of James Corden's best performances on screen. New fans will of course be familiar with the actor, but the comedic dynamic that he has with Matt Smith's Doctor has forged a fan favorite connection.
The standalone episode, which sees The Doctor move in with Corden's Craig, actually inspired another episode down the line featuring the Late Night Host returning to the show. Craig's life has been impacted by alien interference more than he realizes though as The Doctor finds a ship above his house!
The Doctor's Wife (New Who - Series 6)
The T.A.R.D.I.S. and The Doctor have a special relationship; the time machine is the only companion who has ed him on almost every adventure after all. This Matt Smith era episode–interestingly written by Neil Gaiman–does the unthinkable though.
New fans will appreciate the alternative take on the T.A.R.D.I.S. as the blue box actually gets transformed into a woman. Episode 4 dives into his connection to the T.A.R.D.I.S. helping new audiences effectively understand the dynamic. It's really one of the best Doctor Who episodes for those who want to see more of the Time Lord's home.
Dalek (New Who - Series 1)
The Daleks are a menacing threat and one of Doctor Who's most famous aliens. Of course, the arch-nemesis of The Doctor had to make a return in New Who and this Christopher Eccleston era episode, number 6 of its season, is a great introduction to the metallic beast for modern audiences.
Rose is at the heart of the story as she starts to feel sympathetic to the mangled monster. As the piece begins to take shape though, this standalone story cements itself as one of the best Doctor Who episodes ever due to the twist ending that sees the Dalek unleashed.
The Girl In The Fireplace (New Who - Series 2)
"The Girl In The Fireplace" is still considered one of the best Doctor Who episodes ever, let alone in the David Tennant era. The fourth episode of the second series boasted a love story unlike anything seen in the show before or since. Not to mention a great use of time travel with this historical setting.
The clockwork people were absolutely terrifying and the premise of time pason each meeting of The Doctor and Madame Du Pompadour was both genius and heartbreaking. This is definitely the perfect place for new fans to begin.
The Fugitive Of The Judoon (New Who - Series 12)
"The Fugitive of The Judoon" was one of the best episodes in the thirteenth season, as it takes everything within Doctor Who's history and turns it upside down. Throughout the series, there have been hints that The Doctor has had more incarnations than shown in the series, as shown with The War Doctor, but the timeline is "wibbly-wobbly."
In "The Fugitive of The Judoon," a new Doctor is revealed, but is "new" the right word? In the words of River Song - "spoilers." Viewers will just have to watch and see for themselves.
Silence In The Library/Forest Of The Dead (New Who - Series 4)
David Tennant's Tenth Doctor featured in some iconic episodes. But one that had fans on the edge of their seats was "Silence In The Library" and "Forest Of The Dead." These were particularly important episodes as they introduced viewers and The Doctor to the character of River Song.
River Song might have only appeared once in The Tenth Doctor's era, but she was a regular companion during The Eleventh Doctor's seasons and even interacted with The Twelfth Doctor. River Song's first appearance is packed full of emotional punch and leaves viewers wanting to know more about her mysterious origins.
Vincent & The Doctor (New Who - Series 5)
Doctor Who is a show with a lot of heart – two, to be exact. But sometimes the emotional impact of science fiction is discredited and overshadowed by other more prominent elements of the genre. The season 5 episode "Vincent and The Doctor," was one of the best-scripted episodes.
It is also one of the more emotional Eleventh Doctor adventures, showing his brilliant Doctor-companion dynamic with Amy Pond. For lovers of art looking for something on the softer side, this is the one to watch.
Midnight (New Who - Series 4)
The episode "Midnight," is considered one of the best Doctor-centric episodes of New Who. That alone makes it worthy of viewing. But what really makes the episode memorable is the Midnight entity.
"Midnight," revolves around interactions, panic, and fear. Strangers are locked together and facing an unknowable threat that never makes an appearance in its true form. The Midnight entity has The Doctor struggling for control. It steals voice and body and is never really defeated at all. It's also one of those rare occasions where The Doctor loses to the enemy.
City Of Death (Classic Who - Series 17)
"City of Death," is one of the wittiest scripted episodes of Doctor Who starring The Fourth Doctor and Romana. Any Fourth Doctor episode is worth watching for the antics of his era. It was also the beginnings of fleshed-out companions within Doctor Who. This is especially apparent with the companion Sarah Jane Smith.
Other episodes to watch with The Fourth Doctor include the all-important "Genesis of the Daleks," "The Seeds of Doom" for the fantastic chemistry between The Doctor and Sarah Jane, and "The Ark in Space," which had a strong plot.
