Classic DOCTOR WHO Serials Now Available

Time Traveling Through Pixels: Classic ‘Doctor Who’ Now Streaming for Free

In 2009, diving into ‘Doctor Who’ was a quest in itself. Classic episodes were like unicorns—rare and hard to find. Streaming options were limited, and physical DVDs cost a pretty penny. Free episodes? Forget it. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has transformed. We now have Pluto TV and Tubi, both running 24-hour classic ‘Who’ channels. Not to be outdone, YouTube offers complete ‘Doctor Who’ serials sans commercials. What a time to be alive, eh?

A Classic Feast on YouTube

Head over to the Doctor Who: Classic YouTube channel, and you’ll find 68 serials ready for your eager eyes. These stories span the reigns of seven Doctors, from 1963 to 1989. While it’s not a comprehensive list, it offers a rich tapestry of timey-wimey adventures. The classic series was serialized, meaning stories would unfold over several episodes. Each video on YouTube compiles these tales into cohesive narratives running from 50 minutes to four hours.

Each Doctor boasts their own playlist, but the tales aren’t sorted chronologically—that’s a bit maddening. To ease your journey, I’ve picked a favorite story for each Doctor from the available collection. So, sit back and enjoy!

The First Doctor: Trekking Back to the Beginning

If nostalgia were an avatar, it would look like the original ‘Doctor Who’ seasons. Sure, they can feel like slow-motion theater, but William Hartnell’s performance will win you over eventually. Notable stories like "The Aztecs" and "The Dalek Invasion of Earth" offer their own charms. Yet, "The Time Meddler" stands tall. It features the Doctor meeting another Time Lord—a groundbreaking first in the series. It’s classic Hartnell at his best.

The Second Doctor: Piecing Together the Past

The Second Doctor’s era suffered significant archival losses, with many episodes now just memories. Thankfully, some have resurfaced, while others have been reconstructed. On YouTube, eight serials are available. Among them, "The Mind Robber" is a solid pick. It’s intact, concise, and an excellent entry point. But once you’re up for a marathon, dive into "The War Games," a dramatic 10-part saga introducing the Time Lords by name.

The Third Doctor: Action-Packed Adventures

Jon Pertwee’s run is a kaleidoscope of color genius. Set primarily on Earth, it has a quirky James Bond vibe, complete with alien conspiracies and mad scientists. The entire season seven lineup is on YouTube, each story an epic journey. Yet, "Carnival of Monsters" wins my heart for its unique spin. Crafted by Robert Holmes, it’s a tale packed with charm and intrigue.

The Fourth Doctor: A Journey with the Iconic

Tom Baker’s tenure as the Doctor is legendary, especially among American fans. His era offered a cocktail of tones, with hits and misses along the way. The channel hosts some of the era’s finest like "Genesis of the Daleks." My pick, though? "Horror of Fang Rock." It’s an atmospheric thriller set in a Victorian lighthouse—a genuine chiller.

Diving into the ’80s: Peaks and Valleys

The Fifth Doctor: Navigating a Bumpy Ride

The ’80s era brought rollercoaster narratives. Peter Davison’s Doctor faced turbulent storylines alongside his bickering companions. Despite notable absentees from the YouTube collection, "Mawdryn Undead" offers an engaging, time-twisting caper featuring two timelines and familiar faces.

The Sixth Doctor: A Misunderstood Phase

Colin Baker’s run often polarizes fans, not entirely through fault of his own. Hits and misses litter his run. "The Mark of the Rani" is a rare gem, pitting the Doctor against the Master and the enigmatic Rani—a true highlight.

The Seventh Doctor: Closing on a High Note

Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor brought a magical touch, wrapping the original series with style. Season 25’s opener, "Remembrance of the Daleks," merges past and present brilliantly. It’s a must-watch Dalek bonanza—arguably the finest in color.

Exploring timeless tales has never been easier. So, gear up for a marathon and experience the cultural phenomenon that is ‘Doctor Who’. Each story is a time capsule waiting to whisk you away.