Ranking Every Modern Era Doctor Who Season: Which One Reigns Supreme?

The iconic science fiction television series, Doctor Who, first appeared on screens in 1963 and remains a timeless classic today. As we embark on a new era with the first Black Doctor steering the TARDIS, showrunner Russell T Davies returns to pen fresh exploits for this beloved show. Over fourteen seasons, hundreds of episodes, and numerous specials, the Doctor’s time-space journeys have been chronicled. Some seasons were exceptional, boasting clever plots, rewarding story arcs, stellar writing, unexpected twists, memorable monologues from the Doctor, and a cohesive TARDIS crew, while other seasons of Doctor Who struggled in one or more of those aspects.

Let’s engage in a playful and enjoyable activity (remember, it’s more about fun than anything too intense) as a tribute to the lasting impact of the show. Here are all the seasons of modern-era Doctor Who, arranged from what some might consider least favorite to most beloved.

Remark: Since the Fourteenth Doctor has three episodes that collectively resemble a mini-series, providing a covert introduction to the Fifteenth Doctor, we’re going to incorporate the 60th anniversary specials into our list.

15. Doctor Who Season 7 (2012-2013)

This current season of ‘Doctor Who’ is exceptionally chaotic, but not in a good way, which is why it’s ranked at the bottom. The consistency is poor across all aspects, from individual episodes to the overall mood. The seventh season is divided into two parts that bid farewell to beloved characters Amy and Rory, only to introduce the enigmatic Clara. While this setup seems logical for introducing a new traveling companion for the Doctor, in execution, it feels disjointed and awkward. The season fails to evoke the “scrumptious sci-fi spaghetti” feel that the show often excels at.

Rather than being structured like traditional storytelling, it seems more akin to a TikTok blend of assorted foods haphazardly mixed together. The walls are adorned with half-developed concepts and plotlines that appear to have fallen out of the narrative mixer. Many smaller story arcs, such as the Impossible Girl, flicker briefly before the series quickly moves on. However, one saving grace is the palpable camaraderie between Clara and Eleven. Witnessing their bond develop from mutual curiosity is a joyful moment amidst the chaos, making this particular season of Doctor Who stand out less favorably compared to others.

14. Doctor Who Season 6 (2011)

In season six, the escapades of Amy, Rory, and the Eleventh Doctor carry on. Known for its unexpected turns and enigmatic elements, Doctor Who occasionally stumbles this time with overly complex storylines leading to a somewhat disappointing finale. However, there are enjoyable moments scattered throughout due to bold narrative attempts and meaningful character progression for Amy. The performances are solid, and the visuals surpass anything previously seen. Pivotal scenes such as the TARDIS manifesting as a human form and the Doctor’s powerful speech in “A Good Man Goes to War” help offset some of the emotional weight that usually sustains the show.

13. Doctor Who Season 1/Season 14

In the fresh phase we’ve labeled as the “Bad Wolf Era” for Doctor Who, the series chose to reset its season count for a third time. Ncuti Gatwa stepped into the role of the TARDIS permanently as the Fifteenth Doctor, accompanied by Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday. This season was filled with anticipation, from unraveling the secrets surrounding Ruby’s lineage to delving into the world’s experiences through the perspective of the show’s inaugural full-time Black doctor.

Despite some exceptional episodes, such as “Rogue” and “73 Yards,” the series had its share of duds, like “Dot and Bubble.” The TARDIS crew did their utmost to work with the material provided, but the overall execution was lackluster. The finale and the disappointing conclusion about Ruby’s mother didn’t deliver a satisfying ending. A season this brief should have felt more unified and consistent. Nevertheless, the actors are charming and endearing as a group.

12. Doctor Who Season 8 (2014)

Experiencing Clara and Twelve’s first complete season together brought moments of delight. The brilliance of Michelle Gomez’s Missy, the intriguing moon-egg concept, and a more somber atmosphere to complement the serious Doctor were some of this season’s standouts. Nevertheless, aspects such as Danny’s dynamic with Clara, which included his character development, several average episodes, and the early hints that Clara was becoming increasingly like the Doctor, are why this season has been rated significantly lower.

11. Doctor Who Season 11 (2018)

In this new season, the character of Doctor Who was given a fresh start. Chris Chibnall assumed control and introduced us to one of the most diverse TARDIS crews ever, featuring Jodie Whittaker as the first full-time female Doctor, Ryan, a black male companion, and Yaz, a South Asian companion. The first season showcased Jodie’s strong start, but had some stumbles along the way with less successful episodes in the middle and a somewhat underwhelming finale. However, her endearing personality and blossoming bond with her “fam” (short for family) helped to even things out.

10. Doctor Who Season 9 (2015)

During this period, the Doctor portrayed by Capaldi really shines. You’ll find some fantastic episodes here, such as the entertaining Christmas special “The Husbands of River Song,” and the exceptional two-part series “Heaven Sent/Hell Bent.” The departure of Clara is a poignant goodbye, but the story later takes an unexpected turn that challenges the significance of her final decision. It’s almost easy to forget the terrors of “Sleep No More.” Almost, but not quite. There are a few more two-parters than ideal, but Capaldi’s performance is so captivating that it can make fans overlook some of the show’s noticeable flaws.

9. Doctor Who Season 13 (2021)

Absolutely, I’m prepared for the fact that my high ranking of this latest season of Doctor Who might be unusual. However, it’s perfectly fine. Initially, I wasn’t overly impressed with Flux during my first viewing. But upon a second look at Jodie Whittaker’s brief final season, the pieces seem to fit together quite nicely, despite the numerous obstacles the team faced off-screen. To be candid, this season showcases her finest performance as the Thirteenth Doctor. The idea of a season-long narrative with numerous cliffhangers is daring and, while it can get confusing at times, it culminates in an exciting finale. There are some drawbacks, such as instances where it feels like things are happening to Thirteen rather than her being the main actor and instigator. However, I believe we can all agree that Thirteen deserved more overall. Nonetheless, Flux provided us with a good deal of enjoyment throughout the journey.

8. Doctor Who Season 12 (2020)

In a fresh take, we can say: Jodie Whittaker settles into her role as the thirteenth Doctor during this season of “Doctor Who.” This twelfth series showcases one of her strongest episodes, “The Haunting of Villa Diodati,” which is also among the series’ best. Several stories are daring and entertaining, including historical expeditions and futuristic journeys. Familiar characters make appearances (some more than others), with Jack Harkness and Cybermen returning, along with an unexpected reemergence of the Fugitive Doctor as Ruth. The Timeless Child twist, while bold, seemed complex and unnecessary, leading to a somewhat lackluster conclusion. Yaz steps up to the challenge, and Thasmin truly shines, but Ryan and Graham are occasionally left on the sidelines. All in all, it’s a season with its highs and lows, which is why it falls right in the middle of modern “Doctor Who” seasons.

7. Doctor Who 60th Anniversary “Mini-season” Specials

The chemistry between David Tennant and Catherine Tate remains timelessly captivating. Some fans voiced concerns when Tennant reprised his role as the Doctor, but those three episodes served as a testament to why their on-screen partnership is cherished. Introducing Beep the Meep, rectifying a longstanding injustice towards Donna, and having the Fourteenth Doctor acknowledge his need for rest were all masterful moves. The narratives were riveting, Donna’s family continues to be endearing, and the tribute to the Classic era through Mad Auntie Mel was noteworthy.

6. Doctor Who Season 2 (2006)

In the memory of fans, season two stands out as the show’s most cherished due to the introduction of the beloved duo – Ten and Rose. Despite their tendency to be grating together, the interaction between Tennant and Piper is undeniably captivating. When the pair isn’t boasting about their superiority or invincibility, but rather focusing on saving the world, they make a fantastic team. This season features excellent episodes like “The Girl in the Fireplace” and the heart-wrenching “Doomsday.” However, some less favorable episodes such as “Fear Her” can be found. A highlight of this season is Sarah Jane Smith’s return in “School Reunion,” although her encounters with Rose may have caused a fair share of eye rolls. All in all, Doctor Who season two offers a gratifying viewing experience and will likely continue to rank among the best on any list.

5. Doctor Who Season 3 (2007)

In simpler terms, many fans find it disappointing that The Doctor doesn’t fully appreciate Martha Jones’ intelligence and her feelings for him aren’t returned. However, they agree that season three of the show is strong in storytelling. Notable episodes include “Smith and Jones” and “Blink,” which are considered among the best ever produced. There were some missteps in how Martha was portrayed, such as her family’s enslavement and instances where she was mistreated in historical stories. Despite these issues, Martha is a strong companion who maintains her identity while traveling with The Doctor. What elevates this season are moments like Martha recognizing her own worth, single-handedly saving the world without The Doctor, and her well-executed departure.

4. Doctor Who Season 10 (2017)

In simpler terms, Peter Capaldi’s last season as “Doctor Who” stands out as his best, but it doesn’t quite make it into our top three due to some questionable decisions regarding Bill Potts. Overall, the season offers a mix of strong stories with good pacing (except for the Monks trilogy), and Bill brings a fresh, charming energy to the series. The dynamic between the Doctor and Bill is particularly effective as it mirrors a teacher-student relationship. Additionally, this season features more Missy and multi-master action, but Capaldi’s time as the Doctor comes to an end. However, there are some issues with how Bill’s character was handled at the end. Turning her into a Cyberperson was problematic, but the subsequent attempt to avoid the “kill the gays” trope by making her a watery being who coexists with someone she barely knows was poorly executed.

3. Doctor Who Season 5 (2010)

In the wake of Russell T Davies’ departure, Showrunner Steven Moffat found himself tasked with keeping the ‘Doctor Who’ machine operational after the highly popular Ten Doctor’s era. Could he pull it off? Absolutely, with the help of a secret weapon – Matt Smith. Smith effortlessly captivated as the Eleventh Doctor, forming a strong connection with Karen Gillan’s character Amy Pond. Although her development could have been more robust, she still managed to win fans over with her fun spirit and charisma. Season five of ‘Doctor Who’ successfully revitalized the show yet again, infusing it with fresh creativity. Episodes like “Vincent and the Doctor” and the two-parter “The Time of Angels” and “Flesh and Stone” continue to resonate with fans even today.

2. Doctor Who Season 1 (2005)

Kickstarting everything was that groundbreaking season! The Ninth Doctor, played by Christopher Eccleston, along with Rose, portrayed by Billie Piper, marked the beginning of a new wave of enthusiasts when the show made its comeback in 2005. Regrettably, their journey together was limited to just that one season. Yet, the series skillfully linked the new era with its classic roots, reintroducing familiar adversaries and mythology, often maintaining a playful, over-the-top ambiance. Instead of longer story arcs, standalone episodes and two-parters became the norm, offering viewers a weekly antagonist.

The comeback of Doctor Who introduced a fresh perspective on the character, and instead of the flashier attire from previous seasons, Nine sported a more somber wardrobe with dark clothing and leather jackets. Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of the Doctor was that of a man who had been shattered by his past errors, yearning for friendship and camaraderie. This need was fulfilled surprisingly through Rose, forming an endearing bond between them. Although many have developed feelings for Rose and Ten later on, her connection with Nine resonates deeply and leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment. The intriguing journeys to both the past and future, along with the clever Bad Wolf storyline, established a robust foundation that the series has continued to expand upon since then.

1. Doctor Who Season 4 (2008)

Now we’ve reached the conclusion of our modern-day rankings for Doctor Who. This brings us to the top season of the new series, which is none other than season four. Season four masterfully combines all the key ingredients that make Doctor Who exceptional. The pairing of David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the TARDIS crew is nothing short of brilliant from their very first encounter. This dynamic duo continually pushes each other to be better, their friendship enhancing both characters. The episodes are all standouts, featuring a variety of engaging stories such as “The Unicorn and the Wasp”, a lively historical adventure, and an epic finale reminiscent of Avengers: Endgame, where all the stars from Russell T Davies’ era come together.

This season shifts between hilarious moments that make you laugh until your stomach hurts and emotionally intense scenes that bring tears to your eyes. River Song’s introduction, the Tenth Doctor’s departure, and Donna Noble’s exit, which stirred up a lot of discussion, are particularly poignant examples. Even over 15 years since its initial broadcast, it remains exceptional and takes the top spot as my favorite season.

2025-03-26 18:35