The First Doctor Who Episode: An Unearthly Child

Episode An Unearthly Child of the classic science fiction television series Doctor Who was first aired on November 23, 1963. This episode marked the beginning of a legendary series that continues to captivate audiences across generations. The incredible adventure, featuring the enigmatic Doctor played by William Hartnell, is a testament to the show's enduring appeal and innovation.

Content and Context of the First Episode

An Unearthly Child and the subsequent episodes, The Daleks and The Edge of Destruction, can be viewed in the DVD box set titled Doctor Who: The Beginning. This set includes two pilots, with additional episodes available for streaming on platforms like Britbox. These episodes provide a rich introduction to the world of Time Lord Gallifrey and the adventures of the TARDIS and its human companions.

The historical context of the first episode is noteworthy. The Kennedy assassination drew significant attention from the regular programming schedule, and An Unearthly Child was repeated the following week to accommodate the viewers' interest. This episode set the tone for Doctor Who's future adventures, providing a foundation for the long-running series.

Cast and Production Details

The first episode of Doctor Who starred William Hartnell as the Doctor, Carol Ann Ford as his granddaughter Susan, and William Russell and Jaqueline Hill as the first companions, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright. The episode's unique production attributes, including the innovative opening credits, garnered significant attention from its original audience and continue to impress viewers decades later.

The Innovations of the Opening Credits

The Doctor Who opening credits of An Unearthly Child were both unique and groundbreaking. For a television drama targeting children in 2022, such production values were remarkable. In those earlier days of television, the BBC and ITV treated children's programming with a great deal of respect, investing significant effort into making each episode engaging and memorable.

Availability and Streaming

Fans can watch An Unearthly Child on several platforms, including dailyMotion. For those interested in a comprehensive viewing experience, the DVD box set Doctor Who: The Beginning is available, providing more content from the same era. Additionally, Britbox offers streaming access to the two pilot episodes.

Title Evolution

Each individual episode in the early days of Doctor Who, such as An Unearthly Child, had its own unique title before the BBC standardised the practice of using the same title for all parts of a story. This naming convention was consistent until the series modernised its approach, except for The End of Time, which aired in two parts without changing the title.

Further Reading and Resources

For those wanting to delve deeper into the lore and history of Doctor Who, resources like the official Doctor Who website and fan forums like Snakedoc provide extensive information. Additionally, DeviantArt offers artwork such as that by CheneryOliver, enhancing the visual appeal of the series.

Enjoy your journey back in time with the first episode of Doctor Who, and join the millions who have been captivated by the adventures of the Second Doctor, Susan, and their companions. Happy Times and Places!