10 Shows and Movies Similar to Doctor Who (1963)

Description: Blake's 7 is a British sci-fi series that, like Doctor Who, was produced by the BBC. It features a group of rebels fighting against a tyrannical regime, similar to how the Doctor often opposes oppressive forces. The show is known for its darker tone and complex characters, much like some of the more serious episodes of Doctor Who.

Fact: Blake's 7 was created by Terry Nation, who also created the Daleks for Doctor Who. The show was notable for its low-budget special effects, which were often criticized but also added to its charm. The series finale is one of the most controversial in TV history, featuring a shocking twist.

Description: Red Dwarf is a British sci-fi comedy that, like Doctor Who, combines science fiction with humor. While Doctor Who often has comedic moments, Red Dwarf is primarily a comedy set in a sci-fi universe. Both shows feature a small crew traveling through space and encountering bizarre and often humorous situations.

Fact: Red Dwarf was originally conceived as a sitcom set in a spaceship, with the creators drawing inspiration from shows like Steptoe and Son. The show has a cult following and is one of the longest-running British sci-fi series. Despite its comedic tone, Red Dwarf often explores deep philosophical and scientific concepts.

Description: The X-Files shares Doctor Who's sense of mystery and exploration of the unknown. Both shows feature protagonists who investigate strange phenomena, often involving extraterrestrial life. While The X-Files is more grounded in a contemporary setting, it shares Doctor Who's blend of standalone monster-of-the-week episodes and overarching mythology.

Fact: The X-Files was created by Chris Carter and became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The show's tagline, 'The truth is out there,' became iconic. The X-Files has been praised for its strong character development and complex storytelling.

Description: Stargate SG-1 shares Doctor Who's sense of adventure and exploration of alien worlds. Both shows feature a team traveling to different locations (through the Stargate for SG-1, the TARDIS for Doctor Who) and encountering diverse cultures and threats. The shows also share a mix of action, humor, and scientific curiosity.

Fact: Stargate SG-1 is based on the 1994 film Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich. The show ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running North American sci-fi series. SG-1 spawned several spin-offs, including Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.

Description: Farscape is a sci-fi series that, like Doctor Who, features a human protagonist (John Crichton) who is thrust into a strange and often dangerous universe. Both shows emphasize character development and the protagonist's relationships with a diverse cast of aliens. Farscape's blend of humor, drama, and imaginative world-building is similar to Doctor Who's approach.

Fact: Farscape was created by Rockne S. O'Bannon and produced by the Jim Henson Company. The show was known for its innovative use of puppetry and practical effects. Farscape was canceled after four seasons but concluded with a miniseries, The Peacekeeper Wars.

Description: Battlestar Galactica is a reimagining of the 1978 series and shares Doctor Who's themes of survival, morality, and the human condition. Both shows explore complex ethical dilemmas and feature strong character arcs. While Battlestar is more militaristic and serious, it shares Doctor Who's ability to blend science fiction with deep philosophical questions.

Fact: The 2004 series was developed by Ronald D. Moore, who previously worked on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of military life and its exploration of post-9/11 themes. Battlestar Galactica won numerous awards, including a Peabody Award.

Description: Torchwood is a direct spin-off of Doctor Who, created by Russell T Davies. It shares the same universe and often references events from Doctor Who. The show focuses on a secret organization that deals with extraterrestrial threats on Earth, similar to how Doctor Who deals with alien encounters across time and space. The show has a darker, more adult tone compared to Doctor Who, but maintains the same blend of science fiction, adventure, and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Torchwood was originally conceived as a more adult-oriented counterpart to Doctor Who, with themes and content aimed at older audiences. The show's name is an anagram of 'Doctor Who'. Captain Jack Harkness, a popular character from Doctor Who, is the lead in Torchwood.

Description: Primeval shares Doctor Who's British roots and its blend of science fiction and adventure. The show revolves around a team of scientists who investigate temporal anomalies that allow prehistoric and futuristic creatures to enter the present. Like Doctor Who, it combines thrilling action with scientific curiosity and a sense of wonder about the universe.

Fact: Primeval was created by Adrian Hodges and Tim Haines, the latter of whom also created the Walking with Dinosaurs documentary series. The show was originally conceived as a British response to the popularity of American sci-fi shows like Stargate SG-Primeval spawned a Canadian spin-off, Primeval: New World.

Description: The Sarah Jane Adventures is another spin-off of Doctor Who, aimed at a younger audience. It features Sarah Jane Smith, a former companion of the Doctor, as she investigates alien phenomena on Earth with the help of a group of teenagers. The show shares Doctor Who's sense of wonder, adventure, and moral lessons, but is tailored for a family-friendly audience.

Fact: The show was created by Russell T Davies and starred Elisabeth Sladen, reprising her role as Sarah Jane Smith from Doctor Who. The Doctor made several guest appearances in the series. The show was praised for its ability to tackle complex issues in a way that was accessible to children.

Description: Fringe is a sci-fi series that, like Doctor Who, explores bizarre and often mind-bending scientific phenomena. Both shows feature a team of investigators who use science and ingenuity to solve strange occurrences. Fringe's blend of science fiction, mystery, and character-driven storytelling is reminiscent of Doctor Who's approach.

Fact: Fringe was created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. The show was heavily influenced by earlier sci-fi series like The X-Files and Twin Peaks. Fringe's mythology became increasingly complex over its five-season run.