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60 years of Doctor Who history

Doctor Who has existed in some form or another for 60 years now, changing with each new actor, showrunner, and writer. To honor this spectacular series, check out the history of how it has evolved over time.

ByMeagan Bojarski|
Peter Capaldi And New Doctor Who Companion Pearl Mackie Pose In Costume With The Tardis And A Huge
Peter Capaldi And New Doctor Who Companion Pearl Mackie Pose In Costume With The Tardis And A Huge | Tim P. Whitby/GettyImages
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A second golden age

Tom Baker - English Actor
The Fourth Doctor | Evening Standard/GettyImages

Tom Baker Years (1974-1981)

After the death of Roger Delgado and the loss of Katy Manning's character Jo Grant, Jon Pertwee felt it was time to move on. His successor, Tom Baker, would become one of the show's most iconic figures.

The series's new producer and script editor, Philip Hinchcliffe and Robert Holmes, decided to play with the darker sides of sci-fi. During Baker's seven years as the Doctor, stories ranged from horrific to comedic. Some of the notable serials during this period included:

  • Genesis of the Daleks
  • Pyramids of Mars
  • The Deadly Assassin
  • City of Death

Beyond the writing, the Fourth Doctor's run brought in fan-favorite characters like Sarah Jane Smith, K-9, and Romana.

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