Ever since Physician Who‘s revival in 2005, the Christmas particular has change into a staple of the present. Though eventual showrunner Chris Chibnall would sideline the particular in favor of a New Yr’s deal with in 2018, the 12-year-long run of festivities onboard the TARDIS caused a number of the finest vacation TV specials in sci-fi historical past… and a number of the worst, too.

Ever since Chibnall handed the torch again to Russell T. Davies as the brand new Physician Who/Disney period started, the Christmas particular has been reinstated in all its yuletide glory. In 2024, Ncuti Gatwa‘s first full flight as TARDIS captain was given the vacation therapy, along with his second Christmas particular scheduled for this 12 months set to see the arrival of Bridgerton‘s Nicola Coughlan as a one-time companion. So, with all that in thoughts, here is a rating of each trendy Physician Who Christmas particular based mostly on how enjoyable, memorable, and Whovian it’s.

14

“The Physician, the Widow and the Wardrobe”

(Eleventh Physician, 2011)

Sadly, following the unimaginable 2010 Christmas particular proved an excessive amount of to deal with for Steven Moffat and co, with “The Physician, the Widow and the Wardrobe” the worst of the fashionable vacation specials. The episode options Matt Smith‘s eleventh incarnation as he crash-lands on Earth, assembly a comfy household headed by Claire Skinner‘s Madge Arwell. Collectively along with her and her youngsters, the Physician helps clear up their father’s disappearance throughout World Conflict II by way of a visit right into a magical forest.

“The Physician, the Widow and the Wardrobe” commits the cardinal TV sin of being boring. With out a lot emotional gravitas, this episode fails to seize the one essence of Christmas it was aiming for: sentimentality. Missing depth and high quality, this lazy story merely serves the aim of serving to thousands and thousands of stuffed Christmas dinner-eaters fall right into a mid-afternoon nap.

13

“The Subsequent Physician”

(Tenth Physician, 2008)

On the finish of 2008, it was introduced that the next 12 months would function a small number of feature-length specials as David Tennant made his last bow. The primary of those — leaning closely into the swirling rumors surrounding the present on the time about whom the following Time Lord can be — was “The Subsequent Physician,” a narrative by which Tennant’s Tenth Physician meets David Morrissey‘s Jackson Lake, a person who seemingly believes he’s additionally the titular Time Lord.

This episode feels as if the intent to ship the fandom into meltdown with the title was the primary and solely significance earlier than being given the inexperienced gentle. An intriguing preliminary episode fails to dwell as much as its premise, with Morrissey’s characterful Lake by no means actually feeling like an actual risk to the rumor mill. A lackluster villain that ranks among the many worst in Physician Who and a botched try and reinvigorate the Cybermen depart this episode as one of many worst festive choices.

12

“The Return of Physician Mysterio”

(Twelfth Physician, 2016)

The rise of the MCU all through the 2010s was not possible for Physician Who to disregard, with Moffat selecting to spin his timey-wimey tackle the superhero style with “The Return of Physician Mysterio.” The episode follows Peter Capaldi‘s Twelfth Physician and his companion Nardole (Matt Lucas) as they examine a shady multinational analysis firm, all whereas turning into entangled in a will-they/received’t-they story with a journalist and her superhero nanny.

A two-dimensional tackle the superhero style, “The Return of Physician Mysterio” offers loads of leisure regardless of missing any actual substance. The sci-fi genius Physician Who is thought for is sidelined for superhero likeness, though the episode fails to actually signify both parody or honest homage to its MCU franchise rivals.

11

“The Snowmen”

(Eleventh Physician, 2012)

After assembly the primary incarnation of Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), then often known as Oswin, within the Season 7 episode “Asylum of the Daleks,” the character makes her second look on this Christmas particular as a Victorian barmaid. Along with Smith’s eleventh Physician, the 2 do battle with one of many Time Lord’s oldest foes, The Nice Intelligence (Richard E. Grant).

Though many points of this story stay undercooked, such because the titular evil Snowmen, this 2012 festive version does deal with followers to the perfect incarnation of Clara up to now, with the Victorian barmaid a splendidly assured and entertaining pressure of nature. Smith’s portrayal of the aged model of his Physician now comes into full fruition, with this episode benefiting from being pivotal to the season that adopted it.

10

“The Finish of Time – Half One”

(Tenth Physician, 2009)

For this particular two-parter to rejoice the top of Tennant’s run because the Tenth Physician, the second half was a New Yr’s particular episode, leaving this primary installment because the singular Christmas outing of 2009. “The Finish of Time – Half One” follows Tennant’s Tenth Physician as he returns to Earth, working from the prophesized “4 knocks” which are augured to spell his doom.

Not solely does this episode function Tennant at his weary finest, however “The Finish of Time – Half One” additionally options Bernard Cribbins‘ Wilf in all his lovely glory, with the pair combining for an all-too-brief partnership. Sadly, John Simm’s reprisal of his incarnation of The Grasp is frustratingly goofy, with this episode specifically showcasing the poorest high quality of the long-lasting villain.

9

“The Husbands of River Track”

(Twelfth Physician, 2015)

The divergent romance of Alex Kingston‘s River Track and The Physician is one among Moffat’s best creations, with this Christmas particular the end result of seven years of writing. After spending their final journey collectively with out River actually ever figuring out, The Twelfth Physician fulfills his promise of taking her to the planet Darillium and spending one last evening collectively, with their date lasting 24 years.

Though virtually all of this episode is unforgettable timey-wimey nonsense — regardless of a beautiful subversion by which Capaldi will get to play the stunned entrant into the TARDIS — the conclusion to this story and that of River and The Physician’s love is nothing wanting lovely. The attractive backdrop of the Singing Towers makes for a panoramic panorama, completely enjoying host to the final goodbye of one among trendy Physician Who‘s finest characters.

8

“Twice Upon a Time”

(Twelfth Physician, 2017)

The top of the Twelfth Physician’s run most probably ought to’ve taken place in “World Sufficient and Time,” however, alas, the character held on for one final journey, assembly up along with his former self (David Bradley) in “Twice Upon a Time.” On the level at which the 2 each refuse to regenerate, the pair be part of forces with a First World Conflict British captain (Mark Gatiss) to go on an journey into the realities of the afterlife.

Though Moffat’s portrayal of The First Physician is wholly misguided, portray him as a two-dimensional misogynist regardless of the unique character being manner forward of his time, there’s nonetheless loads to like about this episode. Whether or not it is the overly sentimental finale that might solely work at Christmas or Capaldi’s attractive climactic monologue, “Twice Upon a Time” is an episode that lands its most vital beats.

7

“The Church on Ruby Street”

(Fifteenth Physician, 2023)

Gatwa’s first full journey because the titular Time Lord got here within the 2023 Christmas particular, “The Church on Ruby Street.” After noticing a younger lady, Ruby (Millie Gibson), is being affected by unhealthy luck, the Physician suspects foul play, ultimately revealing {that a} flying ship of goblins is out to trigger mayhem.

As Physician Who formally grew to become the property of Disney, the indicators slowly grew to become clear that this present was coming into a brand new period. With the energetic, infectious pairing of Gatwa and Gibson taking the lead, Physician Who grew to become a sing-a-long, whimsical journey in direct distinction to earlier showrunner Chibnall’s extra grounded, kitchen-sink drama strategy. For some, this sparked the time to tune out, however for others, this was Physician Who again to its camp finest.

6

“Voyage of the Damned”

(Tenth Physician, 2007)

When it was formally introduced that the 2007 Physician Who particular was going to function pop sensation and former Neighbors actress Kylie Minogue, the world was prepared to look at, with over 13 million individuals tuning in to look at within the UK alone. The episode sees Tennant’s Tenth Physician aboard a spaceship model of the Titanic and becoming a member of forces with Minogue’s Astrid and a number of other different company as they uncover the darkish reality about their journey.

Endlessly enjoyable and that includes Tennant’s most iconic speech because the titular Time Lord, “Voyage of the Damned” is how many individuals love to recollect the perfect of Davies’ first stint as showrunner. Exhilarating and unafraid, the episode powers by means of to its conclusion due to a fast-paced script and a powerhouse Tennant efficiency, supported by an ensemble forged that may perpetually be one of many trendy present’s most fondly remembered.

5

“The Time of the Physician”

(Eleventh Physician, 2013)

“Twice Upon a Time” is not the one Christmas particular that spells the top of a lead actor’s tenure, with “The Time of the Physician” Smith’s last episode because the Eleventh incarnation. With a message of assist beaming throughout the celebs, The Physician guarantees to defend the farming city of Christmas, along with his variety of regenerations out and age lastly catching up on him.

One in all Smith’s best performances within the lead position, “The Time of the Physician,” is not at all a flawless episode of Physician Who. Nevertheless, it’s definitely one of many extra impactful Christmas specials. Viewers each then and now are stored gripped to the sting of their seats because the determined, hopeless combat appears all however misplaced, just for a controversial regeneration-resetting twist to separate the fandom down the center while saving the day.

4

“The Runaway Bride”

(Tenth Physician, 2006)

Catherine Tate‘s Donna Noble is broadly thought to be Tennant’s Tenth Physician’s finest companion. In 2006, two years earlier than her full-season run aboard the TARDIS, Tate made her debut in “The Runaway Bride.” Beamed unexpectedly aboard his ship, Donna is snatched from strolling down the aisle as her wedding ceremony day turns right into a sci-fi nightmare.

Tate and Tennant’s plain chemistry is on show from the very first moments of “The Runaway Bride,” setting the tone for the genius but to return. Though this is probably not the strongest story of all on this checklist, “The Runaway Bride” is undoubtedly a completely entertaining episode packed filled with memorable moments, from the delivery of the ‘Time Lord Victorious’ to an unimaginable TARDIS chase down a freeway.

3

“Final Christmas”

(Twelfth Physician, 2014)

What do you get while you cross Alien, Inception, and Physician Who? The reply is “Final Christmas,” the most underrated of all of the festive specials. The story follows Capaldi’s Twelfth Physician, contemporary off the again of spending a whole season asking, “Am I a superb man?”, becoming a member of Clara on a visit to a North Pole base alongside Nick Frost‘s Santa Claus.

Taking the idea of desires versus actuality and giving it a contemporary, festive twist, “Final Christmas” retains viewers on their toes proper from the beginning. That includes a wonderful supporting forged with Frost’s biting Santa a delight, “Final Christmas” is Capaldi at his finest, delivering one of many funniest traces of his total tenure as he scolds the human race for offensively titling a horror movie, “Alien.” The ending may be rushed as a result of Coleman’s contract scenario off-screen, however let that take nothing away from the remainder of this good Christmas outing.

2

“The Christmas Invasion”

(Tenth Physician, 2005)

Typically, the very first is the perfect. Within the trendy period, virtually no Christmas particular has fairly captured the Physician Who spirit as a lot as “The Christmas Invasion.” Contemporary off the again of regenerating, the TARDIS crash-lands on Earth and into the arms of Rose’s (Billie Piper) household. With The Physician incapacitated, it’s as much as the companions and the British authorities to attempt to save the Earth from the invading Sycorax.

Leaving the star of the present on the sidelines for many of a serious particular is an impressively daring transfer, particularly contemplating that is Tennant’s first episode. Nevertheless, what this selection so cleverly achieves is bringing the viewers again into Rose’s acquainted world, due to this fact serving to ease a long-standing course of that was now new to a whole era of viewers. Quick-forward previous a lethal Christmas tree and to Tennant’s eventual restoration due to some good previous British tea, and the episode nails the touchdown with an epic sword battle and the affirmation that wherever the collection was going to go subsequent, it had the right man within the driver’s seat.

1

“A Christmas Carol”

(Eleventh Physician, 2010)

The easiest of Physician Who‘s festive specials was Smith’s first. In a intelligent adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this episode introduces us to the Scrooge-esque Kazran (Michael Gambon), whose horrid upbringing and lack of love have manipulated him into bitter distress. With the assistance of a TARDIS journey by means of time, The Physician brings again Kazran’s Christmas spirit and even addresses these demons which have haunted him ever since his childhood.

A daring, introspective story, Moffat’s first Christmas particular retains alive the sci-fi components of the present however parks the bombast, favoring a character-led, emotionally pushed story of change and progress. The position of Kazran is pivotal to the making or breaking of “A Christmas Carol,” with the late nice Gambon proving to be the right match. Assured to have viewers weeping into their mince pie, that is the height of Physician Who‘s festivities.

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