The First Doctor was known to be abrasive and patronizing-though he loved granddaughter Susan Foreman dearly. Bradley played the First Doctor in a 50th anniversary special in 2013.īe aware that the Doctor's personality changes with each incarnation. The First Doctor also appeared in the 1983 special The Five Doctors, played by actor Richard Hurndall-who died in 1984. (The Doctor is a time traveler, did we mention?) David Bradley will portray the First Doctor, though the character was originally played by William Hartnell from 1963 to 1966.

This particular Christmas special, 'Twice Upon a Time,' features another reincarnation of the Doctor: the First Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor in “Doctor Who.” BBC America Whittaker will return as the Doctor in Season 11. It had been previously established in Doctor Who canon that a Time Lord can only regenerate 12 times-but that plot obstacle was finally undone in a 2013 episode, giving the Doctor a new cycle of regenerations. You'll likely only see her for a brief moment at the very end of the episode, but it will be Whittaker's debut as the 13th Doctor and the first-ever woman Doctor. That's what will happen to Capaldi, who is the 12th actor to star in the role. (Do not call him Doctor Who.) The Doctor is an alien-a Time Lord-who is able to 'regenerate' into a new body (and new actor) when he dies. In case you don't know, Doctor Who has managed to stay on the air for more than 50 years by periodically replacing its lead character, the Doctor. Just don't forget to cancel your trial if you don't want to get charged $20. Sling Television offers a seven-day free trial, and it can get you access to BBC's live programming. If you don't have access to either of those channels, there is another streaming option. If your cable package includes BBC America, you can also sign in to stream the episode on the network's website.įor viewers in the U.K., the episode will air on BBC1 at 5:30 p.m, and will be available to stream shortly after on the BBC website. The special is 60 minutes and will be immediately followed by another special, 'Doctor Who: Farewell to Peter Capaldi,' featuring interviews and footage of Capaldi's run on Doctor Who.

From left: Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts, Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor and David Bradley as the First Doctor in “Twice Upon a Time.” BBC America How to Watchįor Americans, the Christmas special will air Christmas day at 9 p.m.

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