What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDoctor Who
Sydney Newman · Series · 2005
If you loved Doctor Who, start with Torchwood (Russell T Davies, 2006) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Doctor Who across media.
What hooked you in Doctor Who was the way grand, cosmic adventures constantly collide with the fragile, beating hearts of individuals.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Torchwood
Russell T Davies · Series · 2006
Adaptation
The Sarah Jane Adventures
Russell T Davies · Series · 2007
Books on the same thread
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams · Book · 1979
Shares a thread with Doctor Who: Space Opera.
If you enjoyed the whimsical, fast-paced cosmic travel of Doctor Who, you will appreciate how this book uses the absurd to mirror the vast, unpredictable nature of the universe.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
The Doctor Who spirit of the reluctant hero embarking on a perilous journey finds a perfect parallel in this tale of an ordinary individual facing extraordinary, world-changing odds.
Doctor Zhivago
Boris Pasternak · Book · 2010
Explores: star-crossed lovers, intellectuals in revolution, exile and displacement.
Just as Doctor Who explores how one life weaves through the tapestry of history, this epic narrative examines the profound impact of individual choices amidst sweeping revolutionary change.
Dune
Frank Herbert · Book · 2003
Shares a thread with Doctor Who: Space Opera.
Doctor Who fans who love complex, planet-hopping politics will find themselves immersed in this masterpiece, which elevates personal destiny to the scale of a galactic, messianic prophecy.
Films on the same thread
Avatar
James Cameron · Film · 2009
Shares a thread with Doctor Who: Redemption.
Like the Doctor, the protagonist here is an outsider forced to choose between loyalty to their own kind and the protection of an alien civilization against colonial interests.
The Avengers
Joss Whedon · Film · 2012
Shares a thread with Doctor Who: Redemption.
The Doctor Who tradition of gathering unlikely companions to safeguard the planet is echoed in this ensemble story, where disparate personalities unite to avert a massive global disaster.
Alien
Ridley Scott · Film · 1979
Explores: Isolation, Paranoia, Corporate Greed.
While Doctor Who often finds wonder in the stars, this film captures the darker, isolated reality of alien encounters, emphasizing the vulnerability of humanity against an unknown, deadly threat.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan · Film · 2014
Explores: Existentialism, Humanity's Survival, Love and Sacrifice.
This film mirrors the scientific curiosity of Doctor Who by exploring the physical constraints of time and space, ultimately grounding its high-concept exploration in the persistence of human connection.
Podcasts on the same thread
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward · Podcast · 2026
Explores: intellectual curiosity, scientific wonder, human obsession.
The Doctor Who sense of wonder toward the mysteries of the universe is captured here, as this podcast investigates the bizarre, beautiful, and scientific realities of our complex world.
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
Doctor Who often focuses on the small-scale human drama that persists despite the alien chaos, much like this serialized story centers on the intricacies of community and daily life.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Are there other television shows related to Doctor Who?
Yes, there are spin-off series set within the same universe. You can watch Torchwood, which debuted in 2006, or The Sarah Jane Adventures, which premiered in 2007. These programs expand on the world established by Doctor Who and feature characters connected to the Doctor's travels.
What is the premise of Doctor Who?
Doctor Who follows a 900-year-old alien known as the Doctor. As a Time Lord with two hearts, the Doctor uses a mastery of time travel to save various planets. This activity serves as the Doctor's primary hobby while traveling through space and time.
Is Doctor Who a long-running series?
The modern iteration of Doctor Who began in 2005. Created by Sydney Newman, the series focuses on the adventures of a Time Lord who travels through space and time to protect planets. The show has inspired multiple spin-offs, including Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Should I watch Torchwood after finishing Doctor Who?
If you enjoyed the universe of Doctor Who, Torchwood is a relevant follow-up. It is an official television adaptation that launched in 2006. Watching it allows you to explore more stories set in the same world where the Doctor saves planets.