Doctor Who: Every Doctor Ranked From Worst To Best

The First Doctor is the one who introduced us to our travels through time and space. Originally brought to life by William Hartnell, this version of the famous traveler was closer to a grumpy grandad than the fun uncle they would become. Hartnell played the role from 1963 to 1966, returning in the tenth anniversary special The Three Doctors for a cameo.

Richard Hurndall took over the role for the next anniversary special, The Five Doctors, in 1983. Though it was his only appearance in the role, it was a solid portrayal of this early version of the Doctor, whose authenticity was helped by appearing alongside original companion Susan Foreman, played by a returning Carole Ann Ford.

David Bradley then assumed the role in the closing moments of 2017's The Doctor Falls (he had previously played William Hartnell in the 2013 biopic An Adventure in Space and Time), before returning in Twice Upon A Time, and The Power of the Doctor.

This allowed an update on the first incarnation, displaying him as an out-of-touch older gentleman, struggling with how things have become. It was also a clever and touching meditation on the Doctor's long life, allowing Doctor Uno to see some of the many achievements, and failures, in his future.

While the First Doctor is in some sense a relic of the past, these appearances will always carry a special meaning for fans of Doctor Who.