Doctor Who: EVERY Series Opener Ranked Worst To Best

The Woman Who Fell to Earth is the slickest, most cinematic NuWho opener. From the off, it looks and feels incredible, thanks to the 2:1 aspect ratio, the urban nighttime setting, and Segun Akinola’s eerie, ambient score.

Gritty and grounded, it’s the perfect backdrop for Jodie Whittaker’s sparkly, dynamic Doctor. Meanwhile, the hour-long runtime ensures that none of her new companions are short-changed, although there are one or two moments where they're stood around with little to do.

There’s some brilliant imagery throughout, from the Stenza pod in the woods to the sonic screwdriver montage – but also a very tangible sense of threat, due to the freaky Tim Shaw and his growing list of victims.

It all culminates in the cruel twist of Grace’s death – the ultimate reminder that life in the TARDIS isn’t all fun and games. It’s an unusual but inspired note to end on, which propels us into the rest of the series just as much as the episode’s cliffhanger.

Like The Halloween Apocalypse, it’s a bold opener that still feels fresh seven years later.