An Adventure in Space and Time
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11

Critic Reviews

  1. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Alasdair Wilkins
    Nov 21, 2013
    91
    The docudrama is at its most powerful in its second half, as the focus shifts more toward David Bradley as William Hartnell.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Marc Bernardin
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    There’s a breezy propulsion to An Adventure in Space and Time--written by Sherlock's Mark Gatiss, a member of the Steven Moffat mafia--as it charts the evolution of Doctor Who and the invention of so many things beloved by Whovians the world over.... But it’s David Bradley who gives this telefilm its heart.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    "Doctor Who" fans may get a little more out of "An Adventure in Space and Time" than non-Whovians. However, even for those who don't watch "Doctor Who" regularly, it's a terrifically entertaining period piece with a lot of heart and appreciation for TV history.
  5. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    With warmth and gravity, [David Bradley's] the heart and soul of this grand Adventure.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    As a story about how the past became the present (which makes us, in relation to its characters, people of the future), it is very much in line with its subject, and has been made with much the same mix of enchantment and suspense.
  7. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    Bradley brings a great deal of subtle pathos and doughty courage Hartnell's predicament, and ultimately, An Adventure becomes much more than a fun swing through TARDIS trivia. It becomes a story about hard work, ingenuity and a classy passing of the torch.
  8. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Mark Redfern
    Nov 20, 2013
    80
    An Adventure in Space and Time is a surprisingly moving docudrama that recounts the creation of the iconic British television series Doctor Who.
  9. Denver Post
    Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Nov 20, 2013
    80
    What a wonderful, funny, poignant origin tale for fans of “Doctor Who” and newcomers alike: An Adventure in Space and Time, airing Nov. 22, features a terrific performance by David Bradley as William Hartnell, the first Doctor. And a pleasing bit at the very end that will make you gasp.
  10. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Nov 21, 2013
    75
    The film is cleverly structured as a time-travel flashback, beginning in 1966, at the end of Hartnell's tenancy of the lead role.
  11. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Nov 18, 2013
    70
    An enjoyable dramatic movie.... [But] Because it’s a film both by and for the devoted, An Adventure in Space and Time tends to too easily revel in its own creation myth, veering quickly into a tidy, Hallmark-like ending.
  12. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Nov 21, 2013
    50
    An Adventure in Space and Time turns out to be an entirely conventional backstage drama, moving at a leisurely pace and making every reversal and triumph easily comprehensible for an audience that may not have seen the original show.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 46
  3. Negative: 10 out of 46
  1. Nomaan
    Nov 29, 2013
    10
    The whole affair is thoroughly riveting, even if you're not much of an old Whovian, hell it even works for non Whovians too. Missing it wouldThe whole affair is thoroughly riveting, even if you're not much of an old Whovian, hell it even works for non Whovians too. Missing it would be your own loss, trust me!… Full Review »
  2. imthenoob
    Aug 3, 2016
    7
    It was a nice little quick bit showing how the series came to be and how Hartnell dealt with being a sort of cultural icon during his run asIt was a nice little quick bit showing how the series came to be and how Hartnell dealt with being a sort of cultural icon during his run as the doctor, As well as his reluctance of giving up the role when his health was failing. Hats off to David Bradley who, as always, knocks it out of the park with his spot on performance as Hartnell. It's an interesting watch but if you already read up on the creation of the show, You aren't really missing anything.… Full Review »
  3. ThatCooperGuy
    Jun 27, 2015
    9
    Gonna be honest, I find "An Adventure Through Space & Time" much better than "Day of the Doctor". It's so much more interesting, and even gotGonna be honest, I find "An Adventure Through Space & Time" much better than "Day of the Doctor". It's so much more interesting, and even got me choking up at the end. It has more heart and better writing. DOTD is still good, but I like this film more.… Full Review »
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