Doctor Who

:

Season 5
Season #: 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Randee Dawn
    80
    It's family-friendly and adult-pleasing, over-the-top and nightmarish, witty and deep all at the same time.
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    Truth is there’s nothing off in either Smith’s infectiously enthusiastic spin on the good Doctor or in newly installed executive producer Steven Moffat's confident storytelling.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    80
    It takes no time at all for the new team to establish its authority; the new "Who" feels at once traditional and fresh, and completely right.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Andrew Barker
    80
    Sharply satirical and playfully dorky without getting bogged down in its own mythology, this iteration should continue to broaden the show's appeal beyond its twin fanbases of Comic-Con lifers and Anglophiles, though both groups will certainly give their seal of approval.
  6. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    80
    Though Moffat's written some scary stuff for The Doctor before this, Saturday's season premiere feels like a fresh start.
  7. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    It's obvious from the start that a familiar hand is at work in the storytelling, and 27-year-old Mr. Smith is as game as his predecessors in committing whole-hog to the crazy and delivering the drama.
  8. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    80
    Smith's work in "The Eleventh Hour" showed us exactly what Moffat saw in that audition...."Eleventh Hour" is also a great build-up for Karen Gillan's immensely likable Amy Pond, who has by far the most interesting, emotionally resonant backstory of the modern companions.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    There's no darkness looming just yet, and the season premiere is almost too jokey at times--certain comedic bits are stretched longer than they should be. Still, this is quite a bold and energetic (if not frenetic) new edition of Doctor Who. Hang on to the TARDIS, fans, it looks like we're in for quite a ride.
  10. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    60
    Allowances must be made for a scene-setting episode introducing an entire new cast, and the show could easily get back in the groove next week. But perhaps, once the new Doctor gets the hang of the Tardis, he could go back to late 2009 and pick up Mr. Davies, just for a consult.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best TV Season of 2010
16
#16 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
49
#49 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 383 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 337 out of 383
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 383
  3. Negative: 26 out of 383
  1. benderrodriguez
    Sep 24, 2010
    8
    Matt Smith portrays a very interesting Doctor, but he's not quite as charming as David Tennant. Amy Pond and Rory however are both greatMatt Smith portrays a very interesting Doctor, but he's not quite as charming as David Tennant. Amy Pond and Rory however are both great companions. The only thing I don't like is that some of the stories and special effects are rather simple. I hope the Christmas episode makes up for an above-average Doctor so far. The Big Bang so far has been the best episode.… Full Review »
  2. TatrTotz
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    Hands down the best season of Doctor Who so far. Moffat is a clever writer, with episodes that make you realize that The Doctor is more thanHands down the best season of Doctor Who so far. Moffat is a clever writer, with episodes that make you realize that The Doctor is more than just a silly man with a time machine. Sure, its ridiculous, but if you're bashing this season for being overly ridiculous, you should step back and realize that you're watching a show starring a man named "The Doctor" who is a time traveling alien called a Time Lord, with two hearts and a sonic screwdriver that can basically do anything, and can't die because he just turns into a different person basically. If that's not ridiculous, you have no business watching this show. As a friend of mine said, The Doctor's greatest tool is his cartoon resourcefulness. Every episode in this season is brilliant, Matt Smith is an incredible actor, and everything is so shiny and fancy, not cheap-feeling like seasons before. I'm glad Moffat took the reigns. He's a brilliant writer and is turning the show into something great and its never been before.… Full Review »
  3. MickeyS.
    Apr 18, 2010
    10
    As a long time Dr. Who fan, I found this episode was brilliant.
See all user reviews »