Doctor Who

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Season 8
Season #: 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 232 out of 346
  2. Mixed: 55 out of 346
  3. Negative: 59 out of 346
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User Reviews

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  1. thetvreviewman
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    Its always tough to get used to a new doctor, but Peter Capaldi does a good job of showing us how he is ready to take on the role. This season of Doctor Who continues to give the audience great science fiction action and just the right amount of weirdness that we are used to seeing in Doctor who.
  2. eagleeyeviking
    Jan 5, 2016
    7
    Steven Moffat's metaphysical storylines are overcomplicated as usual, but it is redeemed by Peter Capaldi's brilliant performance as the twelfth Doctor.
  3. Benerd
    Sep 19, 2015
    10
    I think this is one of the best Doctor Who seasons in a while. The writing was awesome, really clever and funny. Plotlines were interesting with excellent twists. The past few seasons had been hit or miss, I'm glad this one was so solid. This Capaldi is an excellent Doctor, I like the Doctor as a cranky old man better than as a young stud. I hope season 9 lives up to the high expectationsI think this is one of the best Doctor Who seasons in a while. The writing was awesome, really clever and funny. Plotlines were interesting with excellent twists. The past few seasons had been hit or miss, I'm glad this one was so solid. This Capaldi is an excellent Doctor, I like the Doctor as a cranky old man better than as a young stud. I hope season 9 lives up to the high expectations that have been set!… Expand
  4. Ryan13cla
    Oct 11, 2015
    10
    Undeniably the most divisive season this show has aired yet. Season 8 is focused more on the characters of the Doctor and Clara than the monsters and action sequences. Some feel this subtracts from what this show is about, others feel it strengthens the stories. I agree firmly with the latter. Into the Dalek, Listen, Time Heist, The Caretaker, Kill the Moon, Mummy on the Orient Express,Undeniably the most divisive season this show has aired yet. Season 8 is focused more on the characters of the Doctor and Clara than the monsters and action sequences. Some feel this subtracts from what this show is about, others feel it strengthens the stories. I agree firmly with the latter. Into the Dalek, Listen, Time Heist, The Caretaker, Kill the Moon, Mummy on the Orient Express, Flatline and Dark Water are all exceptional episodes of a superb season.… Expand
  5. hyperbeast321
    Jan 3, 2016
    8
    After watching all 8 seasons on Netflix, I certainly enjoyed Doctor Who, and it's one of my favorite TV shows. However, since I watched every single episode, I was forced through the monotony of the awful Doctor Who episodes, the ones that people see and turn them away from the show forever. And why are these episodes an entry point for so many people? Because after sitting down and makingAfter watching all 8 seasons on Netflix, I certainly enjoyed Doctor Who, and it's one of my favorite TV shows. However, since I watched every single episode, I was forced through the monotony of the awful Doctor Who episodes, the ones that people see and turn them away from the show forever. And why are these episodes an entry point for so many people? Because after sitting down and making a list, I calculated that roughly 1/4 of the shows episodes are bad! 1/4! And it doesn't help that another 2/4 are simply "enjoyable" at best. That leaves 1/4 of the show that I can use to explain why the show is good. This inconsistency among the episodes is what kills Doctor Who for many people. For me personally, the "enjoyable" episodes were what saved the show for me. If the show was 2/3 "bad" episodes, and 1/3 "good" episodes, I wouldn't be able to watch it. But thankfully, the "enjoyable" episodes are just that, enjoyable, and the help give you a good experience in between the highs of the "good" and the horrors of the "bad". Let me put it this way: if you watch four episodes of the show, you will have 2 that give you some enjoyment, 1 that is very bad, and 1 that will blow you away. If that sounds like not enough quality for your time, then you won't like Doctor Who. The reason I'm giving the show an 8 after all of this is because the show has proven that it's capable of immense highs, and the new season shows that there is a better move towards quality. Episodes like "Listen", "Time Heist", "Deep Breath", and of course the finale two-parter "Dark Water/Death in Heaven" all represent some of the best the show has to offer. And better yet there are really only 2 stinkers! This is a good direction for Doctor Who, and this score reflects that.… Expand
  6. dwfan42
    Jun 12, 2016
    10
    While not as fun as other series, Into the Dalek, Listen, Kill the Moon, Mummy on the Orient Express, Flatline and Dark Water were fantastic. It's a step up from series 7, but it feels weighed down.
  7. user12
    Dec 15, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To this day, no other science fiction series I have ever seen is better than Doctor Who. The eighth season is easily the best one yet. Peter Capaldi is the best Doctor yet.… Expand
  8. Cyruptsaram
    Apr 9, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perhaps not as consistent as previous seasons, Series 8 still has the same science-fiction feel coupled with the new and extraordinary special effects. Peter Capaldi's debut is a little shaky to begin with, but once Listen comes round it quickly saves itself. Standout episodes include Listen, Time Heist, Flatline and Dark Water/Death in Heaven, the latter more so than the rest. There were two major lows however this season, with Robot of Sherwood and In the Forest of the Night, which were not engaging whatsoever. Nevertheless, the show is still going strong and with the return of the Master, there could be a lot of new things happening next season!… Expand
  9. carpmaster
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably the best Series to date. Capaldi is immediately the Doctor, and will quickly take a spot as one of your favorites. Brilliant episodes such as Flatline, and Mummy on the Orient Express, and lacks the terrible episode that in Series 4 was Midnight. Every episode is great, and Capaldi really shines. Coleman finally steps into a comfortable role as Clara, and The Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere, better known as Missy or the Master. (I told you spoilers) is immediately competing with Roger Delgado. A good storyline that is always there, but doesn't encompass. Osgood's death was an unnecessary and cruel play by Moffat.… Expand
  10. vikesh2206
    Nov 10, 2014
    8
    Series 8 of Doctor Who impresses with its consistency in the quality of its stories and the well realized characters even if some of the episodes (including the finale) are somewhat convoluted.
  11. Tryenigh
    Aug 23, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A strong introduction for the Peter Capaldi-era of Doctor Who. The first half sets it's self as focusing on the new iteration of Doctor adapting, remembering and getting used to his new body, whereas the second half goes on a more philosophical path; drawing some interesting parallels between Clara/The DW Fans, and very much The Doctor/Antagonist.

    The main 'gimmick' of the episode is that robots are stupid (shouldn't come as too much of a surprise), and they can only detect you when you're breathing. This works well when it comes to Clara hiding from them whilst trying to escape, although feels a bit insulting when it comes into effect in the middle of sword-combat.

    There is a dinosaur introduced in the start, although she is used mainly to illustrate the strength of the antagonists main goal; it works well, since you want to learn about the new Doctor, although something more could have been done with that.

    Overall, a very strong start to the series, leaving just a tiny glimpse of what's to come. The new, more serious tone is refreshing; feeling like an odd child of Steven Moffat's style and some more old-school tones. Slapstick could do with departing.    … Expand
  12. Murdocdelrey
    Sep 2, 2014
    7
    Not as great as the first 4 seasons, but I like the new season so far, sooooo much better than the past three seasons which were absolute crap,Season 6 in particular, the show's never gonna be great again because of Steven Moffat, BUT it can Still be "good" because of Peter Capaldi who I like way more than Matt Smith but we'll see if he screws up before the season's end
  13. eye4things
    Aug 25, 2014
    9
    Peter Capaldi has the potential to be the best Doctor yet. He brilliantly and convincingly swings from sharp humor to a more the serious Doctor that we all knew was underneath. His performance made me laugh, cheer, and worry about the Doctor's moral grounding. In short, Capaldi is captivating in the role, showing both the spark and the dark that reminds me of the best performances ofPeter Capaldi has the potential to be the best Doctor yet. He brilliantly and convincingly swings from sharp humor to a more the serious Doctor that we all knew was underneath. His performance made me laugh, cheer, and worry about the Doctor's moral grounding. In short, Capaldi is captivating in the role, showing both the spark and the dark that reminds me of the best performances of Smith and Tennant--and this is the first episode! Cannot wait to see more.… Expand
  14. Airaindust
    Sep 2, 2014
    8
    I'm liking Peter Capaldi and find him a nice fit for the roll. I love the 10th and 11th doctors for their own reasons and I'm certain I'll come to love 12 just as much in time. As for the episodes so far and the tone of series 8 I'm enjoying the darker feel and find it a good change of pace.
  15. Kal-Hell
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    If there ever was a super-nerd-friendly live action TV show it would be Doctor Who. The longest running science fiction television series in history. What's not to love about a smart ass alien who likes to take earthlings into his time machine to run amok around time and space? If you've never seen this series and people you know keep begging you to do so, there's a reason. "Don't blink."
  16. Movi3R3vi3wer
    Nov 27, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed this season of Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi is excellent as The Doctor, add in the excellent Chemistry with Jenna Coleman's Clara this was a very fun season despite it's flaws.
  17. CuptralCritique
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    I know that the critics love this season, but the reaction was HUGELY mixed. I like it though! I think that this season is a bit underrated, and I like the new doctor.
  18. shavenwookie
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    Peter Capaldi is an excellent Doctor and has much more chemistry in the first episode with Clara then Matt Smith's Doctor had through out his whole run. The problem is the writing in this episode was a little thin it feels like the storyline in this episode was an after thought with some character development. Capaldis a nice change from Smith's constantly over the top Doctor.
  19. WhiskeyClone85
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    "Times change, and so must I." These words were part of the last soliloquy of the 11th Doctor, who just so happens to also be my favorite doctor. The transition from one doctor to the next is never easy, but the constant alteration is part of what makes the show great. To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to the new doctor, especially considering his prickly-ness when compared to"Times change, and so must I." These words were part of the last soliloquy of the 11th Doctor, who just so happens to also be my favorite doctor. The transition from one doctor to the next is never easy, but the constant alteration is part of what makes the show great. To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to the new doctor, especially considering his prickly-ness when compared to the 10th and 11th. However, by the episodes "Listen" and "The Caretaker" I feel he has won me over. Where he will rank overall is still to be determined, but I am excited to see where the show takes us.… Expand
  20. intruder313
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My niggles:
    Not enough screen-time for Capaldi, instead we got some slightly forced humour among the companions.
    The Scottish nationalism / Anglo-phobia was light-hearted but still slightly overdone.
    The giant T-Rex was wasted and obviously created just to have something interesting to place into the trailers.
    Rubbish cyborgs, though that was part-deliberate.

    Otherwise very good I'm confident Capaldi will be one of the great Doctors.    … Expand
  21. OpinionatedGuy
    Nov 19, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The backlash from the fans about how this season made the show “jump the shark” made me wonder if they’re watching the same show as I do. If they complain a lot, that attributes why this season of the show was not enjoyable to them. This season of Doctor Who was very entertaining since Season 5!

    Season 8 managed to make Peter Capaldi as my new favorite doctor since David Tennant. He is the Doctor I have been waiting for. His signature rebellious, grumpy attitude made the Twelfth Doctor oddly likable as it fits with Peter Capaldi’s excellent performance.

    Speaking of performance, Jenna Coleman did a good job portraying the companion Clara Oswald. Both Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman had a great working chemistry together as opposites attract.

    I would admit that this season is mostly about the character development of Clara. However, if you didn’t notice, the show focuses a lot about the companions without taking the spotlight of the Doctor. Clara had a better character development this season and she was changed from “damsel in distress” to becoming a potential female Doctor.

    Speaking of a female Doctor, I loved how the mysterious Missy is a female incarnation of The Master. She was the fun yet scary version of The Master. Michele Gomez did a great job portraying the female version of the Master. I am glad that we’re not seeing the last of her yet because I want to see more Missy.

    Back to character development, the Twelfth Doctor started out as rebellious and grumpy but at the end, we can see that he still cares a lot just like his previous incarnations of the Doctor, he just hides it and he did not lose his grumpiness at all.

    Most of the episode were very entertaining hence makes this season very entertaining since Season 5. While The Caretaker was my favorite episode this season, the Mummy on the Orient Express and Flatline which was both written by Jamie Mathieson had a very good storytelling that it makes Jamie Mathieson a new candidate for a showrunner of the show when Steven Moffat leaves.

    The arc this season was very interesting and something new to the show. The show did deal about afterlife in the previous seasons but this is when the season gets deep about the afterlife that it becomes a bit heartbreaking.

    Even though this season is not really the best season ever, the eighth season of Doctor Who managed to be a very enjoyable season since Season 5 with a mix of brilliant performances from Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Michele Gomez, great character development as well as providing a thought-provoking arc story. Season 8 will be the season I remember that the Twelfth Doctor is my new favorite doctor.    … Expand
  22. Genmarrie
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Enchanting. great script writing, and so much depth to the Doctor and Jenna. Much better than poor Matt Smith had to deal with, with all that mindless prattling which caused me to stop watching last series. If I haven't made it clear THIS IS MAGICAL. Thank you big time.… Expand
  23. Doctor12Who
    Dec 26, 2014
    10
    Its amazing all the bad reviews i see on this. i was skeptical about Peter Capaldi at first, i thought he would be to serious and that the show wouldn't be able to go to its normal extremes due to his age and limitations. but right away i could tell he wasn't going to be to serious and honestly why would you want a serious Doctor the show is witty and fun, a serious Doctor would bringIts amazing all the bad reviews i see on this. i was skeptical about Peter Capaldi at first, i thought he would be to serious and that the show wouldn't be able to go to its normal extremes due to his age and limitations. but right away i could tell he wasn't going to be to serious and honestly why would you want a serious Doctor the show is witty and fun, a serious Doctor would bring nothing interesting to the show, I like to see Clara and The Doctor being together a lot more then previous companions, not always separated. The show has been great this season its made small steps of change and that's great for a show that i hope says on for a longgg time.… Expand
  24. HomeBoyJake
    Nov 16, 2014
    10
    This season is probably the best season of the show, and the most underrated season of any show ever! This blows a genuine portion of season 7 out of the water!
  25. Squall1967
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    Peter Capaldi is the new Doctor...and he really is. Darker, maddest then the previous doc, he can take the series in a new direction. Hope the writers can serve him solid stories.
  26. xxbend3er
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    I LOVE DOCTOR WHO!!!! Meata As Said in Family Guy

    "I DISAGREE" I Fell they really blew this out of the water. Every time there is a new doctor it is always heartbreaking. And you have to get used to the new doctor. But i fell this doctor has allot of the original doctors aspects from the first season of the new series Plus a little of the other doctors aspects as well. I mean the first    I LOVE DOCTOR WHO!!!! Meata As Said in Family Guy

    "I DISAGREE" I Fell they really blew this out of the water. Every time there is a new doctor it is always heartbreaking. And you have to get used to the new doctor. But i fell this doctor has allot of the original doctors aspects from the first season of the new series Plus a little of the other doctors aspects as well. I mean the first doctor was a a## but i learned to love him as well.    … Expand
  27. mitokio
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    I honestly didn't realize how spectacular Peter Capaldi was as the Doctor until too late. Going back and rewatching his seasons there are so many layers and intricacies, so many subtle and clever touches. Both Capaldi and Moffat are lifelong fans of the Doctor and it shows. I'm sad it landed on deaf ears at the time, but here's hoping people go back and see how amazing their tenure was.
  28. AmenAllahRhouma
    May 7, 2019
    10
    The best season ever made introducing the best era on Doctor Who this season is a real Master piece
  29. imthenoob
    Nov 30, 2020
    9
    Capaldi killed it as the Doctor and with the show clearly firing on all cylinders, Season 8 gave us one of the best seasons of Modern Who by far IMO.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best TV Season of 2014
15
#15 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
72
#72 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Cody Ray Shafer
    Aug 26, 2014
    70
    The story serves as little more than set pieces to the real conflict here, which is Clara's relationship with The Doctor.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Aug 25, 2014
    80
    For a program known for its harum-scarum pace and keep-up-or-shut-up iconography, the Season 8 Saturday premiere of BBC America's Doctor Who opens slowly--even with the T. rex--and radiates a newly modern self-consciousness, albeit dressed in Victorian garb.
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  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Aug 22, 2014
    70
    Capaldi's Doctor is not just older but looks to be drier in his humor, more reticent, more coldblooded and dangerous. From a critic’s point of view, that’s interesting and potentially an improvement.... In other ways, the season premiere is a bit of a space holder, a middling story that’s concerned mainly with introducing Mr. Capaldi and establishing the relationship between the new Doctor and his sidekick, Clara.
    Read full review
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