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. Grato
    Sep 29, 2014
    0
    Oh my,this is definitely the worst season since new Doctor Who started. I don't know what they're thinking by turning this amazing series so boring. I know that if things keeps so dull, many viewers will only stop watching it...
  3. Maeta
    Aug 23, 2014
    3
    Promising a serious version of the Doctor, all we got was a body of random eccentricity, fan service and awful slapstick wrapped around a few seconds of character development at a point when the episode was beyond redemption. There was no real plot, though that can be given a bit of a let off as an intro for Mr Capaldi's Doctor, but the attempts at comedy came across as insulting.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. marc5477
    Nov 20, 2014
    5
    I really dont mind the new doctor nor Clara but the season itself was very boring. The tie ins were very iffy and not well developed to make them interesting, and the final episodes were simply not very smartly written. I think its time for new writers. I know that they have already gone through almost any common idea ever conceived but that is the case for every tv show new and old. TheI really dont mind the new doctor nor Clara but the season itself was very boring. The tie ins were very iffy and not well developed to make them interesting, and the final episodes were simply not very smartly written. I think its time for new writers. I know that they have already gone through almost any common idea ever conceived but that is the case for every tv show new and old. The key is to make the recycled story fun by making the character and their interaction fun or interesting. This season was just boring...… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. AlfieTimewolf
    Oct 5, 2014
    4
    Just like when Matt took over, I was willing to give Peter Capaldi a chance to prove himself as the Doctor, bur so far all I've been is disappointed. Capaldi is an excellent actor, he was excellent as Caecilius in 'The Fires of Pompeii', as well as John Frobisher in season three of Torchwood, but his recent appearance as the space and time travelling Time lord has left nothing to beJust like when Matt took over, I was willing to give Peter Capaldi a chance to prove himself as the Doctor, bur so far all I've been is disappointed. Capaldi is an excellent actor, he was excellent as Caecilius in 'The Fires of Pompeii', as well as John Frobisher in season three of Torchwood, but his recent appearance as the space and time travelling Time lord has left nothing to be desired about.

    Deep Breath left me confused and unsatisfied, a little annoyed and definitely amused by the high pitched theme tune - in fact, I haven't /stopped/ laughing at the theme tune, it's just not right. Episode two was better, but I still didn't enjoy it. Robot of Sherwood (episode 3) has been the one I've liked the most, and it wasn't written by Steven Moffat.

    In regards to Sherlock, Moffat is an excellent writer. But now, watching series 8, I think he definitely needs to take a step back from being the head writer of Doctor Who. He's making show far too complicated now, and not even in the good way anymore.    … Expand
  15. Xzenor
    Oct 11, 2014
    3
    I was a real fan of the 2005 series up until now.
    The entire season feels like it's gonna be the last one. Like they're not putting any energy into it because they're pulling the plug anyway.
    It's rushed, there's not really a back-story, it's covered with plot-holes and it's insulting the viewers intelligence on more than one occasion. The new doctor is a terribly written selfish    I was a real fan of the 2005 series up until now.
    The entire season feels like it's gonna be the last one. Like they're not putting any energy into it because they're pulling the plug anyway.
    It's rushed, there's not really a back-story, it's covered with plot-holes and it's insulting the viewers intelligence on more than one occasion.
    The new doctor is a terribly written selfish prick, with Alzheimer because he seems to have forgotten everything his previous regenerations learned and stood for..

    So much is wrong about this season. Doctor who has really lost its soul.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. 1371113
    Sep 19, 2014
    2
    Not liking this season much. Sad, b/c I wanted to. The new Dr is boring and I don't care much what happens to him. The new Tardis interior seems like compensation to try and interest us, knowing that the plot and actors will not. Kind of...hmmm... I guess the word is shallow. The Tennant and Smith seasons seemed to be about complicated men who acted shallow and playful, occasionallyNot liking this season much. Sad, b/c I wanted to. The new Dr is boring and I don't care much what happens to him. The new Tardis interior seems like compensation to try and interest us, knowing that the plot and actors will not. Kind of...hmmm... I guess the word is shallow. The Tennant and Smith seasons seemed to be about complicated men who acted shallow and playful, occasionally showing their (often tragic) depth and power. This season seems like shallow people trying to act deep, in other words, posers or maybe high schoolish, something that would play after Teen Wolf. Not my cup of tea so rather than pursue this season I will wait until I have some time to waste and catch it on Hulu or some such thing.… Expand
  18. caslo
    Sep 24, 2014
    4
    Having just watched S08E01 I am very disappointed with the integration of Clara with the new doctor. How can you take one of the most entertaining companions ever and stick her in such a sad vehicle. Jenna Coleman is brilliant in the part yet almost everything else begs for her to find a way to break her contract.
    On a side note: If you didn't know that Madame Vastra was "married" to the    Having just watched S08E01 I am very disappointed with the integration of Clara with the new doctor. How can you take one of the most entertaining companions ever and stick her in such a sad vehicle. Jenna Coleman is brilliant in the part yet almost everything else begs for her to find a way to break her contract.
    On a side note: If you didn't know that Madame Vastra was "married" to the female character Jenny you will get plenty of that... Get rid of the LGBT cultural advisor and hire a writer for God's sake.    … Expand
  19. LegendofDaniel
    Sep 9, 2014
    3
    Disappointing. It's not even the new doctor. The script was terrible, and even some of the acting was bad. The story was downright confusing; I lost track of it about 20 minutes in, and Capaldi's forced quirkiness was off-putting.
  20. analogkid280
    Aug 26, 2014
    4
    The new doctor is excellent. Being a Pertwee and later fan I am so happy to see a return to real classic style episodes, and with dinosaurs! That being said it looked like this script was written on the back of a sugar cereal box by kindergarteners. All characters other than the Doctor where cookie cutter stagnant and not persistent with how we have gotten to know them in the past coupleThe new doctor is excellent. Being a Pertwee and later fan I am so happy to see a return to real classic style episodes, and with dinosaurs! That being said it looked like this script was written on the back of a sugar cereal box by kindergarteners. All characters other than the Doctor where cookie cutter stagnant and not persistent with how we have gotten to know them in the past couple of seasons. Even a good set of clever one liners and references could not save this jumbled mess. Also yes, we know they are lesbians! Please stop telling us that. What is this 2004 or what? It was like being stuck in a hipster public service announcement playing in loop mode. Am I the only one that thought that the cyborg guy looked like Leslie Nielsen's brother?… Expand
  21. Yokomoko
    Sep 15, 2014
    0
    The new doctor plays this new series well, because the new series is boring, stupid and infantile.

    There is a very vague story line and frankly I wonder how they are going to eek this out for another (however many more likes the doctor has) series.
  22. Dickison
    Oct 6, 2014
    0
    I've been watching Doctor Who since 2005, every episode. Series 8 may break that habit. The writing is terrible, Capaldi's attitude is terrible. Get some writers that know SciFi, not high school dropouts that have been given an assignment to write something they hate. This is not the venue for C class horror stories, it's for SCI-FI. Find writers that know the difference.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Oddacity
    Oct 25, 2014
    4
    I know that Peter Capaldi could be an amazing Doctor. I know because I've seen it. "Time Heist" had a distinct flavor of excellent Doctor Who writing in which Capaldi flourished and really felt like the Doctor and he did it with his own style. In "Mummy on the Orient Express" it was classic whovian wonder and suspense and Capaldi really shined in the episode. All the others were soI know that Peter Capaldi could be an amazing Doctor. I know because I've seen it. "Time Heist" had a distinct flavor of excellent Doctor Who writing in which Capaldi flourished and really felt like the Doctor and he did it with his own style. In "Mummy on the Orient Express" it was classic whovian wonder and suspense and Capaldi really shined in the episode. All the others were so disappointing, especially after waiting so long for this new series. I really think Moffat has lost touch with what makes good episodes. That thing, that X factor, is ultimately always allowing the Doctor to flourish. I think that this season should have focused on the Doctor far more and, though it's not over, I say it's too late to build up a Doctor that will be so beloved as to stand the test of time as a whovian favorite. It could have happened, but it didn't. I say it's on Moffat.… Expand
  26. AlexanderLuthor
    Oct 4, 2014
    2
    Having watched three episodes so far, I find the writing and the new doctor to be just dreadful. What a bitter disappointment. And I thought season 7 was bad.
  27. tvnewsguido
    Aug 24, 2014
    6
    The pilot's plot was dumb (not as dumb as some of the Season 6 stuff but still D U M B).

    Peter Capaldi was interesting to watch as always.

    I fear for the future of this show.
  28. Goopler
    Oct 9, 2014
    0
    Series 8 keeps getting worse. It's lame and boring. Many of my friends aren't even watching Doctor Who anymore, and I'm seriously considering stopping watching it too. It's the worst series so far.
    I mean, 7 terribly boring episodes ina row? What are they thinking? Don't they want people to watch it anymore? It used to be such a fun show. I',m definitely HATING this series so far. I have    Series 8 keeps getting worse. It's lame and boring. Many of my friends aren't even watching Doctor Who anymore, and I'm seriously considering stopping watching it too. It's the worst series so far.
    I mean, 7 terribly boring episodes ina row? What are they thinking? Don't they want people to watch it anymore? It used to be such a fun show. I',m definitely HATING this series so far. I have nothing good to say about it. It's like they're just ignoring everything the show and the Doctor stood for.    … Expand
  29. madscientist15
    Oct 16, 2014
    0
    By far the worst Dr. Who series of the new era. I have watched all episodes starting from the 9th on to the 12th doctor, and while the scriptwriting was tanking in Season 7 it has hit rock bottom in Season 8. Coupled with a cantankerous senile doctor that can't seem to remember anything experienced in his past 1500 or more years of existence and a "companion" who takes on the role of theBy far the worst Dr. Who series of the new era. I have watched all episodes starting from the 9th on to the 12th doctor, and while the scriptwriting was tanking in Season 7 it has hit rock bottom in Season 8. Coupled with a cantankerous senile doctor that can't seem to remember anything experienced in his past 1500 or more years of existence and a "companion" who takes on the role of the Time Lord far too often and you have a recipe for complete disaster.

    Steven Moffat is ovbiously written out at this point. The plots are shallow, insulting, extremely childish, and a great departure from the fine television normally expected when tuning into the BBC. Instead of an old, wise man with some quirks taking his companions (and the audience) to experience the wonders, horrors, and pathos of the universe we get Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School B̶u̶s̶ Box.

    Please, please hand over the show to someone else; all the previous seasons had guest writers yet all we really have had in this series is a steady diet of Moffat's social agenda promoting soap opera. I've quit watching it as of the 5th episode and so have most of the people I know.    … Expand
  30. PCAriza
    Sep 29, 2014
    0
    Really boring season. I'm not at all pleased by it. The episodes make me yawn and the new Doctor is pretty much an idiot. It's been already 6 episodes and until now, it's been lame. Last episode was the best and even so it wasn't fun like doctor Who used to be. I wished Matt haven't left, because Capaldi is not working. He doesn't feel like the Doctor. Just a confused boring guy.
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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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