Listener Frankie Naughton set us a challenge this month - who are the greatest directors from the classic era of Doctor Who?

From the atmospheric to the ambitious, the stylish to the inventive, we’ve picked our favourites and taken a look at what made their work stand out.

If you’ve got 20m to spare, we’d love you to tune in.

Who would make your list? Why not write in and let us know?

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

In today’s episode we look at The Paradise of Death – the five-part BBC Radio 5 Doctor Who audio drama starring Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, originally broadcast weekly from 27 August to 24 September 1993.

Before that, we kick things off with the usual mix of news and short topics. Then, after the audio drama chat, we open the mailbag for a ton of feedback from our listeners on a number of topics.

Enjoy, dear listener.

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

Don’t Read the Comments is an irregular podcast on our feed where we ignore the show’s title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who.

Today, Rob is reading comments from the Gallifrey subreddit relating to the latest rumours about the future of Doctor Who. Specifically, reports that American production company Electric Entertainment is interested in taking over the show, with David Tennant reportedly wanted back in the role of the Doctor.

Electric Entertainment boss Dean Devlin has since confirmed the company is interested in Doctor Who, while denying that any negotiations with the BBC have taken place.

So what does the Gallifrey sub make of the prospect of Tennant returning to Doctor Who for a third bite at the Time Lord cherry? Rob finds out.

Contact us: Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

Join Dave from the Doctor Who Show, Rob and Mark from 42 to Doomsday, and Richard from Spacefall: A Blakes 7 Podcast, after knocking back a few gin and tonics at Dave’s place and watching The Hand of Fear.

The story sees the Fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker, and Sarah Jane Smith, played by Elisabeth Sladen, investigating the discovery of a mysterious fossilised hand following a quarry explosion. Before long, Sarah is possessed by an alien consciousness, while the Doctor is left trying to work out exactly what has fallen to Earth and what it wants.

Originally broadcast in four weekly parts from 2 to 23 October 1976, The Hand of Fear is probably most notable for marking Elisabeth Sladen’s final regular appearance as Sarah Jane Smith and the last story in which the Doctor and Sarah travel together in the TARDIS.

So pour yourself a G&T and join us as we get to grips with one of the Fourth Doctor era's most memorable departures.

Contact us: Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

In today’s episode we look at The Tomb of the Cybermen - the first serial of the fifth season of Doctor Who, originally broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 2 to 23 September 1967.

Before that, we kick things off with the usual mix of news and short topics. Then, after the TV episodes chat, we open the mailbag for a ton of feedback from our listeners on a number of topics.

Enjoy, dear listener.

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

As we sit here today, we know Doctor Who is going to tender at some stage - probably later this year. We also know BBC Studios will be throwing its hat into the ring when it does.

Basically, 'stuff' is happening and, eventually, a new Doctor is going to be cast.

So in the spirit of our specials 14 for 14 (August 8, 2021) and 21 Replacements For 12 (February 1, 2017), we're here to kick around our picks for the 16th Doctor.

We hope you like it.

Who would YOU cast as the 16th Doctor? Why not get in touch and let us know?

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

Listener Kosta from Philadelphia USA set us a challenge this month – what are our top Doctor Who "comfort" stories?

If you’ve got 20m to spare, we’d love you to tune in.

What would your picks be? Why not write in and let us know?

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow

Don’t Read the Comments is an irregular podcast on our feed where we ignore the show’s title and actually read online comments relating to something going on in the world of Doctor Who.

Today, I'm reading comments from the Gallifrey subreddit relating to the very sad passing of Justin Richards, the prolific British author and editor whose dozens of Doctor Who novels, audio dramas, and reference books made him one of the franchise’s most influential writers outside of television.

Justin passed away with early-onset fronto-temporal dementia on June 28, 2026. He was 64.

Contact us:

Bluesky: @thedwshow.net X / Twitter: @theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net Substack: thedwshow.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow