The original Doctor Who TV series started on 23 November 1963, when the first episode “An Unearthly Child” was broadcast on BBC TV in the UK.

Quick Scoop

  • First air date: 23 November 1963.
  • First story/serial: “An Unearthly Child.”
  • Channel: BBC TV (now known as BBC One) in the UK.
  • Time slot: Early Saturday evening as a family sci‑fi show.

So if you’re wondering “when did Dr Who start?” , fans generally point to that November 1963 Saturday as the official beginning of the show’s long run.

TL;DR: Doctor Who (often written “Dr Who” informally) started on 23 November 1963 with the episode “An Unearthly Child” on BBC TV.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.