Doctor Who at 60: The spiritual themes behind the sci-fi phenomenon

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Caleb Woodbridge discovers a variety of spiritual messages in TV’s longest-running sci-fi show

On 22 November 1963, a new Saturday teatime “adventure in time and space” introduced a mysterious time-traveller known only as ‘the Doctor’ to TV audiences.

As the much-loved Doctor Who celebrates its 60th anniversary this month, David Tennant returns to the TARDIS, along with Catherine Tate as his companion, Donna. TV writer Russell T Davies is also back at the helm, having previously revived the show in 2005 to great acclaim. With Tennant pulling in old fans, and the announcement of Ncuti Gatwa as the next Doctor likely to attract new audiences – as well a co-production deal with Disney+ to boost the budget and reach global audiences – Davies has a good chance of pulling off another revival. But why is this very British sci-fi institution so enduringly popular?