Review: Doctor Who (2025) – A Bold New Era for the Timeless Sci-Fi Classic on Disney+ and Netflix

After decades of time-traveling adventures, Doctor Who is back in a big way in 2025, with a fresh reboot that promises to take the iconic British sci-fi series to bold new heights. For fans of the show, Doctor Who has always been a celebration of imagination, daring adventures, and quirky characters. Now, with its 2025 relaunch on Disney+ and Netflix, the series has embraced a new vision—one that combines the best of its classic roots with a modern sensibility. From dazzling visuals to new faces in the TARDIS, the latest season feels both familiar and entirely new.

A New Doctor, A New Era

The most immediate change in this new chapter of Doctor Who is, of course, the Doctor themselves. Played by Rami Malek, the 14th incarnation of the Doctor brings a captivating blend of mystery, intellect, and vulnerability to the role. Malek’s portrayal marks a significant departure from previous incarnations, with a more somber and introspective version of the Doctor emerging. Fans of the show have been used to the more whimsical, energetic Doctors of the past, but this 14th Doctor feels a bit more grounded—haunted by past mistakes but determined to right the wrongs of the universe.

Malek’s performance is mesmerizing, infusing the character with a fresh complexity. There’s an underlying sadness to his portrayal, and yet the Doctor’s hope and tenacity shine through, reminding us why this character has remained an enduring icon. The show takes a deeper dive into the Doctor’s emotional and psychological state, giving fans an even more profound understanding of this beloved alien. watch this on YouTube TV in Canada or Hulu in Canada.

The New Companions: Chemistry at the Core

While the Doctor is always the star, Doctor Who wouldn’t be Doctor Who without its companions, and the new season delivers a strong ensemble cast that offers intriguing new dynamics. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the Doctor’s new companion, Ivy, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist with a hidden past. Their chemistry is electric from the first episode, and the contrast between Ivy’s more grounded, scientific perspective and the Doctor’s boundless curiosity creates an interesting tension. Ivy’s own arc of self-discovery and redemption mirrors the Doctor’s journey, and the two characters become increasingly intertwined as the season progresses.

Joining Ivy is John Boyega as Leon, a tech genius with a strong moral compass, who quickly becomes one of the Doctor’s closest allies. Boyega’s charisma and warmth add a sense of humor and lightness to the series, balancing out the darker tone of the Doctor's new persona. Their dynamic feels natural, and there’s an easy camaraderie between the trio that recalls the best of classic companions. Leon and Ivy’s evolving relationship with the Doctor creates a sense of emotional depth that has been lacking in previous seasons, making their adventures feel more personal and impactful.

The Villains: A New Threat to the Universe

No Doctor Who season would be complete without a formidable villain, and the 2025 season certainly delivers. The main antagonist for this run is a mysterious alien race known as the "Eternals." These enigmatic beings exist beyond time and space, manipulating the fabric of reality itself. Their motives are unclear at first, and the Doctor must use every bit of intellect and resourcefulness to uncover the truth behind their sinister plans.

The Eternals’ presence is felt in every episode, weaving a thread of tension throughout the season. Their ability to alter time and space challenges the Doctor in ways that are both physically and mentally taxing. What sets them apart from past villains is their complexity; the Eternals aren’t just evil for the sake of being evil—they have motives tied to the very nature of existence itself, and their relationship with the Doctor is one of both fascination and antagonism.

The villains of Doctor Who have always been more than just one-dimensional antagonists, but the Eternals take this to the next level, offering viewers a complex and multifaceted threat that drives the overarching narrative forward.

The Visuals: A Stunning Leap Forward

The 2025 season of Doctor Who also marks a leap forward in terms of visuals. The show has embraced cutting-edge CGI, resulting in a stunning visual overhaul. The TARDIS feels more alive than ever, with intricate details that give it a tangible, physical presence. The landscapes they visit—from alien worlds to futuristic cities—are vibrant, dynamic, and immersive. It’s clear that the series has received a significant budget boost, and the visuals do much to enhance the immersive quality of the show.

The action sequences, especially those involving time travel, are intense and visually thrilling. The special effects make these sequences feel more cinematic, with fast-paced action blending seamlessly into the narrative. Whether it’s a thrilling chase through the streets of a neon-lit future city or a high-stakes confrontation with a monstrous alien, the visual storytelling makes each episode feel like an event.

The Writing: A Perfect Balance of Adventure and Emotion

At the core of Doctor Who is its ability to balance action with emotional depth, and the 2025 season does this better than ever. The writing is sharp, clever, and thoughtful, with each episode feeling like a mini film. There’s a sense of urgency in the storytelling, as the Doctor and their companions race against time to solve problems that span across dimensions. However, what makes this season truly stand out is its emotional resonance.

The show explores deeper themes such as the consequences of time travel, the loneliness of being the last of the Time Lords, and the weight of responsibility. The Doctor’s journey this season isn’t just one of saving the universe—it’s one of personal growth and dealing with the trauma of the past. This adds an emotional layer that will resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

Pacing and Structure: A Perfect Blend of Episodic and Serial

The season strikes a perfect balance between episodic and serialized storytelling. Each episode presents a unique adventure, with the Doctor and companions visiting different times and places. However, there’s also an overarching narrative that ties the episodes together, with the mystery of the Eternals and the Doctor’s personal struggles unfolding across the season. This dual structure keeps things fresh, allowing for both standalone stories and a deeper exploration of the larger plot.

The pacing is tight, with each episode feeling purposeful, whether it’s delving into character development or introducing a new threat. The show’s ability to seamlessly blend humor, suspense, and emotional depth keeps viewers engaged, while the cliffhangers at the end of each episode ensure you’ll be itching to see what happens next.

Conclusion: A Bold New Era for Doctor Who

The 2025 relaunch of Doctor Who on Disney+ and Netflix is a thrilling new chapter for the beloved series. With a fresh take on the Doctor, compelling companions, and a more mature, emotionally resonant storyline, the show feels both familiar and excitingly new. The blend of classic Doctor Who elements with a modern sensibility makes this season a standout in the franchise, setting the stage for future seasons that promise to be just as ambitious and engaging.

With stunning visuals, complex villains, and a deep dive into the Doctor’s psyche, Doctor Who 2025 offers something for both new viewers and long-time fans. The series’ commitment to both adventure and heart makes it one of the most exciting sci-fi shows to watch in 2025.

Rating: 4.5/5