Happy Birthday, Doctor Who!!

On Saturday, November 23rd, 1963, at 5:16 in the afternoon (GMT), British television viewers were introduced to Doctor Who. The launch of the new series was, however, overshadowed by the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas the day before, so the first episode was repeated before the second episode the following week. The inaugural story, known to fans as “An Unearthly Child” after the title of the first episode, introduced us to the Doctor, played by William Hartnell, his granddaughter, Susan, and two of her teachers, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright. Intrigued, and somewhat concerned by their student’s strange behavior, the teachers follow her “home” one night, and find her living in a junkyard with a crotchety old man who appears to have her trapped in an old police box. Refusing to walk away, Ian and Barbara find themselves in the TARDIS, and whisked away by the time travelers to 10,000 BC.

This first adventure was well-received. But it was the second story, featuring a race of mutant aliens called “Daleks,” that captured the imaginations of children across the country, and earned Doctor Who its place in the hearts of millions. Fifty years later, Doctor Who, the TARDIS, the Daleks, and the sonic screwdriver have become cultural icons. By the time it went on “hiatus” in 1989, it was already a British institution. Today, in 2013, with worldwide viewing figures upward of 77 million, and getting ready to simulcast a special episode in over 75 countries, Doctor Who is an international phenomenon.

So, take a seat with the world at 7:50pm GMT, 2:50pm EST, 11:50am PST, 3:50am (11/24) AWST, 6:50am (11/24) AEDT, and various other time zones in between, and celebrate with us fifty years of the best television on the planet!

PS: Check out this page to find out how to watch “The Day of the Doctor” where you live.

PPS: This might well end up being the world’s biggest drama simulcast, so be sure to watch and be a part of history!

PPPS: If you’re still confused about Doctor Who, check out this really cool infographic from HalloweenCostumes.com.

PPPPS: Check out Google today–how cool is that?!