Determining the "most successful" Doctor Who is subjective and depends on the criteria used to measure success. However, some Doctors stand out for their popularity and impact on the franchise.
Popularity and Critical Acclaim
- Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor): Widely considered the most popular Doctor, Baker's tenure is remembered for its long run, iconic look, and comedic and dramatic performances. He holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running Doctor.
- David Tennant (Tenth Doctor): Tennant's charismatic portrayal and the show's resurgence in popularity during his era cemented his place as a fan favorite. He achieved critical acclaim for his performance and the show's overall quality.
- Peter Capaldi (Twelfth Doctor): Capaldi's Doctor was praised for his darker, more complex portrayal, and his tenure saw the show delve into more mature themes. He received critical acclaim for his performance.
Impact on the Franchise
- William Hartnell (First Doctor): As the original Doctor, Hartnell laid the foundation for the franchise and established the core elements of the show.
- Jon Pertwee (Third Doctor): Pertwee's era introduced the iconic "UNIT" storyline, which became a major part of the show's mythology.
- Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor): Eccleston's return of the show in 2005 revitalized the franchise and led to its continued success.
Commercial Success
- Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor): Smith's tenure saw the show reach new heights of popularity, with high ratings and critical acclaim. His era also saw the successful launch of the Doctor Who spin-off series, Torchwood.
Ultimately, the "most successful" Doctor Who depends on individual preferences and criteria. However, these Doctors have all made significant contributions to the franchise, both in terms of popularity, critical acclaim, and impact on the show's legacy.
