Watch these shows while you wait for the new season of Doctor Who. ‘Cause it’s a long way to April and you’re gonna need something to pass the time.
As you know all too well, the new season of Doctor Who is still a long way off. Until season 10 rolls around we need something to fill the Doctor Who shaped hole in our heart.
These shows aren’t exactly the same, but they are a good way to keep you distracted and from staring at the clock until the Time Lord is back on our screens.
Sherlock
Photo: BBC One
This is an obvious choice, as Sherlock shares a creative force with Doctor Who, Steven Moffat. Sherlock, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is a contemporary reimagining of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic. In this version, Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman) is a returning war veteran and he happens upon the eccentric Holmes when he answers an ad for a roommate.
The two become mates and partners in crime-solving almost immediately, and band together to thwart Holmes arch-nemesis, Moriarty.
Sherlock is available on Netflix.
Victoria
Photo: BBC
Doctor Who fans will definitely recognize this Queen. Jenna Coleman stars as Victoria now, but most recently was the companion to the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors.
Victoria tells the story of the first few years of the Queen’s reign. The show begins with her ascension at the ripe old age of 18, and continues the story through her friendship with Lord Melbourne, courtship with Prince Albert, and the birth of her daughter Victoria.
Victoria is available at PBS.org
Peaky Blinders
Photo: Netflix
When you’ve had your fill of heroes and good guys, check into the Netflix original series, Peaky Blinders. It’s gritty and dark and will make you feel cooler than any other show on this list.
It’s about the notorious Shelby family, a crime gang in post WWI Birmingham, England. They are a collection of bookies, bootleggers and speakeasy-owners and are complete badasses. The moody tone of the show is set against contemporary indie music and the effect is really gripping.
Check out some of the music here:
Peaky Blinders is available on Netflix.
Humans
Photo: AMC
Humans is sci-fi show set in the near and conceivable future in which artificial intelligence technology has produced humanoid machines. These machines, called Synths, are about as close as you can get to being real human without a beating heart.
The story follows a handful of Synths as they live among actual humans, working alongside them everyday. There’s a subplot about the acquisition of consciousness that I won’t spoil for you. Best to just watch for yourself.
Humans is available at AMC.com
Emerald City
Photo by: Michael Muller/NBC
Emerald City is NBC’s attempt to reimagine the classic Wizard of Oz story. Although closer to Frank Baum’s novel series than the 1939 film, the series is taking some very interesting liberties. It still has a Dorothy, Toto, and good and bad witches, but it’s steam-punk style is an interesting entry point to the land of Oz.
This version is more like Game of Thrones light, but it’s enough to keep your curiosity peaked. Vincent D’Onfrio plays the Wizard as an insecure imposter, barely hanging on to the power he’s afforded by the kingdom, but he’s still a force to reckoned with onscreen.
Emerald City is available at NBC.com
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Photo: The WB
I shouldn’t have to make a case about why you should watch Buffy. You just should, okay?
It’s a teen/vampire/supernatural drama about a gang of demon hunters that have to save the world from a lot of big bads. The show is smart and self-aware, and still holds up to this day.
Stranger Things
Photo: Netflix
Stranger Things was the breakout smash of 2016, thanks to the performances of the cast of children that stole our hearts. The show is a mash up of nostalgia, fantasy and thriller, and will keep you guessing until the very end.
A boy goes missing in a small town, and his clique of misfit friends set out to help solve his disappearance. A weird little girl turns up in their search, and she turns out to be the key to a lot of secrets far more insidious than just their missing friend. Children of the ’80s will recognize a lot of referential nods to our favorite movies of the time.
Stranger Things is available on Netflix.
Black Mirror
Photo: Netflix
Black Mirror is often compared to the old show Twilight Zone, and the similarities are undeniable. Black Mirror, however, focuses it efforts on the dangers of technology and outlines a cautionary tale in every episode.
Each installment is a stand-alone, so you can start anywhere you want. Seasons 1 and 2 were produced by the BBC, but Netflix now owns it, and you can see the differences in season 3 – which are compelling and thought-provoking.
Black Mirror is available on Netflix.
Broadchurch
Photo: BBCAmerica
I mean… it’s got David Tennant in it. Enough said.
Who wouldn’t want to watch the Tenth Doctor sleuth around and solves some mysteries?
Broadchurch is available on Netflix.
A Young Doctor’s Notebook
Photo: Netflix
A Young Doctor’s Notebook is a quirky little show on Netflix that features the story of a Russian physician, told from two perspectives, 17 years apart. Daniel Radcliffe plays the younger Doctor, while Jon Ham is his older counterpart. The two doctors are often in the same scene with each other, with the older doctor editorializing his inexperience and mocking his immaturity. They are my new favorite TV duo.
A Young Doctor’s Notebook is available on Netflix.
Related Story: The Importance of Companions: Why the Doctor Needs One
Of course, if you’re really jonesing for your Doctor Who fix, you can always go back and watch some classic episodes. Those are available on Amazon.