Paul McGann narrates this special trailer to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the longest-running science fiction series on television.

Britain commemorates the 60th anniversary of the iconic science-fiction series “Doctor Who” this Saturday, as fans applaud a program that has captivated generations since its inaugural broadcast.

Inaugurated on November 23, 1963, with an audience of six million viewers, the show introduced audiences to “The Doctor,” a fugitive Time Lord hailing from the planet Gallifrey, who possessed two hearts.

This enduring series, holding the record as the world’s longest-running in its genre, is set to unveil a new season in the coming year.

Initially, not everyone embraced the show wholeheartedly, especially when confronted with the TARDIS, the Doctor’s hybrid spacecraft and time machine, cleverly disguised as a traditional British police call box – a structure that defied spatial logic by being larger on the inside.

“A police box with flashing beacon traveling through interstellar space – what claptrap!” remarked one viewer polled by the BBC.

However, some prescient parents foresaw its potential for entertainment and correctly predicted that their children would be enthralled by it.

The 60th anniversary is marked by three television specials, with the first, “Star Beast,” scheduled to air on the BBC and Disney+ this Saturday.

Daleks, one of the Doctor’s most iconic nemeses, return in a one-off 75-minute film. This new film colorizes and combines the seven original episodes from 1963/4 that introduced the xenophobic mutant extraterrestrial race with their ominous chant of “Exterminate! Exterminate!”

The series swiftly became a cultural cornerstone in the UK. Its longevity was guaranteed by the ingenious concept of the “regeneration,” which allowed the lead character to change their appearance completely. This idea has led to more than a dozen actors taking on the titular role over the years.

Doctor Who’s journey to global acclaim began when the U.S. science fiction community embraced it following its acquisition by PBS. Fans of all ages and backgrounds now convene at massive arena-sized events to meet their heroes and fellow enthusiasts. A decade ago, the 50th anniversary special episode was broadcast in 94 countries.

Although the BBC temporarily shelved Doctor Who in 1989, it made a triumphant return in 2005 under the guidance of screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies. The show is now a joint venture between the BBC and Disney, with the three specials set to air on consecutive Saturdays starting this week.

Following this, Ncuti Gatwa, the 15th Doctor and the first actor of color to assume the role, will succeed Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to portray the Doctor.

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