Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series, has captured the imagination of audiences around the world for decades. With its classic episodes now available on iPlayer, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the very best adventures from the show’s original run. Here are 10 essential classic Doctor Who episodes that every fan, new and returning, should watch:

1. “The Aztecs” (Season 1, 1964) – The First Doctor finds himself in fifteenth-century Mexico. This story is notable for its historical accuracy and exploration of moral dilemmas.

2. “The Tomb of the Cybermen” (Season 5, 1967) – The Second Doctor faces off against one of his oldest foes in this chilling episode.

3. “Spearhead from Space” (Season 7, 1970) – Introducing Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, this episode also marks the first appearance of the Autons and is the series’ first story to be filmed in color.

4. “Genesis of the Daleks” (Season 12, 1975) – Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is sent to Skaro to prevent the creation of his most famous adversaries in this epic storyline.

5. “The Talons of Weng-Chiang” (Season 14, 1977) – A Sherlock Holmes-inspired adventure that combines Victorian London with science fiction effortlessly.

6. “The City of Death” (Season 17, 1979) – A time-travelling romp through Paris with an unforgettable performance by Julian Glover as the villainous Scaroth.

7. “Earthshock” (Season 19, 1982) – Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor deals with an emotional punch that surprised viewers and changed companionship dynamics within the TARDIS.

8. “The Caves of Androzani” (Season 21, 1984) – Often voted as one of the greatest Doctor Who stories ever told, this tense thriller showcases Peter Davison’s final moments as the Doctor.

9. “Vengeance on Varos” (Season 22, 1985) – Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor takes on a dystopian world addicted to reality television long before such a concept became a real-world phenomenon.

10.”Remembrance of the Daleks” (Season 25, 1988) – Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor returns to Totter’s Lane in a story that serves as both an homage and progression for Dalek lore within the series.

Each episode is a window into different eras and stylistic approaches to storytelling within the Whoniverse and reveals why “Doctor Who” has remained a beloved cultural phenomenon for so many years. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these episodes are sure not to disappoint!