Is Doctor Who Considered Science Fiction?

Doctor Who is widely recognized as a science fiction television series, characterized by its exploration of time travel, extraterrestrial beings, advanced technology, and speculative scientific concepts. This article examines Doctor Who through the lens of science fiction, providing a nuanced look at what distinguishes it from other genres and how it integrates elements traditionally associated with science fiction.

Elements Typical of the Genre

The core elements of Doctor Who that align it with the science fiction genre include:

Time Travel: A Time Lord, the Doctor, uses the TARDIS, a time machine resembling a British police box, to travel through time and space. This element is central to the show, allowing for a vast range of adventures across different eras and planets. Extraterrestrial Beings: The series features a variety of alien races, such as the Daleks and the Cybermen, each with distinctive traits and behaviors that often challenge and interact with human characters. Advanced Technology: The TARDIS itself, the sonic screwdriver, and advanced alien technology like the time circuits and psychic paper contribute to the futuristic, speculative nature of the show. Speculative Scientific Concepts: The show frequently delves into theories and concepts that push the boundaries of our understanding, such as time paradoxes, alternate universes, and cosmic phenomena.

Genre Fluidity and Storytelling Techniques

The classification of Doctor Who as science fiction also depends on the nature of the stories being told. While the core elements are rooted in science fiction, the show often blurs the lines between this genre and others:

Time Travel as a Fantasy Element

Time travel in Doctor Who is a fantasy element used as a framing device. Characters are transported to various settings, and the TARDIS plays a key role in this process. However, the focus is often on the adventures and interactions that occur once the characters are in these locations, rather than the implications of time travel itself:

Its purpose is usually to bring the characters to the story.

Science Fiction Defined

One definition of science fiction (SF) involves a story where a scientific, technological, social, or political change exists that distinguishes it from our world, and the impacts of that change are examined. This definition raises the question of whether Doctor Who fits this criteria:

A change in political or social structure.

While the TARDIS and time travel are significant elements, the stories rarely delve into the consequences of these technological or scientific advancements. However, certain episodes do explore such ideas:

Vengeance on Varos: This episode explores a dystopian society with an unusual method of leader selection, altering the social structure. The Beast Below: This episode features giant space whales to fly through space and extrapolates resulting societal changes.

Genre Versatility in Doctor Who

Doctor Who is not inherently a science fiction show. Its versatility allows it to explore various genres, including:

Alien Invasion Stories and Period Pieces

The show frequently features alien invasion stories, explaining the continued survival of Earth. While Doctor Who may not be regarded as a hard science fiction series like Alien or Star Trek, it still incorporates SF elements:

Alien Invasion: Stories like The Doctor Falls present Earth as a place that remains because of the Doctor's intervention. Period Pieces: These episodes often educate viewers on historical and scientific concepts, as well as impart moral lessons. Characters from mythology may be reimagined as aliens.

Horror and Fantasy Elements

While not primarily science fiction, Doctor Who also incorporates elements of horror and fantasy, such as:

Horror: Stories involving abominations, monsters, and other supernatural entities. Fantasy: Myths and folklore reimagined as alien races or planets.

Conclusion

In summary, Doctor Who can be considered a science fiction series due to its exploration of time travel, advanced technology, and speculative scientific concepts. However, the genre's flexibility and the show's ability to blend with other genres like horror and fantasy make it a unique and adaptable series. Its status as SF is determined by the specific story being told, with some episodes fitting the SF mold more closely than others.