'Radio Times' TV Review of 2022

That venerable publishing colossus, Christmas perennial, and loyal Doctor Who supporter, the Radio Times, revealed the results of their annual multi-channel survey in late December.

Their top fifty shows of the year were elected by the magazine's TV critics, and Jodie Whittaker's long-awaited swansong specials were placed at a respectable thirty-nine. RT columnist Morgan Jeffery wrote:

"All eyes are now on [the drama's] exciting future, with David Tennant returning for a 60th anniversary trilogy ahead of Ncuti Gatwa taking control of the TARDIS from Christmas 2023.

Whittaker's ebullient Thirteenth Doctor bowed out with three final specials. While Easter episode Legend of the Sea Devils was sadly underwhelming, 2022 also delivered two of the very best episodes to emerge from Chris Chibnall's time in charge of the legendary BBC sci-fi series. Kicking off the year was Eve of the Daleks, a smart, sharp and funny time-loop thriller that solidified Thirteen, Yaz (Mandip Gill) and Dan (John Bishop) as an iconic trio – one we would've happily spent more time with – while regeneration epic The Power of the Doctor was the ultimate fan-pleasing extravaganza, offering up classic Doctors, returning companios (even breaking a Guiness World Record in the process!), plenty of spectacle and a brilliant (final?) showcase for Sacha Dhawan's superb Master. Tag, David and Ncuti, you're it – but Jodie absolutely went out in triumphant style."