Doctor Who is a legendary British science fiction television series created by Sydney Newman, C E Webber, and Donald Wilson. First broadcast by the BBC in 1963, the show follows the Doctor, an extraterrestrial Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a ship disguised as a British police box. The Doctor works to protect civilizations and challenge oppressors, usually accompanied by a changing cast of companions. Since its debut, fourteen actors have taken on the lead role, with each new incarnation reflecting different aspects of the Doctor's personality through the show's unique regeneration concept. The Doctor can change appearance, gender, and ethnicity, marking milestones in the series such as Jodie Whittaker being cast as the first female Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa as the first black Doctor. Doctor Who is a major part of British pop culture and has inspired a global following of fans known as Whovians. The series has set records as the world’s longest-running and most successful science fiction television show. After its original run from 1963 to 1989, Doctor Who returned in 2005 and continues to produce new episodes and spin-offs as part of the Whoniverse. The show remains influential, spawning countless related media and inspiring generations of television creators.