Doctor Who Logo History by Ray Vellest

If you don’t know who doctor who is, you may ask, who’s Who? Well, Doctor Who is the longest-running science fiction television show in the world produce by the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of a time-traveling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior appears as a blue police box from 1963 London, when the series first aired.

1963 to 1967

Doctor Who Logo used from 1963 to 1967.

The logo that introduced the first episode of Doctor Who back in 1963 was featured throughout the First Doctor’s era. It was last used in 1967, on the opening credits to The Moonbase.

1967 to 1969

Doctor Who Logo used from 1967 to 1969.

This logo debuted in the 1967 adventure, The Macra Terror and featured for the rest of the Second Doctor’s era. It made its final appearance in episode ten of the 1969 epic, The War Games.

1970 to 1973

Doctor Who Logo used from 1970 to 1973.

Back in 1970, this logo ushered in the first episode of Doctor Who broadcast in colour! It was used during the Third Doctor’s era, from Spearhead from Space to the 1973 adventure, The Green Death.

1973 to 1980

Doctor Who Logo used from 1973 to 1980.

This logo made its first appearance in the story that introduced Sarah Jane Smith – the 1973/74 classic, The Time Warrior. Known as the ‘diamond logo’ it featured throughout the Third Doctor’s final series and for almost all of the Fourth Doctor’s era.

1980 to 1984

Doctor Who Logo used from 1980 to 1984.

The first new logo of the 1980s proved a radical departure from previous designs. It exploded onto our screens in the Fourth Doctor’s 1980 adventure, The Leisure Hive, and featured throughout the Fifth’s Doctor’s era.

1984 to 1986

Doctor Who Logo used from 1984 to 1986.

The sixth logo debuted in 1984 but differed only slightly to its predecessor with a fractionally chunkier lettering and a subtle bowing of the bar underlining ‘Who’. It was last used in the final episode of the Sixth Doctor’s swansong, The Trial of a Time Lord.

1987 to 1989

Doctor Who Logo used from 1987 to 1989.

This logo was featured throughout the Seventh Doctor’s era, debuting in 1987′s Time and the Rani. Although it was last seen regularly in 1989 the logo was also featured in a celebratory mini-story back in 1993.

1996

Doctor Who Logo used in 1996.

The eighth logo comprised a simple design that harked back to the early 70s. It featured in the 1996 movie involving the Seventh and Eighth Doctors.

2005 to 2006

Doctor Who Logo used from 2005 to 2006.

New series! New logo! This bold, bright and stylish logo was first seen in the story that introduced us to the Ninth Doctor and Rose in 2005.

2007 to 2010

Doctor Who Logo used from 2007 to 2010.

The opening title sequence of the 2006 Christmas Special, The Runaway Bride, became the first to incorporate this design. It contains slightly more background detail than its predecessor and a touch more background flare. It can next be seen in the forthcoming special, The Waters of Mars!

2010 Onwards

Doctor Who Logo used from 2010 onwards.

The unveiling of the latest version of Doctor Who logo coincide with the start of the Matt Smith era of the series in 2010. Unlike any previous visual identity, Logo Ten comprises two distinct elements which can be presented in different arrangements for different purposes: the words “DOCTOR” and “WHO” comprise one element with a “DW” icon motif representing the shape of the TARDIS making up the second element.

Written by Ray Vellest

Ray Vellest is a logo & brand identity designer working from London, England to business and individuals all over the world. Follow him on Twitter to get in touch with him.